Military Rated 75 Percent Corrupt-Free

Concord Times (Freetown)

Mohamed Massaquoi

27 June 2011

Freetown — Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has given high approval ratings to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) for their effort in curbing corruption among its ranks and in the entire operations of the military.

Commissioner of the national anti-graft agency, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, made the commendatory remarks during a one-day public forum organized by the ACC in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence for officers and men of the RSLAF at the Officers Mess, Wilberforce in Freetown. According to the ACC boss, frantic efforts have been made by senior officers of the military to prevent and combat corruption more efficiently and effectively in the force, but however cautioned that promotion, transfer, deployment process and the distribution of rice to personnel should be closely monitored to ensure that personnel equally benefit from these opportunities.

He said the military has been rated highly in the fight against corruption despite the numerous challenges it faces.

“It is important to set up a system of accountability to clearly define the responsibilities of personnel and effectively supervise their activities for proper communication system. The military should lead by example and leave no ground for suspicion, and I am happy to report that the military is rated highly at 75% in the fight against corruption.

“There is now need for continued organizational growth and confidence-building measures to be developed between officers and the lower ranks,” he admonished, adding that corruption can be attributed to unfair political practices, over-centralized administrative system, inadequate remuneration and inadequate law enforcement mechanisms.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence Rtd. Major Alfred Palo Conteh noted that he was working closely with officials of the ministry to ensure the best services were delivered and to boost the morale of personnel in the force.

He said his ministry has a unique method of allocating certain facilities to their respective departments and units, noting that transparency and accountability, respect, dignity and integrity were key in maintaining success in the military.

“I’m not bothered by detractors who publish negative stories about the ministry and my personality,” he said.

“This is not just about what you receive at the end of the day but your service to the nation is what is very important. I used to earn more in the UK but I am here to serve my people, I therefore encourage you all to work in that spirit,” he concluded.

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