Delivering the keynote address, Commissioner Macauley emphasized that it is imperative to fight graft, which is the pivot of the Commission’s participation in the 2017 Trade Fair, noting to raise awareness on the Pay No Bribe (PNB) campaign and foster public support in defeating the threat. He stated that in the implementation of the PNB, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has demonstrated spectacular support, with the dismantling of 22 illegal checkpoints, that were identified as breeding grounds for the payment and receipt of bribes. Mr. Macauley described the acts of bribery and corruption as mere acts of wickedness. The ACC boss expressed the Commission’s appreciation to all who have contributed to the success of the PNB campaign, the Attorney General and Minster of Justice, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Esq., former Commissioner ACC; under whose remarkable leadership the campaign kick-started, the Deputy Commissioner ACC, Shollay Davies, Director, Public Education and Outreach, Koloneh Sankoh, the President’s Delivery Team, Coffey International, civil society organizations, the media and the pilot Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The ACC Commissioner in a special way thanked the UK Government and DFID for the 4.7 million British Pounds provided for the campaign.
In her contribution, Country Team Leader, Coffey International Elizabeth Marsh said, her organization is providing technical support to the ACC in the implementation of the PNB project. She expressed delight in ACC’s participation at the Trade Fair, as this will provide the opportunity to sensitize the wider public who would be empowered to report bribery and ultimately buy into the campaign.
Janet Eno, President’s Delivery Team-Governance Pillar, maintained that the Commissioner, Ady Macauley has provided astute and capable leadership at the ACC, based on the great successes scored by the institution, barely a year when he took up office as Commissioner. She thanked all who has supported the PNB campaign and assured all that the project will be a success story to the country.
Programme Manager, Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) Sahr Kendema, speaking on behalf of the PNB consortium of civil society organizations -CGG, CARL, NMJD and MADAM assured ACC of their fullest support and cooperation in the implementation of the PNB campaign. He thanked Coffey International and MSI for bringing them on board the campaign.
The event was moderated by Patrick Sandi, Deputy Director Public Education and Outreach, and the vote of thanks moved by Al-Hassan Sesay Senior Public Education Officer and Coordinator, ACC Trade Fair and Exhibition.
The Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, National and International Trade Fair and Exhibition is meant for public and private institutions to showcase their products and activities with the view to wooing members of the public to purchase them and/or support their activities and programs. The Commission’s booth is nicely located at the back of stand 12 of the Siaka Stevens Stadium, stocked with enough reading materials and literature on corruption, and the fight against corruption, which will be of considerable value to pupils, students, researchers, scholars, teachers, instructors, lecturers and intellectuals.
