The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Southern Regional Office has engaged personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) in Gondama, Tikonko Chiefdom, Bo District, on matters related to integrity in the discharge of their duties and the anti-corruption campaign in the country.
Speaking at the event, Southern Regional Manager of the ACC, Musa J. B. Jawara, acknowledged the significant role of the military in the maintenance of security and the fight against corruption.
He spoke on how corruption contributed to the outbreak of the country’s civil war in 1991. He said the country has lost huge resources due to corruption, making reference to successive audit reports which often identify these problems.
“Such huge resources could have transformed the socio-economic development of this country and help develop the infrastructure of the military that will enable them adequately protect the territorial integrity of the State,” the ACC Manager said.
Mr. Jawara also made reference to the several gains made so far by the Commission and the country in the fight against corruption, as seen in International indexes, the high rate of court convictions and recoveries made by the Commission, the election of the ACC Commissioner Francis B. Kaifala Esq., to serve in the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption and his recent recognition by the United States Government as International Anti-Corruption Champion, among others.
In his presentation, Senior Public Education Officer, Sulaiman B. Sowa, took time to explain some of the key provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008, as amended in 2019. He called on the RSLAF personnel to abstain from acts of bribery, abuse of office and abuse of position, to highlight but a few.
He warned that the military should always uphold the virtues of integrity and professionalism as that is central to the protection of lives and property. He further encouraged them to always reject, resist and report instances of corruption.
Climaxing the meeting, the Brigade Commander Brigadier Abubakarr Conteh commended the Commission for such effort made in recovering funds from corrupt officials, adding that such resources could help in addressing the current challenges faced by the military.
He said senior military personnel are mindful of the resources allocated to them for the benefit of all personnel.
He warned that the military would take appropriate disciplinary measures on any military personnel found breaking the rules of engagement.
By Mohamed A. Kabba (PEO)
03/03/2021. ISSUE NO: 8013