By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has today 7th December, 2024 commenced its commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day with an interfaith worship service, underscoring the critical role of spirituality in the fight against corruption, at the Integrity House, Tower Hill Freetown.
In his statement, Commissioner of the ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., emphasized the significance of the gathering, noting that despite Sierra Leone’s rich religious diversity and tolerance, the nation remains burdened by vices that both Islam and Christianity condemn. Highlighting this paradox, he remarked:
"As blessed as we are as a religious and religiously tolerant country, we remain one of the poorest on earth. This sharp contrast is due to failed leadership and a flawed mindset among the people, who often undermine the success of leaders."
Commissioner Kaifala pointed to societal challenges, such as the theft of public resources and self-serving attitudes, as factors exacerbated by inadequate leadership. He stressed:
"Leaders are expected to guide, model the right actions, and set standards, but they have often failed in this duty."
He further explained the purpose of the annual interfaith worship:
"While we fight corruption in the physical realm, we also invoke the spiritual realm to release this country from its bondage so we can successfully change its story. Corruption is rejected by God and should be rejected by man."
The Commissioner called on religious leaders to remind their congregants of their moral duty to support the fight against corruption.
Ibrahim Tommy, Executive Director of the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), echoed the importance of seeking divine intervention, commending the President, the ACC Commissioner, and staff for their dedication to this cause. He lauded the ACC's progress, evidenced by positive evaluations from various independent assessments.
Sheikh Mohammed Hamza Sesay, Chief Imam of Parliament Mosque, highlighted key drivers of corruption, including a lack of integrity, faith, nepotism, poverty, and poor work ethics. He emphasized:
_"Allah says that any country that does not tackle corruption will never develop." _
His Lordship Most Reverend Julius Laggah of Harvest Ministries International, in his sermon, discussed the far-reaching consequences of corruption, such as poor healthcare and inadequate infrastructure. Citing the African Development Bank, he revealed that corruption drains an average of $10 billion annually from African economies. He praised the ACC’s efforts under its dynamic leadership, stating:
"When we were growing up, there was a saying: 'usai den tie cow na dae e go eat'. But this has changed drastically in recent years due to the Commission's transformative work."
Drawing inspiration from Luke 19:1-10, the Bishop referenced Zaccheus, a wealthy tax collector shaped by societal norms of corruption. He stressed the need to sanitize society to combat these ingrained vices.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie welcomed attendees, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of the anti-corruption fight. He highlighted the importance of understanding religious teachings about corruption.
The worship concluded with solemn prayers led by Reverend Father Daniel Saameakpe, Parish Priest, St. Anthony's Parish, Freetown, and Sheikh Sahr Momoh. They prayed for strength, commitment, and resolve for the nation’s leadership, from His Excellency the President to the ACC Commissioner and staff, as they continue to combat corruption and strive to eradicate this scourge from Sierra Leone.
Another event to culminate this year's Commemoration will be on Monday 9th December, 2024, with launch of the 5th Generation National Anti-Corruption Strategy by His Excellency the President, Brigadier Rtd Dr. Julius Maada Bio, at the Miatta Conference Hall, Freetown.
