The Public Education Unit of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Kono, on 7 August 2026, engaged personnel of the Kono Office of the Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) to identify and address potential corruption risks in their daily operations.
The engagement, held at the Agency’s #2 Ngadi Fania Street office in Koidu, formed part of the Commission’s mandate under Section 7(1)(a) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended in 2019, to take necessary steps to prevent, eradicate and suppress corruption and corrupt practices.
Declaring the purpose of the engagement, ACC Senior Public Education Officer in Kono, Sam P. Gogra, said the session was intended to strengthen staff awareness of corruption risks and reinforce their responsibility to uphold integrity in public service.
He emphasised that the Commission is not a witch-hunt agency, but is committed to promoting quality public service delivery while holding perpetrators of corruption accountable. He reminded staff that public officers are trustees of public resources and must therefore uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability to maintain public confidence.
Mr. Gogra highlighted key interventions and achievements of the Commission, including public education campaigns, corruption prevention and systems reviews with MDAs, the operationalisation of Citizens’ Service Delivery Charters, improved compliance with asset declaration requirements, recovery of public funds and properties, and successful corruption prosecutions.
He also outlined corruption offences relevant to public officers, including misappropriation of public or donor funds and property, abuse of office or position, conflict of interest and bribery, as well as the penalties applicable upon conviction under the Anti-Corruption Act.
Mr. Gogra further highlighted the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations 2025, noting that the Regulations provide safeguards against harassment, intimidation and other detrimental actions against persons who report suspected corruption. He encouraged staff to report suspected corruption and reminded them of the requirement for MDAs to maintain gift registers.
He assured the EPA team of the ACC’s open-door policy and readiness to support public institutions in strengthening integrity and preventing corruption.
Responding, EPA Regional Manager, Abdul Kebbie, explained that the Agency was established by an Act of Parliament in 2008 with responsibilities including monitoring, coordinating and evaluating environmental programmes, restoring degraded lands, resolving environmental disputes and promoting an enabling environment for tourism.
He added that the Agency conducts community outreach on environmental concerns, including flooding, landslides, the harmful effects of chemicals and fire disasters.
Mr. Kebbie applauded the ACC for the engagement, describing it as “significant, necessary and timely,” and expressed appreciation for the Commission’s continued efforts to promote integrity and accountability within public institutions.
