Recognizing that many Sierra Leoneans are unable to call the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to file reports of suspected corruption due to a lack of call credits, Celtel on Friday presented a toll-free number to the commission.
ACC Commissioner Abdul Tejan Cole said the commission is pleased with the development, and he vowed to ensure that the number is used for the intended purpose.
Dialing the toll-free number 161 is free for all Celtel users, but subscribers from other networks will have to pay the existing tariff. There is no time limit on calls.
According to NATCOM Executive Secretary Bash Kamara, Celtel was the first among Sierratel and the country’s four GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) operators to answer the request for each company to donate a free line to the ACC to enable public reports.
Celtel Sales Director Keith Tukei said his company is happy to be a part of the developmental strides of the government and country. He appealed to the public to use the number responsibly so as to ease the work of the ACC.
Speaking on behalf of the information and communications minister, Allieu Bah called on other mobile companies in the country to emulate Celtel in the fight against corruption.
