AYV News, June 26, 2026
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has intensified its public education and corruption prevention efforts through a series of engagements in Kono and Bo districts aimed at promoting integrity, accountability, and citizen participation in the fight against corruption.
In Kono District, the ACC Regional Office conducted a community outreach engagement at Kangama Town in Gorama Kono chiefdom. Held at the Court Barray, the event brought together community stakeholders, medical personnel, school authorities, youths, pupils, women leaders, security personnel, local court officials, and commercial bike riders.
Speaking during the engagement, ACC Senior Public Education Officer, Sam P. Gogra, said the initiative was designed to educate citizens on the dangers of corruption and encourage them to reject, resist, and report corrupt practices.
He described corruption as a major obstacle to development, particularly in poor and vulnerable communities, and emphasized the importance of community support in advancing the anti-corruption agenda.
Mr. Gogra also raised concerns about allegations of malpractice involving some local court officials, including excessive fines, illegal charges, bribery, and the handling of cases beyond their jurisdiction for personal gain. He warned that any official found culpable of corruption offences would face legal consequences.
ACC Public Education Officer Patricia J. Sannah highlighted corruption risks within schools, health facilities, and the security sector, noting that the misappropriation of public resources continues to deprive many rural communities of essential services and development opportunities.
She urged residents to report corruption cases through the ACC Kono Regional Office or the Commission’s toll-free lines and assured participants of the Commission’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting offenders.
Responding on behalf of the community, Paramount Chief S.C.N. Kono Bundeh commended the ACC for the outreach programme and pledged his chiefdom’s support in promoting transparency and accountability, particularly in the implementation of community development projects.
Meanwhile, in Bo City, the ACC Southern Regional Office engaged staff of Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) on integrity, accountability, and corruption prevention.
The session, held at the institution’s conference room on Bukum Street, Fulawahun Section, focused on strengthening awareness of corruption risks and reinforcing ethical standards within the institution.
ACC Southern Regional Manager Mohamed Tomboyekewarned against the manipulation or alteration of statistical data, describing such practices as unlawful and detrimental to national planning, resource allocation, and socio-economic development.
He also highlighted key corruption offences under the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008, as amended in 2019, and reminded public officials of their obligations under the asset declaration regime.
ACC Senior Public Education Officer Abdulai Saccohstressed the importance of accurate and credible statistics in supporting evidence-based policymaking and national development. He cautioned against practices such as bribery, abuse of office, misuse of public assets, and non-compliance with established procedures.
On behalf of Statistics Sierra Leone, Regional Administrative and Finance Officer Martha Kpaka welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing reliable statistical information while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
In a separate engagement, the ACC Southern Regional Office also met with staff of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) in Bo City to discuss integrity, accountability, and ethical service delivery.
Addressing participants, Mr. Tomboyeke emphasized that corruption within the road safety sector can undermine regulatory compliance, compromise public safety, and contribute to road accidents.
He urged staff to uphold ethical standards and avoid corrupt practices that could weaken the enforcement of road safety regulations.
Mr. Saccoh further explained that corruption can negatively affect vehicle inspection processes, driver licensing systems, and traffic law enforcement, increasing risks for road users.
ACC Public Education Officer Mohamed A. Kabba described the engagement as part of the Commission’s proactive efforts to strengthen corruption prevention measures within public institutions and promote transparency in service delivery.
Responding on behalf of the Authority, SLRSA Regional Manager Lamin S. Yansaneh described the engagement as timely and beneficial. He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to enforcing road safety regulations in accordance with the law and pledged continued collaboration with the ACC to enhance accountability and strengthen internal control mechanisms.
The series of engagements concluded with renewed commitments from community leaders and public institutions to work closely with the ACC in promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability across Sierra Leone.
