The ACC Boss said that in this century, the corrupt employ a degree of sophistication in their manipulation aided by ICT, especially telecommunication. Mobile phones have added speed and ease to the conduct of corruption.
Mr. Macauley noted that mobile companies have a responsibility and a role to play in tracking the corrupt, publishing anti-corruption messages, and providing platforms for reporting on corruption. Government continues to put emphasis in the fight against graft, and this has featured prominently in the roll-out of the Presidential Recovery Priorities. It is clearly noted that for the provision of basic services such as health, education, water and electricity, anti-corruption mechanisms must be mainstreamed to tackle malfeasance and enhance transparency and accountability.
Deputy Commissioner, Shollay Davies, who chaired the meeting, said the MOU signing is a pledge of commitment to making sure the PNB succeeds to enhance service delivery in the five key piloted institutions. It targets the Sierra Leone Police, Ministries of Education and Health, GUMA Valley, SALWACO, and Electricity and Distribution Authority since they provide essential services to the public.
The public will report instances of corruption and bribery as they access services from the said MDAs through the 515 free lines provided by Sierratel, Africell and Smart. The companies also provide links to download an App through which to report bribery.
Sierratel, Africell, and Smart pledged cooperation in the fight against corruption and said their companies are always available to provide various support required by the ACC in the course of promoting good governance, transparency and accountability.
The MOU, as read by Nabilahi-Musa Kamara, project manager of the PNB, indicates that both parties resolved to establish effective partnership and jointly undertake programmes that accelerate curbing corruption and inspire positive attitudinal and behavioral change among Sierra Leoneans.
The Pay No Bribe is a reporting platform that seeks to analyze trends on corruption and bribery in health, education, police, electricity and water sectors and map out administrative measures or policy reforms to tackle the menace.
