The Anti-Corruption Commission
(ACC) on Monday 19th May, 2008 launched the new National
Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2008-2013. The ceremony which took place at the
British Council Hall at Tower Hill Hall in
Freetown saw many high profile dignitaries in
attendance including His Excellency the President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma and
Vice President, Mr. Samuel Samsumana amongst members of the diplomatic and
consular corps and other members of government and civil society. The ceremony
was chaired by Mrs. Jamesina King, Chairman of the National Human Rights
Commission.
Introducing the programme, the
Chairman noted that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report which
was launched a few years ago called on the Sierra Leone Government and the
people to make concerted efforts to fight against the scourge of corruption
which it recorded as one of the causes of the decade-long civil war. While
noting that the battle against corruption should include everyone, she also
added that it would never be successful if salary conditions were not improved
When making his statement, the
ACC boss Mr. Abdul Tejan-Cole, noted that the Strategy is an accentuation of
government’s will to end corruption in
Sierra Leone. He added that the
NACS was done in consultation with the people and other accountability stakeholders
to ensure its sustainability. Many other dignitaries including the
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the Accountant General, head of
UNIOSIL Human Rights Section, the president of the Sierra Leone Association of
Journalists (SLAJ) and other members of civil society made statements bordering
on the following issues: the endemic nature of corruption in Sierra Leone; the
need for a concerted effort in the fight against corruption; the need for
transparency and accountability among public officials; the need to ensure
transparency and accountability among parliamentarians; the urgent need for
implementation of the strategy plan; the need for a concerted effort on the
part of both the supply (public officials) and the demand sides (the clients)
of society; the need for the ACC to work closely with the Attitude Change
Campaign and other institutions of accountability both nationally and
internationally. The statements also emphasized the need for institutions
working with the ACC to be independent including the judiciary and that this
should be accompanied by massive sensitization of the public on the ill effects
of corruption on the nation as a whole.
Launching the Strategy document,
the President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma recalled his maiden address to parliament
in 2007 when he assumed office as President that he would give a zero tolerance
to corruption in
Sierra
Leone. He noted also that as to the
separation of the Office of Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, active
steps have been taken. He also added that contrary to what the media has been
insinuating, he will declare his assets once parliament gives approval to the
ACC Bill which will be tabled in parliament within the next two weeks. He
called on the media to note this seriously. As to the fight to eradicate
corruption in
Sierra Leone,
he noted that his government will have no sacred cows, be they relatives or
friends. He called on all present to take up the challenge because ‘only when
we fight together can we be assured of victory over corruption in
Sierra Leone’
