By – Josephine Sesay
In a landmark step toward deepening public engagement in the fight against corruption, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility.
The MoU sets out a strategic framework for joint efforts in public education, civic awareness, and information sharing, aimed at enhancing citizen participation in the national fight against corruption and fostering a culture of good governance.
Speaking at the official signing ceremony, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. applauded MOICE for its proactive role in making governance information accessible to the public. He emphasized that corruption is not only a legal issue but a civic one, requiring an informed and engaged citizenry.
“We don’t want efforts to be fragmented. This partnership allows us to tap into each other’s manpower and resources to ensure cohesive and impactful civic engagement,” said Commissioner Kaifala.
Echoing these sentiments, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, described the collaboration as a significant milestone in aligning national governance efforts with citizen leadership.
“Our perspective at the Ministry is that corruption is a civic issue and must be addressed with strong citizen leadership. I commend the Commissioner and the ACC for always bringing the public along in this fight. The ACC is one of the best institutions when it comes to public engagement,” the Minister stated.
He noted that the essence of the MoU lies in amplifying joint initiatives and developing co-created strategies in support of the ACC’s bold anti-corruption agenda.
The MoU outlines several key provisions to formalize the cooperation between the two institutions. One notable agreement is the renaming of Integrity Clubs in schools previously established by the ACC, to Integrity and Civic Education Clubs. This move is designed to reinforce both anti-corruption values and civic responsibility among young people nationwide.Patrick Sandi, ACC’s Coordinator of Operations, affirmed the Commission’s readiness to fully embrace the partnership, highlighting civic education as a critical tool in preventing corruption.
Martina George, Communications Officer at the ACC, cited some of the most relevant provisions of the MoU, underscoring its broad scope and the shared responsibility of both institutions in nurturing an informed and active citizenry.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing and exchange of the MoU, marking a new chapter of institutional cooperation rooted in shared values and a common national mission.This partnership signals Sierra Leone’s growing commitment to inclusive governance, empowering citizens to take a central role in shaping a corruption-free society.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Wednesday, June 11TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
