Martina George, Communications Officer, ACC.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has played host to the staff and pupils of the Nelson Mandela Community College Preparatory and Junior Secondary School at itsIntegrity House, Conference Room, Tower Hill, in Freetown.
The purpose of the visit was to provide a unique and enriching experience for the pupils and teachers about the functions of the ACC and enable the pupils to have a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Commission in Sierra Leone.
In his submission, the ACC‘s Deputy Commissioner, Augustine Foday Ngobie, encouraged pupils to pay attention to their studies and embody the value of integrity in their daily lives. He further stated that this is a unique opportunity for them as compared to some of their colleagues in the provinces who do not have this kind of opportunity to know about the ACC first-hand. Mr. Ngobie admonished them to study very hard so that they will be capable to occupying prominent and enviable positions in future, which they currently hold.
Explaining the key roles and responsibilities of the Commission, the ACC Deputy boss stated that the most important role of the Commission among others is to eradicate corruption, outlining the roles, which are; educating the public on the evils of corruption; preventing corruption in public offices and investigating and prosecuting corrupt offenders.
As he climaxed his statement, Mr. Ngobie encouraged and solicited collaboration from the pupils in the fight againstcorruption, by resisting, rejecting and reporting all forms of corruption and corrupt practices.
The Deputy Commissioner adequately responded to a series of questions raised by the pupils including the following; what are the causes of corruption, what happens to the recoveries made, what if the president was corrupt what will the ACC do, what are the requirements for someone to be employed at the ACC, etc.
The vote of thanks on behalf of the pupils and staff of the Nelson Mandela Community College was given by Success M.D Hariss a pupil. The school song was sang in Englishwhilst the National Anthem was sang in French.
The pupils also had the opportunity to move into the different offices within the Integrity House in a conduct tour led by Margaret Jones, Senior Communications Officer, ACC.
The Nelson Mandela Community College, Nusery, Preparatory and Junior Secondary is located at 5 James Crescent, Bango Farm, Adonkia Village, Goderich, in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The Head of School is Mrs. Christiana E.P.N Farmer and she accompanied the pupils for the field trip.
