August 29, 2019
ACC boss…Francis Ben Kaifala
The Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) has cautioned all school authorities to desist from extortion from parents and guardians across the country ahead of the 2019 re-opening of schools.
The Commission in a release issued yesterday stated that, they have received with great concern, several complaints from members of the public alleging that school authorities were engaged in extortion of monies from pupils, parents, and guardians for the issuance of National Primary School Examinations (NPSE) results, and were demanding unjustified and ineligible admission fees for JSS1 enrolment, among others.
The release states that the acts were clearly in breach of Section 28 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, which prohibits the offering and soliciting of an advantage; and the principles guiding the Free Quality Education.
The ACC strongly warns teachers and school authorities against the alleged malpractices and reminded them that receiving an advantage, whether solicited or not, is a crime under the Anti-Corruption Act 2008.
“Any teacher or school authority caught in the practice, and cannot provide policy justification, will be seriously dealt with in accordance with the law.”
Equally, the Commission urges parents and pupils to resist such solicitations and offers of bribes, and other forms of inducements, and rewards, to school authorities.
“The public is accordingly reminded that offering an advantage, whether solicited or not, is a crime under Section 28 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008; and any violation of this provision will be accordingly dealt with.”
The ACC assured the general public of its relentless resolve to fight all acts of corruption in the Education Sector.