The Head Office of the Commission is housed at Cathedral House 3 Gloucester Street in Freetown. The Office of the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Directors and 80% of the staff work at the Head Office. The Public Education, Systems and Processes Review and Intelligence, Investigations and Prosecution Departments are well represented.

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PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH DEPARTEMNT

REPORT ON FREE HEALTH CARE SENSITIZATION IN COLABORATION WITH EASTERN BEST JOGGERS

BACKGROUND
As Sierra Leone celebrated its 52nd independence day on the 27th April 2013, the Anti Corruption Commission climaxed the celebrations with an advocacy and awareness raising campaign on the Free Health Care Initiative (FHCI). The awareness raising campaign took the form of a jogging exercise from the Eastern bloc (Up-gun) to the Aberdeen Round About (Aberdeen Beach).

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER LEADING THE JOGGING EXERCISE:
Jogging is a great way to keep fit, and it is a social sport for all ages. The engagement and involvement of young people through music made the event not only an impressive moment but one that highlighted the importance of fighting corruption in a spectacular and interactive way.

DIRECTOR PUBLIC EDUCATION JOGGING ALONG ABACHA STREET:
Participants included about 250 youths (joggers) and ACC staff including the deputy commissioner and directors using innovative and interactive songs to make the public aware of corruption related issues in the free health care initiative, usage of electricity, love for the country, effective service delivery in NPA, the security sector – police, and other government institutions and facilities.
The two hundred and fifty (250) Eastern Best Joggers took the lead in the jogging exercise followed by ACC staff and Directors including 50 partners from the broad basket of ACC friends. 

MR. MICHAEL SESAY CORDINATING THE JOGGING EXERCISE:
T-shirts with ACC and Irish Aid inscription were printed out and worn by every member (joggers) present.
Songs on corruption in all spheres of governance and community life were sung as the joggers moved along the streets of Freetown.
The exercise started at 7:30 am from Upgun Roundabout and took the following route:
Kissy Road, Sani Abacha Street, Wilberfoce Street, Siaka Steven Steven Street, Gloucester Street (ACC office to collect directors and other staff members) Lightfoot Boston Street, Waterloo Street, Siaka Steven Street, Sandas Street, Savage Street, Main Motor Road, Congo Cross, Willkinson Road, Sir Samuel Lewis Road to the final destination Family Kingdom Round-about

STATEMENTS:
The jogging exercise was climaxed with statements made by the Director of Public Education and Outreach Department, Health for All Coalition (HFAC) representative, An Irish Aid Representative and the Deputy Commissioner of the ACC.
Mr. Shollay Davies, Director of Public Education and Outreach Department loudly appreciated every one present with special thanks to the Eastern Best Joggers Organization.  Among the many things he said, was the importance of such an activity and the awareness created on the free health care program.

DIRECTOR PUBLIC EDUCATION MAKING A STATEMENTL
He mentioned the educative songs and their impact on the watching crowd on the roadsides. He encouraged the organization to engage the commission from time to time for more campaigns and sensitization. He concluded by saying that fighting corruption in Sierra Leone is a national task which means everybody should come on board and contributes to ensure Mama Salone becomes a corrupt free society.

Alhassan B Kamara, a representative from Health for All Coalition (HFAC) added his voice by also thanking youths for such a great initiative. He said the Free Health Care Initiative (FHCI) is their baby and they have done a series of monitoring to help in ensuring an effective implementation. He highlighted a few of the anomalies and issues of the program but also encouraged those present to cooperate to ensure that the drugs are distributed to the right people.

Madam Grace Harman, the gender and governance manager for Irish Aid expressed her satisfaction and excitement about the turn out of the exercise. She said Irish Aid is hosted by the Irish Embassy in Freetown. She said Ireland has invested 75 million euro in Sierra Leone since 2005. She highlighted the focus of Irish Aid with regards health and governance which she said Irish Aid has been supporting since 2010.

She added that the aim of Irish Aids support to the ACC is an effort to improve on domestic accountability mechanisms. Such support includes support for the conducting of reviews of systems and processes in the education, health and agriculture sectors and monitoring compliance in the implementation of the free health care initiative and school feeding programs.  She also mentioned some of the findings of the ACC in the FHCI which according to her are serious concerns. These include but are not limited to:

a. Weak levels of accountability in the administration and distribution of drugs
b. Limited number of hospital staff on payroll to service hospitals
c. Inadequate remuneration and welfare package for staff
d. Untimely and inadequate funding
e. Logistic constraints.

