The sensitization which was organized to increase public knowledge and awareness on matters of bribery and petty corruption in service delivery, attracted over 1000 people, from all walks of life, including; traders, pupils of primary, junior and senior secondary schools, bike riders and motor drivers union members, Police and RSLAF personnel, representatives from the five MDAs of the PNB, Kono District Artists Union, teachers and media practitioners.
Kono Artists Union and comedians displayed PNB messages on posters, and staged a drama depicting the concept and relevance of PNB campaign project.
In his message to the gathering, ACC Sub-Regional Manager, Wilfred Bangura said, he is impressed with the high turnout and noted, bribery should be eliminated because it hinders effective service delivery.
Manager Bangura dilated on the significance of the PNB programme, how it is implemented, the gains of the project so far, and the first PNB report launched by the ACC. He called on all and sundry to embrace the PNB crusade and disseminate the messages to neighboring communities. The PNB is led jointly by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Office of the Chief of Staff in coordination with relevant MDAs; and the PNB platform is funded by UK Aid and GoSL, with Coffey International providing technical support to the ACC and GoSL in the implementation of the project, Mr. Bangura concluded.
Public Education Officer, ACC, Sahr Nabieu in his submission informed the audience that the PNB campaign is a road map for curbing bribery and petty corruption in Sierra Leone. He informed all that the PNB project is funded by the UK Government with 4.7 million British pounds in financial aid and technical assistance.
The Pay No Bribe is piloted in five key service delivery institutions: the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Water (GUMA Valley and SALWACO), Energy (EDSA), Ministries of Health and Education and in the Districts of: Western Area Rural and Urban, Bombali, Bo and Kenema, Nabieu disclosed. He stated that after the pilot phase of the project, the campaign will be extended to other Districts and more sectors would be captured in the implementation.
The Public Educator implored all to call the PNB 515 free line on all networks and the ACC report center on 077-986986 or 077-985985. He encouraged all present to lend their undiluted support to the campaign, in eliminating graft in Sierra Leone.
Participants lauded the move taken by the Commission to tackle bribery in the country, particularly in Kono District. They pledged their unwavering support to the anti-bribery campaign.
Questions and answers, and the distribution of PNB information, education and communication materials climaxed the sensitization.