Community engagement is one of the sustained proactive approaches by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to heighten public awareness on corrupt practices and to forge alliances in fighting corruption. It is in this regard that the Public Education Unit of the ACC in Makeni, on Friday 8th February 2019 held a dialogue forum with the Manonkoh Community at their Court Barry in the Konta Bai Serry Chiefdom, Bombali District.
Speaking to stakeholders and residents of Manonkoh, ACC’s Public Education Officer Abdulai Saccoh, said the meeting seeks to provide a platform where they could relate with the Commission on corruption practices that continue to hinder the development aspirations of their community.
Mr. Saccoh outlined some of the positive strides the Commission has made in ensuring that the much needed State resources are utilized in the interest of Sierra Leoneans and not for a few. The Public Education Officer dilated on some of the emerging corruption issues in the education, health, justice and security sectors that have the potential to wreak havoc on the lives of the rural people. He reminded teachers and nurses of their sacred duties to the nation but cautioned that defaulters would be chased to face justice. He therefore implored his audience to make use of the existing channels and report any forms of corruption to the ACC.
In his statement ACC’s Public Education Officer, Abdul Karim Bangura said public participation in the fight against corruption is crucial because it is a fight for all citizens and therefore requires the collective support of everyone. Mr. Bangura assured them that the Commission guarantees the protection of those reporting issues of corruption, and encouraged them to call the toll free lines: 077985985/ 077986986 or 161 if calling through orange, while he also read out the PNB free line 515 which is applicable for all telephone networks.
While responding, the Officer in-Charge, Action Health Centre, Peter M. Kamara claimed that the facility is privately owned but yet they deliver quality service to the public at an affordable cost. The Head Teacher UMC Primary School Daniel Kanu also said, though the school has been approved, it has not received school fees subsidies since the reopening of schools and called on the authorities to address their plight.
The meeting was climaxed with a question and answer session and the presentation of information, education and communication materials to the town chief.
ACC DIALOGUES WITH RESIDENTS OF MANONKOH COMMUNITY
