Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant – ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizens’ awareness of their civic duty to support the fight against corruption.
The MoU outlines a strategic framework for cooperation between the two institutions in intensifying public education and civic engagement efforts around anti-corruption, good governance, and national development through information sharing and technical collaboration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner of the ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., commended MOICE for its commitment to bringing information about governance to the people. He emphasised that corruption is a civic education issue, and therefore, the Ministry’s goal aligns with that of the ACC to keep the public well-informed and to inspire patriotic actions.
“We don’t want efforts to be fragmented. This partnership allows us to tap into each other’s manpower and resources to ensure cohesive and impactful civic engagement,” the Commissioner stated.
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, welcomed the collaboration, describing it as a significant moment in the pursuit of their shared objectives. He said that this partnership will ensure that citizens take the lead in the fight against corruption.
“Our perspective at the Ministry is that corruption is a civic issue and must be addressed with strong citizen leadership. I commend the Commissioner and the ACC for always bringing the public along in this fight. The ACC is one of the best institutions when it comes to public engagement,” the Minister said.
He added that the essence of the MoU is to amplify joint efforts and co-create activities and strategies aligned with the Commission’s ambitious national anti-corruption agenda.
Earlier, the Coordinator of Operations at the ACC, Patrick Sandi, welcomed the signing and assured the Minister that the ACC would wholeheartedly embrace the partnership, as civic education is vital in combating corruption.
Martina George, Communications Officer of the ACC, did by citation of some of the most relevant provisions of the MoU. The MoU provided, among other things, that both institutions have agreed to rename existing Integrity Clubs set up by the Commission in schools nationwide as Integrity and Civic Education Clubs, to simultaneously promote anti-corruption and civic education values.
The signing and exchange of the MoU climaxed the ceremony.