Irish Aid, she concluded is very concerned about these and potential misuse of the resources of the FHCI and she reaffirmed support to ACC in the sensitization drive. She mentioned that Irish Aid remains committed to improving accountability mechanisms in the country which includes supporting the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in its drive to reform the health care system and health service delivery in the country.

The Deputy Commissioner was the final speaker and his statements opened with series of questions among them were, “Is ACC a witch hunting institution?” the crowd shouted “NO” he asked again “Is ACC a bad institution?” the crowd again shouted “NO” and he finally asked “if ACC is an unfriendly place to work?” The crowd shouted again “NO! ACC is a very nice place to work and the people there are also nice individuals.”

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ACC MAKING A STATEMENT:
The Deputy Commissioner confirmed to the crowd that he was happy that youths have now identified themselves with the right institution in the country. He said the jogging exercise exceeded his expectations and encouraged the Eastern Best Joggers to come close to the commission to work and cooperate in the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone. He said that the event would go down history and the songs and chanting during the jogging exercise communicated precisely the message of the ACC to the people of Sierra Leone.  He concluded his statement by shouting “CORRUPTION” and the crowd responded “E DO SO”

JUSTIFICATION
There was a lot of excitement, education and awareness during the jogging exercise. A few individuals within the crowd that were listening to the songs during the exercise thought it was good as they were able to learn a few things through the exercise. 

To this end, I would like to suggest that similar sporting programs be held at least once every quarter. The benefit the commission poses to enjoy is that once people become more aware, they would want to be involved and participate more actively in the fight against corruption.

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12/02/2013

PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH DEPARTMENT
OUTREACH MEETING WITH DON BOSCO FABUL AT THEIR
FORT STRREET HEADQUATER, FREETOWN -
TUESDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2013

ATTENDANCE:

1.  Miss Glennis Frazer
2.  Mr. Samson J Saidu
3.  Mr. John Tawarally
4.  Mr. Joseph Kangaju
5.  Miss Koma Nancy Yeawa Gandy-Williams – Intern, Fourah Bay College
6.  Mr. Mamadau Tamba Barrie - Lead Coordinator, GYAC

INTRODUCTION:
 
As part of the mandate of the Public Education and Outreach Department to educate the public on the issue of corruption, the Department in collaboration with other Departments of the Commission including Anti Corruption Commission Interactive Forum (ACCIF) and Global Youth Against Corruption (GYAC) held an outreach meeting with the Don Bosco Fambul on Tuesday 5th February 2013 at their headquarter at Fort Street, Freetown.

OBJECTIVES:

The main purpose of the meeting was to educate the beneficiaries, teachers, workers and inhabitants of the community on the evils of corruption and the benefit of of a corrupt free society; as well as solicit their support and cooperation in the fight against corruption.
Brother Lother Wagner who is the Director of Don Bosco Fambul, welcoming the ACC team told the audience that he came to know about the operations of the Commission through the media and their outreach meetings they usually hold for street children at Wallace Johnson Street, adjacent the ACC Headquarter. Bro. Wagner noted that corruption is everywhere and that corruption has devastating effects on vulnerable children especially street children who are faced with various contacts with the police. He affirmed their eagerness to work with the Commission, and thereby assured the Commission of their commitment in the fight against corruption.
 
Brother Lother Wagner, the Director of Don Bosco Fambul welcoming the ACC team
The Chairperson, Mr. Samuel Thomas Bojohn who is the Deputy Director of Don Bosco Fambul expressed positive sentiments for the visit which he said is timely and very important for the students and staff of Don Bosco Fambul to know what constitutes corruption.  Mr. Bojohn said most of the students and staff of their organization have heard about the Commission but have little knowledge on the role the Commission plays in the fight against corruption. He said that at the end of the meeting, most of them would have heard better understanding of the Commission. He informed the audience that this is an opportune time for them to know what constitutes corruption and how to prevent it. He entreated the ACC team that their doors are always open to the Commission since they both believe in the same drive using the preventive, education and prosecution methods.
 
