By: Hawanatu Omotayo Kamara, Regional Manager, Kono
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Regional Office in Kono District has on the 25th February 2025, embarked on a mass sensitization program at the Ngaiya Luma Market in Nimikoro Chiefdom. This initiative aims to educate traders, farmers, buyers, and passersby on corruption-related issues, emphasizing how to identify and report corruption.
Luma markets serve as crucial economic hubs for people from various backgrounds, including traders, drivers, school children, and farmers. Given the large gatherings, the ACC has introduced the “MEET THE LUMA CAMPAIGN” in the district to reach out to citizens who may not have access to radio discussion programs.
Addressing the crowd, Regional Manager, Hawanatu Omotayo Kamara, highlighted the Commission’s efforts to eradicate corruption and stressed the need for collective action. She cited significant recoveries made by the ACC, including over sixty million (new) leones (Nle 60,000,000) and assets such as motorbikes, houses, and vehicles. She also referenced the recovery of the administrative building housing the Kono University of Science and Technology.
Mrs. Kamara reiterated that the Free Quality Education program remains active and that parents should not be paying school fees in government-assisted schools. She urged community members to report school authorities demanding unauthorized payments. Similarly, she reminded them that free healthcare services, including the provision of essential drugs, are still available under the Free Healthcare Initiative.
She further cautioned chiefdom authorities and law enforcement officers against imposing excessive fines on minor offences. Emphasizing the role of citizens in combating corruption, she encouraged the public to embrace the three Rs: RESIST corrupt practices, REJECT actions that hinder development, and REPORT suspected corruption to the ACC.
Public Education Officer Patricia Jenneh Sannoh educated the audience on various reporting channels. She emphasized the importance of whistleblowing, noting that individuals who report corruption could receive a reward upon successful recovery. Complaints can be made through the ACC’s toll-free lines of 077985985 / 077986986 or 8515 on all networks. Reports can also be submitted via text messages, or in person at the ACC office in Koidu City, 18 Sanssie Street, Bungalow.
The sensitization event was lively, with popular comedians drawing attention to key messages and attendees engaged in discussions, asking questions and offering recommendations on the ACC’s operations in the district.
