By: Amie Massaquoi, Information Officer, ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Corruption Watch Organization-Sierra Leone, has on Thursday, 16th May, 2024 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) geared towards collaboration and partnership on issues of national concern, more particularly in providing complementary support towards fighting bribery and petty corruption. The signing ceremony took place, at the Conference Room of the ACC Integrity House, Tower Hill, in Freetown.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Deputy Commissioner, ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, warmly welcomed the team from Corruption Watch-SL, and said he was thrilled to preside over the signing of MoU between the ACC and Corruption Watch-SL as he had met with them for partnership back when he was the ACC District Coordinator in Kabala. He commended them for their zest, passion and willingness to collaborate in the fight against corruption. “The willingness to collaborate with the ACC in the fight against corruption indicates patriotism for your country. The fight against corruption is with the people to be foot soldiers. ACC can only lead the fight but it is the responsibilities of every citizen to play a role to ensure corruption is minimized” the Deputy Commissioner asserted.
He furthered that the ACC will render support to them as they have now formally become ambassadors in the fight against corruption. Augustine Foday Ngobie further said that it is expected of them to provide support to the ACC when called upon. He encouraged them to serve as whistleblowers anytime they suspect corruption anywhere as the Anti-Corruption Act 2000 (as amended in 2019) provides for the protection of whistleblowers.
Speaking on behalf of the Corruption Watch Organization-SL, National Coordinator, Alhaji Abu Koroma, thanked the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and the Management team for the opportunity to collaborate with them as they have been trying to since 2013. “Today is a significant day as Corruption Watch Organization-SL has been looking forward to collaborate with the ACC to strengthen the fight against corruption. We therefore accept the role of our Organization as stated in the MoU”.
He further said that the activities of his organization are focused on combating bribery and petty corruption in Koinadugu and Falaba Districts, with plans to expand to other districts. He added that this union with the ACC has inspired them to continue to deliver in their work, assuring their willingness and readiness coupled with their available manpower to help in the fight against corruption.
Director of Public Education and External Outreach Department, ACC, Patrick Sandi, in his remarks as Chair of the occasion, said the Commission appreciates the support which Corruption Watch Organization-SL has rendered to it. He said the partnership between both institutions will have formed an alliance, henceforth to the realization of one goal which is, the eradication of corruption in Sierra Leone. He added that Corruption Watch Organization-SL will continue to do what is expected of them. He thanked them for taking such venture and expressed optimism that the partnership will grow from strength to strength.
According to the citation of the MoU read by Information Officer, ACC, Amie Massaquoi, the ACC and Corruption Watch Organization-SL will complement efforts in areas where their respective mandates are interrelated. Part of this include, sensitizing, educating the public on issues bordering on the fight against corruption. Both institutions will provide regular and timely feedback on project activities, and the provision of regular progress reports.
The Corruption Watch Organization-SL was established in March 2013 as an independent, dynamic civil society organization, constituting youths that are dedicated to providing citizens with the awareness and knowledge on the dangers of corruption, thereby promoting good governance.
The signing of the MoU by the Deputy Commissioner ACC and the National Coordinator, Corruption Watch Organization-SL climaxed the event.
