BC-Development has organised a two-day training for newly elected councillors on anti-corruption policies, best practices, and reporting processes in Kambia District.
The training was held at the Kambia District Resource Centre under the project titled “Supporting Gender Equality and Social Accountability through a Strengthened Civil Society in Kambia District.” The project is funded by the European Union through Trócaire, the lead partner for the consortium.
A total of 32 participants attended the training, including 17 women, 15 men, and one person living with a disability. Participants included newly elected councillors, community of practice representatives, young women in governance representatives, and council officials.
The training was facilitated by two resource persons from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) office in Port Loko. It focused on building the capacity of councillors to understand anti-corruption laws and guide their constituents on proper reporting and referral pathways.
The session began with prayers, followed by a welcome address and an overview of the project delivered by the Project Manager of the EU–Trócaire initiative. ABC-Development explained its role as a non-political civil society organisation committed to promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and women’s leadership in governance and decision-making.
Key topics discussed during the training included anti-corruption policies and operations, prevention measures, investigation processes, offences, reporting mechanisms, confidentiality and witness protection, handling false reports, incentives for reporting corruption, and institutional referral pathways.
Participants actively engaged throughout the two days and gained improved knowledge of anti-corruption best practices and reporting procedures. Time management and participation, especially by women councillors and persons with disabilities, were noted as positive outcomes of the training.
A challenge encountered during the activity was an attempt by the incumbent Kambia District Council Chairman to prevent some councillors from attending the training. However, through the intervention of project staff and strong collaboration with women councillors and stakeholders, the issue was resolved and the training continued successfully.
ABC-Development said the training will be followed by formation meetings with Community of Practice groups and young women in governance networks, a district project launch, radio discussions and jingles, and regular monitoring of project activities.