Speaking on the role of Public Education and Outreach Department, Miss Glennis Frazer, expressed her appreciation for the large turnout.  Highlighting the purpose of the meeting, Ms. Frazer told the audience that the Department is mandated to educate the public on the work of the Commission as well as the causes and effects of corruption.  She gave a brief background of the Commission and how corruption affects the society. She said the Department uses both institutional and community based approaches to reach the public.  She mentioned various strategies the Commission uses to reach the public for which outreach campaign is an essential component; adding that through such meetings the public will have official information on the work of the Commission, clarifies certain public misconception, as well as creating venue for cooperation and partnership. She admonished the audience that the Department engaged the youths about moral values and integrity especially school children, so that when they grow up they would become good citizens. In conclusion, she admonished them to refrain from corrupt practices and to report any instances of corruption either at institutional or community levels. 
 
Speaking on the role of Systems and Processes Review Department, Mr. Samson J Saidu, said that the Department is the preventive section of the Commission as they are responsible to review systems, procedures and policies of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in order to facilitate the discovery of corrupt practices and monitor recommendations proffered by the Systems and Processes Review Unit of the Commission. Mr. Saidu mentioned some of the government MDAs that have been reviewed. He also spoke on best practice guides on public auction and the use of government and donor funds. On the monitoring and compliance, he revealed that many MDAs have been monitored to see that they implement the recommendations. He further said that they have embarked on both proactive and reactive interventions in both the public and private sectors setting the stage for subsequent policy reforms.  He informed the audience on the service charters and codes of practice that have been established in various government departments. He said the main purpose of these service charters is to enhance good service delivery and minimize corrupt practices. In conclusion, he called on the administration of Don Bosco Fambul to monitor any project that is meant for them as the recipients or beneficiaries as the Anti Corruption Act 2008 also covers the work of Non Governmental organizations.
 
Mr. Samson J. Saidu deliberating on Systems and Processes Review Department
Mr. Joseph Kangaju explaining on the investigations, Intelligence and Prosecution of the Commission said that the Department is divided into three units: the Investigation Unit charged with the duties to investigate alleged corruption complaints, the Intelligence Unit tasked with the responsibilities to gather intelligence from the public and the Prosecution Unit responsible to prosecute matters in court.
 
Mr. Kangaju explaining some of the offences and fines under the AC Act 2008
He informed the audience that the Commission fights corruption in a vigorous manner as it leaves no stone unturned until corruption becomes a thing of the past. He said the Commission is serious in the fight against corruption because corruption hinders development and has negative impact on poor communities or organizations.  Mr. Kangaju explained some of the offences, fines and punishment by placing emphasis on misappropriation of government/donor funds and properties, violation of procurement procedures, soliciting, receiving and accepting an advantage, impending investments among others. He highlighted some of the instances on how people are involved in corrupt practices and how they sometimes neglect certain procedures and policies.  Finally, he cautioned the administration of Don Bosco Fambul to take note of some of the corrupt offences so that they do not fall into the ACC net. 
 
Mr. Mamadu Tamba Barrie, Lead Coordinator of the Global Youth Anti Corruption Organization (GYAC) gave a brief history of their organization and upon the provision it was founded. Mr. Barrie said that their organization do believe in working with the Commission to sensitize the public on the work of the Commission.  He said it is good to target the youth and educate them on the issues of corruption and how to stay out of it. He called on the staff of Don Bosco Fambul that as an independent body which target street children they should be mindful of the fact that they are using donor funds and that they should ensure that the funds are used judiciously. He admonished the audience to inculcate the tenets of integrity and wholesomeness. 
 
Ms. Koma Gandi-Williams, Fourah Bay College Intern in her contribution, explained the ways of making report to the Commission, which goes through the report center that are responsible to receive complaints from the public. Ms. Williams spoke on how reports are received and how they are processed before they are sent to the Complaint Review Committee for perusal. She distinguished between corrupt practices that fall under the Anti Corruption Act 2008 and those that do not. She added that those that fall under the AC Act 2008 are sent to the investigations Unit and those that do not are referred to other government institutions for actions to be taken. The Intern explained various channels for making complaints and how to reach the Commission. She cautioned them on malicious complaints as it is an offence under the AC Act 2008. At the end, she implored them to help the Commission as they act as whistleblowers in their community by making reports to the ACC.
Distribution of education and communication materials also formed part of the programme.

Questions/Recommendations:

•  Why has the commission failed to pay the 10% to whistleblowers after conviction and recovery?
•  Why is the punishment not equal to the crime committed, as in the case of the mayor of Freetown?
•  How independent is the Commission from government influence?
•  If the commission is corrupt who or which department investigates them?
•  Has the commission jailed anyone and how many convictions have we secured?

