NEWS ITEM
8th March, 2021.
By JenebaKemoh
Interacting with public sectors workers through public education demonstrates the Anti-Corruption Commission’s commitment to widen the space for more collaboration and participation in the fight against corruption.
In this regard, the Eastern Regional Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on the 4rd of March 2021, engaged officers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) in Kenema to support and stay vigilant in the fight against corruption. The meeting was held at the 2nd Cobra Battalion Brigade in Kenema.
Addressing the RSLAF officers, Senior Public Education Officer attached to the ACC’s Eastern Region office, Sulaiman B. Sowa, said that the military symbolizes discipline and independence which are core values of the Commission, adding the mere presence of the military invokes a sense of respect and obedience to law and order. Mr. Sowa said, despite the primary role of the military as defenders of the country from external aggression, they should not forget that there is an internal war against corruption, which the military can support.
Mr. Sowa entreated military officers to uphold high levels of integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties and urged them not see the fight against corruption as the sole responsibility of the Commission but rather a national duty and call to national service. He encouraged the officers to always address corruption by reporting any such incidence to the Commission.
Mr. Sowa streamlined the several gains made in the fight against corruption, informing that, in under three years, the Commission recovered about 27 Billion Leones secured more convictions for cases prosecuted and reduced the level of corruption in the country, as depicted in the Afro-barometer Report. He said there is also an amendment to the 2008 Anti-Corruption Act, which has increased fines and jail terms for convicted persons and made restitution mandatory.
He also made reference to the several local and international accolades and awards won by the Commission. “These gains are pointers to the fact that the fight against corruption has taken a different trajectory geared towards enhancing the development of the country,” he concluded.
Responding to the anti-corruption messages, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, Kenema, Lieutenant Colonel M.A Kamara said the fight against corruption is the responsibility of all, emphasizing that the role of the military in the fight cannot be overemphasized. He asked all military officers to always resist, reject and report acts of corruption to the Commission at all times.
The ACC Team shared IEC materials with the servicemen after a question-and-answer session.