Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has commenced a five-day Mid-Term Review Training focused on the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) component of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) Project.
The training, which runs from May 16 to May 21, 2025, is taking place at NABs Village, Nyagohun Junction in Bo, and aims to bring together GRM staff, including District Monitors, to evaluate progress, tackle challenges, and incorporate new strategies into the project’s ongoing implementation.
The training follows a recent engagement with the World Bank, during which the ACC received commendations for its effective implementation of the GRM, recognized for enhancing transparency and accountability within the PSSNYE program.
Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie addressed the participants, emphasizing the need to improve feedback mechanisms for handling grievances. He acknowledged the public’s expectations regarding investigations but pointed out the practical challenges involved.
“Investigations, by their nature, take time. Sierra Leone is a small country, and witness apprehension can be a serious challenge, especially when people are hesitant to come forward,” he stated.
Ngobie affirmed that while the World Bank has requested a 30-day resolution period, reduced from the standard 90 days, such a timeframe is not realistic given the complexities of investigative work. “Investigations must follow due process. Our objective is to ensure the program benefits the people. If anomalies are discovered and there is sufficient evidence, we will pursue legal action. But our priority is to recover and return funds to the rightful beneficiaries without depriving them of their entitlements,” he emphasized.
He also referenced a case involving a mobile network operator that imposed undue charges, explaining how the ACC acted promptly without withholding beneficiaries’ funds. “Keeping recovered monies as court exhibits delays restitution and defeats the purpose of the program,” he concluded.
ACC Project Coordinator Patrick Monrovia also spoke at the event, praising Deputy Commissioner Ngobie for his leadership. He highlighted the Commission’s impressive rating from the World Bank, which falls within the 70–80% satisfaction range, a benchmark he described as challenging to achieve. “This is a reflection of the Commission’s responsiveness and integrity in delivering this critical component of the project,” Monrovia noted.
Notably, the Mid-Term Review serves as a self-assessment tool and is expected to reinforce the commitment among GRM staff to maintain high standards, with the goal of achieving a “Highly Satisfactory” rating from the World Bank, a significant milestone for the Commission.
The training will reportedly continue with the involvement of other senior officials, including the Commissioner, Coordinator of Operations, Director of Investigations, and Director of Finance, who are expected to join the sessions in the coming days.
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