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29/11/2012

DETAILED REPORT ON TOWN HALL MEETING WITH THE DISTRICT HEALTH MANAGEMENT TEAM (DHMT), COMMUNITY HEALTH OFFICERS (CHOs), NURSES AND KEY HEALTH STAKEHOLDERS IN TONKOLILI DISTRICT AT THE OUTPATIENT HALL, PRIMARY HEALTH CARE COMPLEX MAGBURAKA.

INTRODUCTION:

The Anti-Corruption Commission which is the main conduit in combating graft in Sierra Leone has continued to engage different entities that constitute the pillars of integrity on specific issues that have the potential to derail the development aspirations of the country. On that note, the Commission has endeavoured to promote its relations with the public by providing relevant and timely public education programmes and information about ACC and its activities and to enlist and foster public support in combating corruption
In view of the above, the Commission has held an awareness raising and sensitization meeting with staff of District Health Management Team (DHMT), health workers, traditional leaders, beneficiaries of the Free Health Care (FHC) programme, key health stakeholders and students of the Maternal Child Health Aid Training School (MCH Aid) in Magburaka.

The Primary Health Care Unit Social Mobilization Officer Mr. Aiah Sam chaired the meeting. In his statement, he heaped praises on the Commission for her good work, noting that it has heightened public awareness on corruption and corruption related issues across the country. Mr. Sam entreated participants to support the Commission to combat graft for the good of the country.

Welcoming the participants to the meeting, the Kholifa Rowalla Chiefdom Speaker Pa Alimamy Koroma who represented the Paramount Chief thanked the Commission for its resilience in ensuring that graft is wiped out in the health sector. Pa Koroma assured the Commission of their unflinching support to monitor the implementation of the Free Health Care programme so that the beneficiaries would get the optimum services required.

ATTENDANCE:

ACC Staff:
Mr. Abdulai Saccoh-District Coordinator, Tonkolili
Mr. Al-Hassan Sesay –Public Education Officer
Mr. Patrick Sandi- Regional Manager North
Mr. Osman Bassie Bangura-Driver
Date: 20th JUNE 2012

PRESENTATIONS:

In his address, the District Coordinator Tonkolili Mr. Abdulai Saccoh expressed gratitude on behalf of the Commission to the participants for the commitment they have demonstrated to partner with ACC to stamp out graft in the health sector. Dilating on the purpose of the meeting, he said the meeting was meant to sensitize community members, beneficiaries, key health stakeholders and health workers on the Free Health Care (FHC) for them to abundantly understand and collaborate with the Commission in a bid to address the challenges that inhibit the successful implementation of the policy particularly where it has to do with corruption related issues.

Mr. Saccoh maintained that the meeting was also to enlighten them on how corrupt practices can negatively impact on the district health care service delivery system.  The Coordinator, Mr. Saccoh emphasized that combating corruption especially in the health sector should be the concern of all patriotic Sierra Leoneans as it negative ramifications are indiscriminate.

Giving an overview of the Free Health Care, the District Medical Officer (DMO) Tonkolili Dr. Sartie M. Kenneh told participants that the initiative started in 2010 as an intervention by government to address the problems of high infant and maternal mortality rate in the country. Dr. Kenneh said the scheme was designed to cater for the three categories of vulnerable people namely: lactating mothers, children under five, and pregnant women, a measure employed to drastically reduce the acute child and maternal mortality. He stated that since the commencement of the programme these people mentioned above have been receiving free health treatment of all kinds including, anti natal service, immunization, HIV/ AIDS, delivery, post natal, cesarean operations with no consultation fees etc.

The District Medical Officer emphasized that since the introduction of the programme, they have experienced tremendous increase in the number of people accessing the health facilities noting that has reduced preventable death among these people. Highlighting some of the challenges in the implementation of the initiative are: theft of drugs and medical equipment, frequent shortage of drugs, lack of personnel at the Magburaka Government hospital, Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs), no vehicle for the distribution of drugs to the various PHUs and CHCs across the district and lack of reagents and medical implements. The DMO opined that amidst these challenges that have bedeviled the implementation of the FHC, it has been a success as some of the shortfalls have now been addressed. One of such action taken was the introduction of the channel system to address the theft of drugs and medical implements.
In his statement, the Medical Superintendent Magburaka Government Hospital Dr. Christian Ayodele Pratt said the implementation of the Free Health Care is on its right path. Consequently,   they as medical practitioners have been doing their work within the ambit of the policy of administering free health services of all kind to the three categories of people catered for in the programme Dr Pratt said. He said the initiative is a laudable one but a lot more needed to be done if the desired goal was to be achieved.

