ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION

MENA HILLS, MAKENI

SIERRA LEONE, WEST AFRICA

16th June 2014

NEWS ITEM

ACC ENGAGES NURSING DEPARTMENT IN MAKENI

In tandem with its core value of coalition building and partnership in combating graft, the Northern Region Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has on Friday 13^th June held a customized meeting with staff and students of the Nursing Department, Northern Polytechnic, Makeni.

In his statement to staff and students of the Nursing Department on the purpose of the meeting, ACC Senior Public Education Officer, Al Hassan Sesay said it was part of the Commission’s sustained public education drive to spread anti-graft messages to different spectrum of the society and solicit their support in the fight. Sesay emphasized that the engagement was neither to gather intelligence nor to conduct investigation but rather to sensitize them on the dangers of corruption and the benefit of a corrupt free society. He noted that ACC does not micromanage public body but rather seeks to enhance compliance with standard policies and regulations for effective management of state resources. The Senior Public Educator stated that the success of the Commission depends on the willingness and commitment of Sierra Leoneans to support the campaign against corruption. ” When graft is endemic, social services such as health, education and the justice system will be in shambles” he opined.

Speaking on the role of staff and students of the Nursing Department in the fight against corruption, ACC Regional Manager –North, Ibrahim Ahmad Kargbo expressed delight on the commitment the administration demonstrated in hosting ACC.  Manager Kargbo underscored the importance of the nursing profession and described it as sacred and noble. He stressed that their role in the development of any nation was crucial as it was a life saving enterprise. The Manager admitted that graft was not only systemic but also prevalent in most pillars of integrity. “The corrupt should not be glorified as their acts underpin poverty and the deprivation of basic amenities,” he stated. ACC Manager- North catalogued the corrupt practices that are taking place in some of these institutions such as: distortion of enrollment, regular demand of unauthorized charges, favoritism, illegal admission and payment for test and assignment papers.  He warned staff and students to desist from such despicable acts, as it constitutes an offence in the 2008 AC Act. Manager Kargbo encouraged the administration to set up corruption complaint mechanism in the institution. ” Nurses are the nation’s future; it is imperative on them to ensure that the Commission succeed” he concluded.

ACC Public Education Officer, Abdulai Saccoh, in his presentation to staff and students on how to report and protection of informant, explained the various means of reporting cases of corruption to the ACC; assured them of protection of informant as the Commission’s work hinges on confidentiality. Saccoh advised staff and students to abstain from making malicious reports, as it also constitutes an offence. The Public Educator read out the free mobile hot lines and that of the Regional Manager. Saccoh entreated them to resist, reject and report cases of corrupt practice in their campus and community

Earlier, in her welcome statement, the Head of Department of Nursing Evelyn A. Bangura expressed appreciation for the sensitization drive and commended ACC for the positive strides in transforming the country. She promised to heed to the Commission’s advice and work within the remit of the law.

Staff and students were availed the opportunity to ask questions which were answered by ACC staff.