In his statement at the NEC Conference Hall, ACC Regional Manager North Abu Bakarr Kamara described the engagement as a crucial drive, in sync with the Commission’s strategic approach to curb bribery in public offices. Manager Kamara noted that though NEC is not part of the pilot phase of the Pay No Bribe (PNB) campaign, but, it is imperative to share PNB messages with key sector like NEC. He informed his audience that, the PNB platform was unveiled in September 2016 with the aim of improving service delivery in public institutions. Manager Kamara underscored that the PNB is funded by the UK Government in the sum of to 4.7 million British pounds in financial aid and technical assistance. He furthered, the Commission and the Office of Chief of Staff are jointly leading the campaign in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments and agencies. 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.
Manager Kamara admonished staff of NEC to be mindful of the responsibility that have been entrusted to them as their actions prior and during polling day shapes the future of Sierra Leone. He acknowledged their challenges but advised them to desist from engaging in bribery or any other forms of corrupt activities.
Public Education Officer Abdulai Saccoh explained bribery as enshrined in Section 28, of AC Act 2008 “a person who, whether in Sierra Leone or elsewhere, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, gives, agrees to give or offers an advantage to a public officer as an inducement to or reward for otherwise on account of such public officer…. performing or abstaining from performing… expediting, delaying, hindering or preventing… assisting, favouring, hindering or delaying…”.
Saccoh catalogued the effects of bribery as bad governance, international reputational damage, poor infrastructure, increase cost of goods and services, increased poverty, shoddy work and stalled projects, poor medical services, reduced investments in the economy and increase in crime rate and insecurity.
Highlighting the role of NEC in the PNB, Public Education Officer Abdul K. Bangura said, as staff of NEC it is expected that they maintain high level of integrity in the course of their work. Bangura stated that the PNB reporting platform is anonymous and gives Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to report any incidences of bribery. He implored them to resist, reject and report as it is their civic responsibility.
Interactive session formed part the of the engagement.
