The Anti-Corruption Commission in its drive to enhance transparency and accountability in the public service on the 30th August, 2022, sensitized Police officers of the Motema Division, during their morning parade in Motema Town, Kono District,on Anti-Corruption polices and the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 as amended in 2019.

Public Education Officer, Kono, Hawa Deen Conteh, emphasized that the meeting was to educate and engage officers on various issues on corruption and to ensure best practices are adhered to in their operations. She stated that the police force is a sensitive service delivery institution in the country and therefore regularly come in contact with the public. She acknowledged the good work carried out by the police in the protection of lives and properties in the district.

The Regional Manager, Hawanatu Omotayo Kamara, stated that the fight against graft is not done in a fire brigade manner which has necessitated this engagement on various issues of corruption and for them to internalize the fight against corruption and adopt best practices.

Manager Kamara pointed out that the Regional Office has been receiving complaints and concerns from communities relating to bribery and the payment of money or cash for bail. She also spoke about ethics in the work place and the importance of reporting corruption.

She underscored the significance of maintaining high ethical standards and the need to report corruption at all times via the toll free numbers: 077985985/077986986.

ACC’s Senior Investigation Officer, Abdul Karim Kamara, provided a brief explanation on corruption related offenses in the ACC Act of 2008 as amended in 2019, such as; corrupt acquisition of wealth, influencing a public officer, peddling influence, bribery, soliciting an advantage, misappropriation of public funds and property, failure to declare assets, possession of unexplained wealth among others.

Speaking on behalf of the division , the Local Unit Commander (LUC), Superintendent Junisa Ben Mohamed, said that the ACC and the police are partners in development and should be seen working hand in glove in the district.

He expressed gratitude to the commission for the meeting and promised to keep admonishing his  officers to refrain from corruption and to always report same to the ACC.

The presentation of the ACC’s Information, Education and Communication materials formed the high point of the engagement.