By Prince J Musa in Kenema
The Head of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Francis Ben Kaifala says graft is an evil that demands a collective fight. He made this statement during a public lecture in Kenema while calling on all to join the fight.
Addressing the gathering at the event which was organized by the Students Union Government of the Eastern Technical University (ETU), Kaifala said corruption has destroyed many things that would have been good for the development of the country.
He spoke about the abuse of power for private gains, misuse of state funds by public officials and bribery, all being serious corruption issues. He said anyone that attempts to request favour in exchange for services such as students attempting to bribe lecturers to pass an exam, constitute corruption.
He spoke about other corrupt acts such as misappropriation of public funds, wrong acquisition of wealth and impersonation.
He said issues of corruption have been at the centre of governance over the years and noted that there has never been a time when discussions on corruption in Sierra Leone have been more prominent than at present.
He alluded to Transparency International’s position that considers lack of accountability as a corrupt attitude and that it threatens good governance, sustainable economic development and the democratic process. Kaifala however admitted that despite all efforts to fight corruption, it’s still a ‘cancerous’ problem in the country.
He stated that corruption makes citizens lose faith in democracy, because of the corrupt practices of certain people to achieve their goals to the detriment of the state. He said ACC now has public address systems to educate the people on corruption offences, preventive strategies, and prosecution.
Kaifala said the government has realized that besides the Free Quality Education Programme, one of the robust means for the development of the country can be achieved through combating corruption.
He commended the leadership of the present government for what he described as the free will given to the commission in doing its work with no political interference.
‘’Fighting corruption should not be attributed to tribe, region or political connection,’’ Kaifala emphasized.
He then praised the regional ACC team for connecting with the university and urged for a continued good working relationship between the commission and institutions in the provinces.
The ACC boss referenced the 2015 Afro-barometer rating of corruption in Sierra Leone at 70% and how under this government the Afro-barometer survey has lowered corruption to 40%.
The commissioner also informed the gathering that Sierra Leone has been rated well by the Millennium Corporation Challenge this year, and that collective efforts have helped the country gain recognition globally for its fight against corruption.
He informed the gathering that in 2015, Sierra Leone was rated as one of the most corrupt countries in the world by Transparency International but that the narrative has changed because of the fight against corruption.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (15/07/22)
