By Esther Wright
An organization known as the Youth Against Corruption Sierra Leone, (YAC-SL), a collaborative partner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, that has been working closely with the Commission in the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone, has engaged in a week long sensitization and education engagement following the Sierra Leone’s passing of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Scorecard with 83% pass in the “corruption control indicator”.
With support from the Anti-Corruption Commission, YAC-SL engaged in the week long activity with the aim of orienting members of the public on the importance of Sierra Leone passing the MCC scorecard and the positive effect such a pass would have on the country.
In his statement marking the end of the activities that were undertaken by YAC-S, in popularizing the pass mark of Sierra Leone, and the positive effect such will have on the country, the Executive Director of YAC-SL, Sheku Koroma, explained that the MCC’s competition selection process is a data driven, transparent process for determining where the MCC invests with the objective of reducing poverty through economic growth and that to be considered for an MCC compact, countries the country must pass at least 10 out of the 20 indicators, on the scorecard, including the control of corruption indicator.
He stated that for this year, only 25 of the 78 countries assessed on the scorecard passed and Sierra Leone was among them.
The Executive Director stated that this remarkable result means the country is now eligible for an MCC compact, adding that such is good for the growth and development of the country.
He went on to state that since 2018, the ACC has made steady, persistent and consistent progress not only on the MCC Scorecard but in other highly credible international Corruption Perception Indexes.
“This is a clear reflection of the Commission’s resolve and untiring commitment to the fight against corruption in all its forms,” he maintained, urging the Commission to continue the relentless crusade against corruption.
He extended thanks to President Julius Maada Bio for providing the unwavering political will and Government’s support to the fight against corruption.
He also thanked the ACC commissioner, Francis Ben-Kaifala, for his determination, commitment, dedication and enthusiasm in leading the fight against corruption, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will towards anyone.
“YAC-SL is always ready and committed to collaborate with the Commission at whatever level and to help in whatever way it can, in the arduous fight against corruption in the country,” he assured.
As part of its week long activity YAC-SL engaged secondary schools pupils in the nation’s capital, organized radio and televisions discussion programs via local media outlets, amongst other things.
