By: Yangie Deborah Sesay, Public Education Officer, ACC
Sierra Leone observes International Anti-Corruption Day (IAC) on 9th December every year alongside the rest of the world.
The Day was designated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly by Resolution 58/4 to increase public awareness of the negative effects of corruption, highlight national accomplishments in the fight against the problem, and emphasize to people the importance of ridding society off corruption.
It is important to remember that corruption continues to be one of the biggest issues endangering people's stability, as once defined by the late United Nations (UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan when he said that, _"[Corruption] debases democracy, undermines the rule of law, distorts markets, stifles economic growth, and denies many their rightful share of economic resources or life-saving aid"._Therefore, it is imperative that we never waver in our commitment to making sure that we establish a powerful force in order to eradicate this scourge.
The Government of Sierra Leone has made combating corruption a top priority because it negatively impacts the ability of the public and private sector to offer citizens the essential social services. Therefore, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the nation every year joins the rest of the world in reinforcing their resolve to this cause as part of their commitment to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which was signed in Mexico in 2003.
"UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World against Corruption" is this year's International Anti-Corruption Day theme, which is fundamentally about reinforcing the idea that no one should be left behind.
Over the years, the ACC has made sure that everyone is included in the fight against corruption and the celebration of IAC Day, including women, youth, people with disabilities, the informal sector, the public and private sectors, and others.
The commemoration this year should serve as a reminder to never give up on our goal of combating corruption. It is also important for us as citizens to understand that everyone, regardless of political affiliation, religious beliefs, or tribal affinities, must make a concerted effort to fight corruption in order to contribute to the creation of a corrupt-free Sierra Leone.
The Commission cannot stress enough how everyone has a right and an obligation to take action, and that the only way we can defeat this scourge's detrimental effects is by working together and involving every single person and institution.
In honor of this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day (IAC), the Anti-Corruption Commission as one of its activities will embark on a Health Walk on Friday, December 8, 2023. Staff of the Commission, the public, media, partners, Civil Society Organizations, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, the informal sector, as well as members of the public will gather at the Cotton Tree Freetown and then walk to Aberdeen. It is anticipated that people who will join the Health Walk will experience benefits like enhanced mood, greater fitness, and more opportunities to socialize with staff of the Commission and other partners and guests.
Additionally, by participating in this activity, citizens will be given a platform to learn about corruption, alter the public's unfavorable perception of it, and become more engaged in reporting suspected acts of corruption.
After the Health Walk on Friday December 8, on Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Commission will also host its usual Inter-faith Session at its Head Office, Integrity House, Tower Hill in Freetown. During this event, sermons from both religions-Islam and Christianity are preached and prayers offered. Various dignitaries will be part of this event. As a decentralized institution, the Regional Offices of the Commission will carry out similar activities in the regions.
Join us on the above mentioned dates and beyond as we continue to build a Sierra Leone United Against Corruption.
©️ Public Relations Unit, ACC