 Dr. Pratt encouraged the men to support their wives during pregnancy and the community people to donate blood in the bid to save lives.   
Free Health Care Beneficiary Zainab Kamara said, before the introduction of the Free Health Care accessing the health facilities was difficult due to the huge financial commitment involved. But with the advent of the FHC, they have experienced massive improvement in the treatment received at health facilities which are free of cost. She called on the government and donor partners to do more in order to continue saving their lives.

Peripheral Health Units representative Adam Sarah Sesay said amidst the challenges that confront them in the smooth implementation of the scheme, they will continue to do their utmost to ensure that the dream of His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma is achieved.

Chairman Health Committee at the Tonkolili District Council, Councilor Ramata Mansaray told participants that even though there were hiccups at the initial stage of the FHC implementation, Council have been working closely with the health sector not only to monitor the process but also to ensure that some of the challenges bedeviling the process were addressed. She stated that in spite of the numerous improvements that have taken place, certain strata of workers needed to be employed for smooth implementation of the policy such as, drivers, porters, nurses and cleaners.
Councilor Mansaray pledged Council’s support to the programme and promised upholding the good initiative of the Free Health Care Programme to improve the lives of the poor.  

Coordinator, Health for All Coalition (HFAC) Tonkolili Sallieu B. Conteh lauded the initiative of the Free Health Care noting that it geared towards reducing the suffering of the masses. He stated that as civil society group they have endeavoured to monitor the implementation of the programme. The Coordinator highlighted some of the ways they conducted their monitoring by categorizing them i.e.:F1 patient user fees: they look at staff attendance, District Health Management Team (DHMT) visit, ambulance services etc, F2 to monitor the activities of the hospital and it staff, F3 to ensure that food stuff supply reaches the beneficiaries, F4 patient satisfaction and F5 to monitor offloading of drugs and medical supply. Mr. Conteh maintained that their work was not to witch hunt anyone but rather was a way of ensuring that health workers comply with the laid down laws.

Anti-Corruption Commission Regional Manager North, Mr. Patrick Sandi said combating corruption should be the duty of all citizens noting that ACC alone cannot succeed in this fight without the support of the public. As such, the Commission has endeavoured to work in partnership with other pillars of integrity to enhance quality service delivery. The Manager underscored the role of health practitioners which he said is crucial to the country’s development aspiration. Speaking on the offences and penalties as contained in the 2008 Act, the Regional Manger North Mr. Patrick Sandi told participants that the Commission has the mandate to investigate all forms of corruption; no matter the amount of money or individual involved. Some of the offences he explained are: Offering soliciting or accepting advantage, Misappropriation of public funds, Misappropriation of donor funds, Protection of public property and revenue, Gift, Abuse of office, Abuse of position, and Possession of unexplained wealth.

Mr. Sandi maintained that these laws are not made by the Commission but rather by the people of this country through Parliament. The Manager went on to state that the punishment for such offences is a fine not less than thirty (30) million Leones or imprisonment for not less than (3) years or suffer both fine and prison term. The penalty for gifts he went on is a fine not less than fifty million Leones, or the offender would be asked to pay five times the value of the gift solicited and accepted whichever one is greater. Mr. Sandi implored the participants to join the Commission to eradicate graft in their community so that the nation can take it rightful place among well meaning countries of the world.

Public Education Officer North Mr. Alhassan Sesay said, corruption is one major disease that has eaten into the fabrics of this country’s institutional make up. Mr. Sesay maintained that as health workers they should work in the interest of the people so that the desired result of the Free Health Care would be achieved. He told them that the easiest way to join the Commission in this fight is to resist, reject and report corruption. Reports can be made through the following ways: in-person, letter, email and telephone. He noted that in as much as the Commission is encouraging everyone to make reports of suspected corrupt practices, he cautioned them not to make false report as the punishment is a fine not less than five million Leones or not less than six months imprisonment or suffer both. He informed them of the 10% reward for any information provided that will lead to recovery and assured them of protection for informers. Mr. Sesay read out the mobile hotlines for Headquarter, Northern Region office and that of the District Coordinator which can be used to make reports to the Commission. He also indicated that the hot line are free of cost and are always on.

