By: Abubakarr Turay
The Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, through the International Cooperation Centre of the National Development and Reformation Commission, is supporting 35 staff of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to undertake a two-week training in China. The ACC team, led by the Deputy Commissioner, Augustine Foday Ngobie, departed the Freetown International Airport, Lungi, on Sunday, 21st June 2026 for China.
The training on ‘Identifying and Monitoring Corrupt Practices’, will benefit senior, intermediate and junior and supporting staff of the Commission.
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Freetown, held a pre-departure briefing on Thursday, 18th June 2026 for the ACC staff. At the event, the Deputy Commissioner of the ACC said “this empowering and timely training is a visible mark in the enduring bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and China.”
The Deputy Commissioner spoke highly of the strong bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and China, noting: “For decades, our nations have shared a bond cemented on mutual respect, deep trust, and shared aspirations. This great nation of yours has consistently proven to be a reliable partner in our national development efforts. From infrastructure development, healthcare, and agricultural support to enlightening educational exchanges, your footprint of cooperation is both deep and highly appreciated. We are deeply grateful.”
Mr Ngobie said that there was so much that the ACC could learn from the anti-corruption efforts of China, noting that “China’s effective anti-corruption strategies and skills offer vital, practical insights. Your focus on institutional discipline is exemplary. And we are here to avail ourselves of this unique opportunity.”
The ACC leadership took the unprecedent decision of ensuring that all levels of staff of the Commission benefit from the training, including office assistants, drivers and security personnel of the Commission. One of the beneficiaries, Salieu Mallo Sesay, Head of Office Assistants at ACC, commended the ACC leadership and the People’s Republic of China for the training opportunity, which he described as “an extraordinary gesture that will remain with him forever.”
He further noted: “I have been with this Commission since it was established in the year 2000 and this is the first time I -or any staff within my work category- am benefiting from this kind of opportunity.”
The two-week intensive training will run from 23rd June to 6th July 2026. It will also cover sight-seeing of some of the historic sites in China.
