The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Regional Office in Kono, on 5 August 2026, engaged staff of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) on the importance of upholding integrity, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The engagement, which also sought to strengthen collaboration between the ACC and SLID, formed part of the Commission’s ongoing public education and awareness campaign with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
In his opening remarks, the ACC Kono Regional Director, Andrew Demby, described the Immigration Department as a critical institution in safeguarding national security, border integrity and public trust. He noted that the conduct of immigration personnel also shapes international perceptions of Sierra Leone’s commitment to combating corruption, transnational crime, trafficking and illicit financial flows.He therefore urged immigration officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability and professionalism.
Mr. Demby also stressed the importance of collaboration between the two institutions, noting that immigration officers, through their regular interaction with travellers and their access to border-related information, can provide valuable intelligence in detecting and preventing corruption and other transnational offences.
He further cautioned that being a volunteer does not exempt anyone from criminal liability under the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended in 2019. He cited the recent indictment of a volunteer staff member of the National Medical Supplies Agency, Francis Lavai, in connection with the alleged misappropriation of an ultrasound machine in Bo.
The ACC Senior Public Education Officer in Kono, Sam P. Gogra, highlighted the protection mechanisms available to informants, whistle-blowers and witnesses under the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations 2025. He said the Regulations provide safeguards against intimidation, harassment and other detrimental actions against persons who report suspected corruption.
Mr. Gogra also reminded the Department of the Commission’s requirements for MDAs to maintain gift registers, establish functional Integrity Management Committees (IMCs), and ensure the timely declaration of assets and liabilities by relevant officials.
Participants further received an overview of key corruption offences under the Anti-Corruption Act and the penalties applicable upon conviction.
Responding on behalf of the Department, the Head of Immigration in Kono District, Mr. Sembu Ab-Saf Kamara, explained that border management staff are deployed at strategic crossing points to document foreign nationals and Sierra Leoneans travelling between Sierra Leone and Guinea.Mr. Kamara commended the ACC for what he described as an insightful and valuable engagement and pledged the Department’s continued commitment to maintaining integrity and collaborating with the Commission in the fight against corruption.
