The Northern Region Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday 7th March, 2019, enlightened staff and students of the School of Clinical Sciences in Makeni.
Addressing staff and students on their role in the fight against corruption, ACC Regional Manager North, Abu Bakarr Kamara, expressed profound thanks to the administration of the School for embracing ACC in their institution to enlighten them on the Commission’s activities. Mr. Kamara said that as health practitioners in training, the country relies on them to rebrand the health sector to ensure sanity and better service delivery.
The Manager reminded the students of their sacred role as clinicians and implored them to be transparent and accountable in performing their duties. He stated that health practitioners should not be bedfellows with the corrupt in order to save the lives of the people they pledge to serve.
Mr. Kamara encouraged the school administration to establish confidential complaints panel and publish exams regulations as best practice guide in modern day administration as means of curbing corruption cases in the institution. He encouraged students to serve as whistleblowers, be punctual, honest and transparent at all times. ”The country will enjoy improved health service delivery if the sector is rid of corruption,” he remarked.
Speaking at the meeting, the ACC Public Education Officer, Abdulai Saccoh, highlighted some of the common corrupt practices plaguing most tertiary institutions, including extortion, unauthorized charges, favoritism, illegal admission, sexual harassment, certificate forgery, absenteeism, nepotism and payment for test and assignment papers.
Mr. Saccoh admonished students to adhere to laid down procedures, rules and regulations in order to enhance their capacity and commitment to quality service delivery. He also emphasized the need for punctuality and regularity in executing their duties.
The Public Educator explained the benefits of reporting corruption, how to report and the protection for informants or whistle blowers. He cautioned them to refrain from making false reports to the Commission as it constitutes an offence. Mr. Saccoh read out the ACC mobile phone free lines of 077985985/077986986 and 515 to report.
ACC’s Public Education Officer, Madam Jeneba Kemoh, described the engagement as a platform to educate staff and students on corruption issues and to solicit their support in the fight against corruption. Madam Kemoh stated that the Commission does not work in isolation but collaborates with other pillars of integrity to combat the scourge.
The Principal of the School of Clinical Sciences, Dr P.A.T. Roberts, heaped praises on the Commission for its timely intervention to help shape the attitudes and thoughts of the students and staff. He assured ACC of their unflinching support in combating graft for the good of all.
Dr Roberts called on the staff and students to heed to the ACC message and work in the interest of the country.
Participants were availed the opportunity to ask questions and make comments.
ACC Reaches Out To School Of Clinical Sciences In Makeni
