The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), in a bid to realize the objects for which it was established employs multi-pronged approaches, which have been very fruitful and successful. In fact, sustained public awareness programs, enhanced corruption preventive safeguards, investigation and prosecution are amongst the prominent strategies used to promote public understanding and participation, address system weaknesses in public sector institutions and punish wrongdoers. In order to achieve the aforementioned targets, the ACC through it Southern Region Office on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th May 2021 deployed District Monitors in Bonthe City, Sherbro Island, Bonthe District and Moyamba District respectively.
Speaking at the town hall engagements and whilst introducing and presenting District Monitors to stakeholders and residents, of the Bonthe Municipality and Moyamba District, the ACC Regional Manager Musa J. B. Jawara acknowledged the challenges inhabitants in these communities are confronted with due to the absence of ACC staff. Manager Jawara said, the deployment of these monitors should not be misconstrued as a ploy to witch-hunt any individual or institution but rather to promote the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability. He outlined a number of corrupt practices that have blighted the growth of remote communities as a result of willful display of unpatriotism by some public sector workers. Manager Jawara highlighted that, the District Monitors are entrusted with the responsibility to receive reports/complaints from the public, educate them on the evils of corruption and enlist their support in curbing the menace, monitor the payment of social safety net beneficiaries and ensure the implementation of ant-corruption measures in public and private sectors. The Manager urged stakeholders and residents of the two Districts to provide the required support to the monitors because development will only thrive in a corrupt free environment.
In his statement, the Mayor Bonthe Municipal Council, His Worship Layemin Joe Sandi commended the ACC for fulfilling one of the requests of the people of Shebro Island, to deploy an ACC staff in the District, made to the Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala during his “Meet the People tour”. Mayor Sandi described corruption as one of the barriers to the attainment of a decent life. He assured the public that ACC presence will foster development programs and projects and also serve as a check on the excesses of public sector workers and those entrusted with donor resources. His Worship promised on behalf of his people that the required support will be provided to the monitor and ensure anti-corruption measures are fully instituted.
The Chairman Moyamba District Council, District Officer, media, Civil Society Organization representatives, chiefdom functionary and many more made statements and pledged to provide the required support to ACC District Monitors.
Senior Public Education Officer ACC, AbdulaiSaccoh, in his submission, dilated on the various reporting channels and shared with participants the Commission’s toll free lines: 077986986/ 515. Saccoh informed them of relevant provisions in the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 as amended 2019 that protect informants and witnesses. He called on the public to report cases of corruption to the ACC but cautioned that false report(s) is also an offence.
The formal introduction and presentation of David Garrick, the District Monitor of Bonthe District and Jonathan Bassie, the District Monitor of Moyamba District in their respective Districts climaxed the events.