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11/04/2012 -  RERORT ON FIRST QUARTERLY UPDATE WITH CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS AND THE MEDIA

As it is part of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s strategic objective of association and coalition building in the fight against corruption, the Commission has on Wednesday 11th April held its first quarterly update with Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) and the media at the Cathedral Hall, Freetown.

The aim of the meeting was to update representatives of Civil Society Organizations and the media in the Western Area about the work of the Commission in the first quarter of 2012 in carrying out its departmental as well as the Commission’s strategic plan.  It was expected that the meeting will furnish members of CSOs and the media with comprehensive knowledge about activities of the Commission for the first quarter of 2012.

Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Morlai Buya Kamara, Deputy Commissioner thanked the CSOs and the Media for the overwhelming support they are rendering to the Commission in the fight against graft in Sierra Leone. Mr. Kamara said it is the tradition of the Commission from time to time to update them on the operations and activities of the Commission. The Deputy Commission affirmed that the media has been very useful in publishing issues relating to corruption, even though some of them are incomplete and some speak in favour of the Commission. “As a public office, whatever it does has to be made public, and that it is incumbent on the Commission to keep the CSOs and the Media abreast of any recent development.” Mr. Kamara maintained. In conclusion, he informed the audience that the Commission has done quite a lot considering what all the departments did during this quarter.

Mr. Maurice Williams, Director Systems and Processes Review Department dilating on the work of the department for this quarter said that since he was assigned to oversee the work of the department in September 2011, quite a lot of things have happened. Mr. Williams said that in line with the department’s mandate they have engaged various government MDAs in Freetown and the provinces with the aim of examining and reviewing of systems and procedures in order to eradicate or minimize corruption opportunities. For the first quarter in 2012, the Director told the audience that the department is presently monitoring the implementation of recommendations proffered for the Ministry of Works, Housing and Infrastructure, especially issues that deal with allocation of government quarters, the use of government properties etc. Mr. Williams disclosed that one key area presently under review is the University of Sierra Leone which constitutes the constituent colleges of Fourah Bay College, Institute of Public Administration and the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences. These constituent arms of the University have been suffering from a very bad image for a very long time with issues relating to admissions, other improprieties and irregularities. He furthered that there are also plans of reviewing the Njala University.  He also said that the Ministry of   Lands, Country Planning and the Environment is under focus as there had been numerous reports of corruption from the media, the ACC Report Center and the public.  Mr. Williams told the audience that the Commission is presently holding consultative meetings with the ministry as the department is presently working on a service charter which will serve as a clientele. The Director also disclosed that two covert observations had been carried out at the Births and Death Department and the Lungi International Airport to ensure that they implement the recommendations proffered by the department. He also maintained that the department has also developed keen interest in the Free Health Care Initiative, which as he puts it, is a very sensitive program and that the commission has been receiving series of complaints from the public revealing the fact that the system is somehow suffering from adverse intervention form ill-motivated and ill intention persons. Mr. Williams noted that, “The department is presently engaging health centers to publish their fees and charges so that they can be monitored for improved service delivery to the public.

 Mr. Shollay Davies, Director Public Education and Outreach Department, in his presentation said that the update is part of the department’s engagement with CSOs and the Media in every quarter. Mr. Davies disclosed that have been engaged in two major strategies i.e. public education and outreach campaigns. For this first quarter, the Director said four customized meetings have been held targeting specific audiences and institutions. Mr. Davis continued that as part of the department’s mandate is to hold one engagement every week in all regions. He revealed that two of those engagements were with the Ministry of Lands Housing and the Environment and the Sierra Leone Police. He said the meetings were successful as there were agreements to establish a panel of partners to look at issues of concern raised by members of the public. Mr. Davies stated that the Commission has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Global Youth Against Corruption in Sierra Leone (GYAC-SL). The aim for such initiative was to assemble all youth organizations in the country in order to map out strategy for youth participation in the fight against corruption. He informed the audience of other MOUs signed with the Anti Corruption Consultative Interactive Forum (ACCIF) and Health For All Coalition (HFAC). The Director asserted that the media especially electronic and print media have been very instrumental in the fight against corruption to an extent that a group of journalist formed the Media Alliance Against Corruption (MAAC), a group of journalist popularizing the work of the Commission.   Added to these activities, he said the department has been using various multimedia devices to inform the public on recent development. Over the past two months the department has been updating the commission’s website with current information. He maintained that that the department has also produced  series of public service announcements of upcoming activities of the Commission. Mr. Davis said in 2011, the Commission won an international Award of Excellence organized by IAAC in Hong Kong in which thirty one countries participated. “If the ACC has been recognized national and internationally is as a result of the level of public awareness raised over the period” the Director reaffirmed. He said the regional offices and the District Coordinators have also been engaging various communities and institutions at district and regional levels. He concluded by stating that the work of the PE&EO Department is very wide and tactful, but believed in the success of the Commission within the period under review.

