By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on 27th May 2025 hosted a high-level strategic meeting with the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) and other key implementing partners to review progress and address emerging issues in the implementation of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) project.
The meeting, which was held in the Conference Room of the Commission’s Integrity House, brought together senior representatives from NaCSA, the National Youth Commission, Freetown City Council, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, among others.
Delivering his statement, the Commissioner of the ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., emphasized the need for clarity in contracts, defined responsibilities, timelines, and enforceable consequences in a bid to prevent service providers from flouting contractual obligations.
“All we want is for money to move efficiently. We should not be in constant disputes with contractors. If the problem lies with their staff, they must take responsibility and ensure continuity. I believe in a rules-based system that is well defined and enforced. If the problem persists, they should be substituted,” he said.
The Commissioner said that accountability must be central in all engagements with service providers, particularly those handling e-payments to beneficiaries, and warned against lapses that may expose the process to corruption or administrative failures.
In his statement, the Deputy Commissioner of ACC Augustine Foday Ngobie, highlighted the gaps identified in the implementation of the PSSNYE, stressing the need for joint ownership of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). “Beneficiaries give us critical information. We are partners in this, and it's not just our responsibility at the ACC. Most corruption-related complaints we receive are about the transfer of resources. We’re not just monitoring cash transfers, we’re ensuring the entire system is accountable,” she noted.
She also called for improved coordination in the community monitoring chain, particularly with Community Information Channels (CICs) which fall under NaCSA’s oversight.
In his response, the Deputy Commissioner of NaCSA, Jimmy Batilo Songa, commended the ACC for its continued leadership in promoting transparency in social protection programmes. He acknowledged the challenges with initial service providers, especially those related to the payment of beneficiaries engaged in the cleaning of the streets.
He said NaCSA is now following the roadmap given by the Commissioner and the contract with the newpayment provider will be sent for review by the ACC before full operationalization
The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen collaboration, improve communication channels, and ensure seamless implementation of the PSSNYE across the country.
