By Millicent Senava Mannah
Orange-SL and its partners celebrated Ethics & Compliance Day during an event that was held on 20th November, 2023 at the company’s Headquarters on Hill Station in Freetown as part of the company’s observance of its Ethics and Compliance Week.
The Governance, Internal Control and Audit Director, Cheik Diongue Mbaye intimated the event’s purpose saying it mainly borders on bringing together members of staff, vendors and subscribers to interact and discuss risk scenarios related to no compliance to corruption in the company and as well to create a user friendly environment among them.
He continued that it is also geared towards informing them that, in terms of purchasing, acquiring contracts and other services no one should pay a bribe to any member of staff admonishing all to report any known case or situation. The Director maintained that feedback from partners is very important to them as such will help to improve their fight against corruption.
According to him, they have identified 30 risk scenarios, revealing how most often they are linked to accepting or offering percentages when customers or partners want to access services or actualize deals with them.
Cheik Mbaye pointed out that Orange SL, as a company, is trying to raise awareness in order for their partners to desist from such behaviors which are not ethical and fair as well as not helping to build trust.
Elizabeth Fatorma, a staff of the company, in her presentation pointed out that the country is one of the riskiest places where corruption is prone to occur.
“When you see something, say something and if you commit fraud, you’re a criminal. If you don’t report it, you support it. It’s all about you,” she cautioned and added: “Orange SL says zero tolerance to corruption…. if anyone does not understand anything him or her should ask questions or do interviews for better understanding, instead of bribing.”
According to her, they have penalties for those that break the rules underscoring further that if someone is awarded a contract, that individual delays to deliver and no action is taken then it means there is something wrong.
Climaxing the event was a question and answer session during which pertinent questions posed were adequately responded to be the requisite personnel of the company.
