The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Kono Regional Office has engaged personnel of the 9th Infantry Battalion of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) on corruption prevention, integrity, and accountability as part of its ongoing collaboration with key national stakeholders in the fight against corruption.The engagement, held on 9th July 2026 during the Battalion's muster parade at Simbakoro Barracks, Koidu City, was organized by the Commission's Public Education and Outreach Unit to sensitize military personnel on corruption-related issues, the Asset Declaration regime, the Whistleblowers and Witnesses Protection Regulations, 2025, and the Commission's achievements under the leadership of Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq.
Addressing the gathering, ACC Senior Public Education Officer, Sam P. Gogra, commended the RSLAF for its vital role in safeguarding national peace and security, emphasizing that corruption poses a serious threat to national development and security.He stressed that combating corruption is not the sole responsibility of the ACC but a shared civic duty requiring the commitment of every Sierra Leonean. He highlighted the damaging effects of corruption across critical sectors, including education, health, public finance, and community development, noting that corruption undermines service delivery, erodes public trust, and deprives citizens of essential services.
Mr. Gogra urged the military personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, warning against any conduct that could compromise the credibility and public confidence enjoyed by the Armed Forces.
He further highlighted major achievements recorded by the Commission over the past eight years, including the recovery of over 80 Billion (old) Leones and landed properties from corrupt individuals, the construction of the National Integrity House, the operationalization of the Special Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, consistently high conviction rates in corruption cases, Sierra Leone's continued eligibility for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, and the high compliance rate with the national Asset Declaration regime.
Mr. Gogra also briefed participants on the Whistleblowers and Witnesses Protection Regulations, 2025, explaining that the framework provides legal protection for whistleblowers and witnesses, as well as reward and compensation mechanisms for persons whose information leads to successful convictions and recoveries. He encouraged participants to report corruption without fear, assuring them of the Commission's commitment to protecting informants.
Also speaking, ACC Public Education Officer Patricia J. Sannoh reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to public engagement and accountability, emphasizing the importance of regular public awareness initiatives in strengthening the national fight against corruption.She explained the significance of the Online Asset Declaration System and urged all eligible public officers to comply with the legal requirements within the stipulated period. She further encouraged participants to report suspected corruption through the Commission's toll-free lines 077-985-985 and 077-986-986, assuring them of maximum protection under the law.
Responding on behalf of the Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Battalion, Major D. S. Bendu, Operations Officer, described the engagement as "timely, necessary and significant."He commended the ACC for its sustained public education efforts and acknowledged the Commission's remarkable progress in the fight against corruption. He reaffirmed the Battalion's commitment to supporting the Commission's mandate and pledged the continued cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces in promoting integrity and accountability.
