AYV News, April 16, 2026
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has issued a strong warning to local court officials in Kenema over increasing allegations of misconduct, urging strict adherence to legal and ethical standards in the administration of justice.
The warning was delivered during a high-level engagement at the High Court Building in Kenema, where officials from Local Courts No. 1, 2, 3, and 4 met with ACC representatives to address a surge in public complaints.
Speaking at the meeting, ACC Regional Director Hawanatu O. Kamara revealed that the Commission had received numerous reports of malpractice, including failure to issue official receipts, imposition of unauthorized fees, poor record-keeping, missing case files, delays in handling cases, and a general lack of transparency in court proceedings.
She emphasized that such practices undermine public trust in the justice system and warned that all court officials must comply with the provisions of the Local Courts Act. Referencing lessons from Sierra Leone’s past, she noted that injustice and abuse of authority were among factors that fueled the country’s civil conflict, cautioning against any recurrence.
Also addressing the gathering, Senior Public Education Officer Edward N. Blake stressed the critical role local courts play as the first point of contact for justice at the community level. He urged officials to uphold professionalism, transparency, and accountability in their duties.
ACC Investigation Officer Andrew Komeh further clarified that local court operations fall under the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 (as amended in 2019), warning that claims of unpaid salaries do not justify corrupt practices. He outlined key offences under the law, including bribery, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds, noting that offenders risk arrest, prosecution, fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from public office.
Officials were also encouraged to report any attempts to improperly influence their decisions and to ensure proper documentation, including the issuance of receipts and safeguarding of court records.
Earlier, Customary Law Officer Andrew F. Kamara provided background on the evolution of local courts, highlighting that under the Local Courts Act of 2011, such courts are now supervised by the judiciary and are therefore expected to operate with the highest standards of professionalism.
The engagement forms part of the ACC’s broader efforts to promote integrity and accountability within public institutions and to restore public confidence in the justice system.
