By: Problyn John Alpha
The Regional Manager of the Anti- Corruption Commission Regional office East Kono Hawanatu Omotayo Kamara has in a public notice issued by the commission dated 11th September 2023 expressed dismay over the information reaching her office that some school Authorities in Kono district are allegedly collecting and extorting monies from parents and guardians on the pretext of development fund before their children or ward are allowed to start schooling.
The ACC Regional Manager East Kono maintained that it is against that back drop she was informing all Authorities concerned and the general public by extension that it is the mandate of the commission to prevent, investigate and suppress all forms of corruption in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies including all levels of the education sector, as provided for in the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019.
Manager Kamara in the public notice further pointed out that the commission wishes it to be known by all and sundry that the Free Quality Education program is ongoing and that the Government of Sierra Leone and it Donor partners are providing the necessary support for it successful implementation, noting the ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education is the only institution that bears the authority to publish and approve payments for any school charges. Whilst strictly warning all those involved in the reported act of corruption to desist from it forth with or shall face the full force of the law , the regional manager in the said public notice entreated the public to report any school AUTHORITY who attempts to extort or has extorted monies from members of the public through the commission toll free lines of 077985985/088986986 or to call at the regional office 18 Sanessie street Bungalo to lodge complaint on the grievous act or any other act of corruption