Mr. Nabillahi Kamara, Director, National Anti Corruption Strategy Secretariat (NACS) giving a brief background of the Secretariat said that the NACS was established as a result of consultative processes with stake holders all over the country. Mr. Kamara said the NACS was established in 2008 and reached its mid-point in 2011; it was later reviewed and revised by a group of consultants. The Director informed the audience that the NACS revised copy has been presented to the President in October 2011 after the completion of its review process, as a road map in the national fight against corruption. Mr. Kamara said the objectives of the Secretariat is to improve delivery of social services in terms of quality, quantity and process, ensure that the fight against corruption was effective in preventing and confronting corruption without compromising peace and security and playing the leading role in providing the courage for citizens to regard corruption as destructive. He said the first step was to engage the public on the objectives of the strategy and in fulfilling the objectives they have held series of meetings with the entire public sector in the country in a bid to ensure the implementation of the strategy. Through such collaboration with the Secretary to cabinet a consensus has been reached for the establishment of integrity committees in government MDAs, and that 2ous government MDAs6 integrity committees have established in vari  Mr. Kamara confirmed that the secretariat have also held meetings with Civil Society Monitoring Group (CSMG) to ensure the monitoring process of the implementation stage. Mr. Kamara noted that the outcome of the meetings have revealed series of challenges from both MDAs and CSMG regarding the monitoring process of the implementation of the strategy. He disclosed that those challenges have been addressed. The Director informed the audience that the Secretariat is presently engaged in implementing the UNCAC Review mechanism through a comprehensive self assessment checklist through broad consultation at national level with all other relevant stake holders.  “As I am speaking, the UNCAC is presently looking at Sierra Leone’s compliance with UNCAC policy; and that two countries: Thailand and Benin have been chosen to monitor the direct implementation process and the team will be visiting the provinces to have consultation in respect of the process,” the Director reaffirmed.

Mr. Michael Imran Kanu, speaking on behalf of the Investigations, Intelligence and Prosecution Department said that is mandated to investigate and prosecute allegations of corruption reported to the Commission. Mr. Kanu stated that the three units work in collaboration to carry out their functions. The Legal Officer disclosed that for this quarter the department received a total of 171 cases that are under investigation, 23 of which are active cases in court. Twenty six new cases are now under investigation, 30 have been concluded, 7 cases have been forwarded to the Prosecution wing for legal opinion, whilst others are kept in view and some referred for administrative actions. Specifically, Mr. Kanu furthered, that for the active cases in court, prosecution has closed its cases for 5 trials, 3 cases adjourned and are awaiting judgments. He outlined some of these cases are as follow:

• State vs William Conteh and others in respect of the 50th years Anniversary case, proceedings in ongoing

• As for the Timber case, the Prosecution has closed its case and there was no case submission file for the two accused persons and that the Prosecution is awaiting for the presiding judge’s decision.

• State vs the Mayor of Freetown and others in respect of the Freetown City Council case, the Prosecution has closed and the Defense is now opened.

• State vs. Isaac K Sheriff which is being prosecuted in Bo High Court relating to corrupt activities in the Imperi Chiefdom, the Prosecution has opened its case and now leading its first witness.

• State vs. Osman Tamu Bangura, the case has been assigned to a new judge for recommencing.

• Staete vs. Gibril Gbassay Bah and four others which is being prosecuted at the Makeni High Court, the prosecution has applied for special session, the prosecution so that they can complete the submission of addresses. He said in criminal cases, trials are scheduled to be prosecuted in session, especially when the presiding judge had been transferred.

• State vs. Raymond Yokie is being prosecuted at the Bo High Court, trials have been concluded and now waiting for the prosecution and defense to submit their addresses. State vs Ibrahim Sannoh is beng prosecuted at the Makeni High Court. Prosecution is in progress.

• State vs. Saidu Bangura and Konga Mano Sesay, indictment signed and now awaiting assignment by the Chief Justice.

