The Regional Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Kono on Wednesday 17th July 2024 held a successful customized engagement with the rank and file of Police Officers of the Motema Police Division aimed at discussing integrity messages and mainstreaming anti-corruption measures in their operations. The session was held at their Police Divisional Headquarter in Motema Town, Kono District.
Welcoming the team from ACC, the Support Officer, Daniel D. Sovula expressed delight in the persistent effort of the Commission in the fight against graft and the achievements so far recorded. He strongly advised his colleagues to listen to the integrity messages with their utmost attention and participate fully in the deliberations.
Speaking at the occasion, the Regional Manager Kono, Hawanatu O. Kamara congratulated the personnel for their immense role in addressing the numerous security challenges in the nation noting that both the ACC and SLP have similar mandates in ensuring that both Donor and Public property are prudently used and life and property also well protected.
She informed them that the Commission is aware of the many challenges confronting them during their operations but emphasized that they are required by law to perform their constitutional mandate with diligence, integrity and professionalism. ‘’I therefore urge all of you here to refrain from every aspect of indiscipline and unprofessional conduct during the discharge of your civic responsibility’’. She affirmed.
Commenting on key corruption offences that are likely committed by police officers, the ACC Senior Public Education Officer, Sam P. Gogra mentioned among others the payments for undeserved promotion to other levels, asking for bribes and other inducements, misappropriation and embezzlement of donor or Public funds and property, abuse of office and position, conspiracy, violation of procurement rules, misuse of both donor or public property, among many others.
He further reminded the listening audience about the penalties of any of the above mentioned offences ranging from at least a Fifty Million Leones fine or a prison term of at least five years or both fine and imprisonment and therefore cautioned them to perform their lawful duty as their mandate requires.
Mr. Gogra further encouraged the personnel above grade 7 and those below but with financial responsibilities to declare their assets and liabilities online now as the portal is still open to avoid punitive measures from the Commission.
ACC Public Education Officer, Patricia J. Sannoh stimulated the public officers to strongly support the Commission in its relentless effort in the fight against corruption by not only rejecting, resisting corrupt incidences but also report every happening of it to the Commission for appropriate actions. She further announced the tool free lines for calling and reporting corruption offences to the Commission.
She further made mention of an attractive reward scheme for informants and whistle blowers by the Commission as an inducement for reporting corruption.
Murana E. Kamara, the Local Unit Commander, expressed gratitude for the engagement of his staff on the various forms of corruption temptations which he said, will guide their operations, and improve their amiable relationship with the public.
