Speaking to the gathering, the NACS Manager, Patrick M. George said, public officers should take the fight against corruption with all seriousness it deserves. He expressed disappointment in the IMCs and Heads of MDAs for not adequately supporting the implementation of the NACS 2014-2018 document; to fully ensuring the effective operations of IMCs. Mr. George underscored that, it is a clear manifestation of unwillingness and reluctance to deal with the system weaknesses/corruption opportunities identified by the Strategy. The NACS Manager implored the Heads of MDAs and members of IMCs to inculcate the culture of integrity and avoid the practice of corruption which he said is responsible for the slowdown in the development of the country.
The NACS Manager, Patrick George spoke on the measures in the Strategy which he said are mandatory and clearly outlined in the matrix and the NACS Implementation Action Plan 2014-2018. He told the MDAs to embark on the implementation of the NACS provisions by instituting anti-corruption policies, Integrity Pacts and Pledges, Gifts Registers, Service Delivery Charters, Conflict of Interest Rules, adherence to procurement and Asset Declaration regimes.
Mr. George also explained the Pay No Bribe (PNB) project jointly led by the ACC and the Office of the Chief of Staff to combat bribery and petty corruption in five pilot MDAs- Health, Education, EDSA, GUMA/SALWACO and SLP. He encouraged participants to call 515 free on all the networks to make their complaints.
In his address, Sub-Regional Manger ACC Kono, Wilfred Bangura stated, the NACS 2014-2018 is Sierra Leone’s national plan and road map instituted to fight corruption in the country. He said the Strategy is designed to bring on board the various pillars of integrity in the fight against corruption with the key objective of improving the delivery of quality services in the nation. Mr. Bangura called on all to take responsibility and fully implement the Strategy.
In their comments, the Heads of the MDAs/IMCs Focal Persons highlighted the frequent transfers of staff and inadequate resources as some of the challenges in implementing the NACS 2014-2018. They however, committed themselves to the effective implementation of the Strategy in their entities.
The engagement was moderated by Public Education Officer, Sahr Nabieu.