• State vs Nimatu Bundu in respect of the Freetown City Council case, prosecution is in progress and ongoing.

• State vs Tamba Charles and others in respect of the Freetown Waist Management, case has been concluded, adjourned for addresses from both the prosecution and defense.

• State vs Mark George, trials are concluded awaiting judgment.

• State vs Donald Coker and Moses Vandi, trials concluded and awaiting judgement.

• State vs Edward Yamba Koroma and others in respect of the Rice Research Rokupr case, trials concluded and awaiting judgement.

In the Court of Appeal in Freetown, Mr. Kanu outlined some of the cases:

• Joseph Sewoh and Kamara appealed against the Commission in which written argument have been submitted by both parties and the matter is now reserved for judgment.

• Appellate case of Alimu Bah against the Commission, written submissions had been made and now awaiting judgment.

• Appellate case of Hja Afsatu Kabbah against the Commission – submissions are due on the 19th May 2012.

• Appellate case of Philip Lukule against the Commission awaits direction for submission and it is pending.

• Appellate case of Magistrate Fisher – the appellant has done a notice of intention to appeal, the case is pending.

• Anti Corruption appellate case aginst Allieu Sesay and others awaits records to be settled in this case.

• ACC appellate case against Mohamed Sallieu Jalloh which was prosecuted in Makeni High Court awaits records to be settled.

In his conclusion, the Legal Officer told the audience that the Prosecution Unit of the Commission also has the mandate or obligation to follow up with all affiliate proceedings.

Delivering the key note address, Mr. Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, thanked representatives of CSOs, the Media and Government MDAs for their continued support in the fight against corruption. Mr. Kamara said it is incumbent on the Commission to report its activities of the public. “It is also the mandate of the Commission to be accountable and transparent to the public, keep you abreast of the information and activities of the Commission and then give the opportunity to ask questions regarding its work”, Mr. Kamara noted. The Commissioner reiterated that the fight against corruption is not the fight of the commission but a national fight. “By virtue of the nature of the fight against corruption what is needed is something beyond the realm of reality but the realm of spirituality” Mr. Kamara maintained. highlighting some of the active cases in court, the Commissioner said the FCC case is a high profile one for the Commission and the country. He disclosed that the Commission has led credible evidence in court and have closed the case for the prosecution.  He also mentioned the case of the 50th Anniversary Recalling the issue surrounding the misappropriation of funds high marking the celebration. He assured the audience of its speedy conclusion. He frowned at some publications from the media especially the print on cases under investigations or being prosecuted in court which he said have negative impact in the fight against corruption. He maintained that the Commission does not intend to run commentaries on cases under investigations. He informed them that the Commission has been working on those high profile cases and that the Commission is at the point of satisfaction; and that the media thirst for information will be quenched within a very short while. Mr. Kamara assured the audience that the Commission has made significant progress in the work that it does in the fight against corruption by highlighting key activities carried out by various departs during this first quarter.. “The Commission is now all over the country, keeping on reporting that through decentralization corruption will be centralized and we have to follow as it is even at local district level; its presence has been maintained and we have seen significant benefit out of its presence” he said.  He also observed that from the National Corruption Perception survey that was conducted, the public has responded for public education to be enhanced, particularly in terms of the impact of corruption. He called on all to have a stake in preventing corruption and to work together in partnership in the fight. The Commissioner noted the support of MAAC, GYAC, ACCIF, HFAC, the Audit Service Sierra Leone, and National Public Procurement Authority among others for their relentless support to the Commission. He revealed that the Commission has a minimum of four cases that are generated out of the Audit Service reports. “Today in Sierra Leone we are going to ensure that there is proper accountability for government funds. We are going through those Audit reports and all those that have responsibility and questions to answer after the Public Account Committee from Parliament, let them be sent to the ACC and we will find a resting place for them” the Commissioner affirmed.  Talking on the progress and international recognition, Mr. Kamara said the Millennium Challenged Conference reported the significant progress that Sierra Leone has made in the fight against corruption. He added that the United Nations Security Council report also indentified the role and functions of the ACC in its stance against corruption. “Our ACC under my tenure will ensure that we continue to inform the public in terms of our role, what we do and where we stand on the issue” Mr. Kamara concludes.

Questions, Comments and recommendations also formed part of the deliberation.

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ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION

MOBILIZING PEOPLE: CONNECTING AGENTS OF CHANGE

11/20/2012