By Juliana E. P. Kabba
Freetown, Sierra Leone — In a decisive effort to bolster transparency and integrity in agricultural initiatives, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has strengthened its collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS). This partnership aims to implement comprehensive strategies to curb corruption and ensure the effective management of public resources within the sector.
The pivotal meeting, held at the Ministry of Agriculture’s conference room at Youyi Building in Freetown on August 29, 2024, was led by Senior Permanent Secretary Andrew Sorie. The session brought together key figures from both the ACC and MAFS to discuss best practices and preventive measures against corruption in agricultural projects.
Mr. Sorie highlighted the crucial role of agriculture in Sierra Leone’s development, noting its importance to food security and the national economy. He emphasized that transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring that agricultural benefits reach farmers and rural communities effectively.
“This collaboration with the ACC is about fostering a culture of integrity within the ministry,” Mr. Sorie stated. “We are committed to working closely with the ACC to ensure that our projects are managed with the highest levels of transparency and accountability.”
The ACC’s Deputy Director of the Prevention Department, Samuel Marrah, detailed the commission’s strategies for mitigating corruption risks. These include regular audits, capacity-building workshops, and robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Marrah emphasized the importance of adhering to guidelines to maintain the integrity of MAFS and its initiatives.
“Our goal is to ensure that every penny allocated to agricultural projects is used appropriately,” Marrah said. “By working with the Ministry of Agriculture, we can identify vulnerabilities and implement measures to prevent corruption before it starts.”
Joseph Aiah Thollie, Deputy Director-General of MAFS, expressed gratitude for the ACC’s support, acknowledging the challenges faced by field staff, particularly in remote areas. Thollie called for continued dialogue between the ACC and MAFS to address these challenges and prevent resource misuse.
He also highlighted the ministry’s efforts to involve communities in project monitoring and establish feedback mechanisms for beneficiaries. “Fighting corruption requires a multi-faceted approach,” Thollie noted. “Empowering communities to hold us accountable is crucial to ensuring that our projects are transparent and effective.”
The meeting concluded with a commitment from both the ACC and MAFS to enhance their partnership. They agreed to develop a joint action plan featuring regular monitoring visits, staff capacity-building, and the creation of a dedicated task force to oversee anti-corruption measures.
This strengthened alliance marks a significant advancement in the fight against corruption within Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector. As the country continues to focus on food security and economic development, the role of these institutions in promoting good governance and accountability is vital. The outcomes of this collaboration are anticipated to positively impact the effectiveness and sustainability of agricultural projects, aligning with the nation’s broader development objectives.
