Speaking on the significance of health personnel to national development, ACC’s Regional Manager North Abu Bakarr Kamara commended the administration and students of School of Midwifery for leaving up to the challenges in making their environment conducive for learning. Manager Kamara lauded the effort of the school administration for training Sierra Leoneans that have shown good character and willingness to strengthen the country’s health sector. He underscored the significance of the meeting and the crucial role midwifes should play in promoting anti-corruption values in the health delivery system; adding that health workers are unique because of the level of interaction with the public and the sacred responsibility entrusted in saving lives.
Manager Kamara urged the students to prove their mettle and work diligently to serve the country. He stated that ACC does not derive pleasure in putting people behind bars but will stop at nothing in prosecuting the corrupt. He informed his audience that the Commission has over the years, contributed in accelerating development due to its relentless effort in ensuring that public/donor funds are used for their intended purpose.
Advancing the purpose of the meeting, ACC’s Senior Public Education Officer, David Kanekey Conteh paid tribute to one of the proponents of modern nursing Florence Nightingale for her contribution to the nursing profession. He added that the ACC was at the school to identify itself with the challenges nurses face in the discharge of their duties.
The Senior Public Education Officer stated that the Commission has been holding series of public engagements with schools, communities, tertiary institutions, CSOs/NGOs, MDAs and the media, even though some people cast aspersion on ACC for singling out their institution. He informed them of the presence of Citizens Service Delivery Charter developed by ACC to reduce corruption in public institutions like the Makeni Regional Hospital, Immigration Department, Road Safety Authority and National Registration Secretariat. ”Corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of our country’s development trajectory but we will restore pride in these institutions if we fight it collectively” he ended.
Public Education Officer, Abdulai Saccoh in his statement highlighted the benefits health personnel would gain in fighting corruption. Saccoh emphasized that combating corruption must be prioritized if Sierra Leoneans should continue to benefit from the resources that are meant for all. He notified his audience about some of the benefits health workers would gain if they join hands with the Commission in tackling corruption such as: increase salary, creation of more jobs, provision of social services, improved infrastructure, better health care, poverty alleviation, increased investor’s confidence as well as peace and stability. Saccoh implored all to imbibe the values of impartiality, professionalism, selflessness, integrity, transparency and accountability.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Head, School of Midwifery, Mrs. Francess Fornah thanked ACC for such educative program noting that their noble institution is renowned for delivering quality education. Mrs. Fornah guaranteed the Commission of their willingness to partner in the fight and promised to work in adherence to the laws of the State.
The meeting was chaired by ACC Senior Public Education Officer, Al-Hassan Sesay. Staff and students were availed the opportunity to ask questions, make comments and suggestions. The distribution of ACC’s information, education and communications materials formed the high point of the meeting.
