By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Officer, ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has commenced the Southern Region leg of its nationwide Meet the People Tour with Traditional and Local Authorities in Moyamba District, bringing together Paramount Chiefs and other stakeholders to strengthen integrity, accountability, and transparency within Sierra Leone's traditional governance architecture.
The engagement, held on the 2nd June, 2026 at the Jane Lahai Hall, Moyamba District, forms part of the Commission's ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration with traditional leaders in advancing the national fight against corruption.
Giving the purpose of the engagement, ACC Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie said the Commission considers traditional authorities indispensable partners in the fight against corruption. "We have been in this fight from 2018 to date, but we recognize that there are people who are very critical to the success of this fight. That is why we have decided to engage you in consultation on how we can collectively advance the fight against corruption," he noted.
He added the engagement was intended to enhance understanding of key provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, particularly Assets Declaration and Gifts and Conflict of Interest, noting that public education remains critical to ensuring compliance.
Delivering the keynote address, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. emphasized the importance of clarifying areas where customary practices and statutory obligations may intersect. "We are keen to get you to understand the law. We are on the side of modern law and you are on the side of culture. Sometimes there are grey areas that require clarification," he said.
Addressing concerns surrounding gifts, Commissioner Kaifala clarified that the law does not prohibit gift-giving.
"No law is abhorrent to gifts. A gift is a mark of appreciation and respect. What the law is against is conflict of interest," he explained.
He noted that gifts become problematic only when they influence official decisions or actions and reminded participants that gifts valued at Le5,000 and above must be declared and registered, together with disclosure of the recipient's relationship with the giver. "The law says two things: register the gift and do not accept it where there is a conflict of interest," he stressed.
On Assets Declaration, Commissioner Kaifala described the process as a protective measure for honest public officials. "Assets Declaration is like a shield," he said, explaining that declaration records often provide credible evidence of ownership and can protect public officers in future disputes involving assets and property.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Paramount Chiefs in Moyamba District, PC John Jibao Russell Nyama II of Lower Banta Chiefdom thanked the ACC for the engagement and particularly welcomed the clarification on gifts. "As traditional leaders, gift-giving forms part of our tradition, so we are very pleased with the clarifications provided today," he remarked.
The engagement featured interactive discussions on corruption prevention, conflict of interest, ethical leadership, gifts, and assets declaration. It also provided participants with an opportunity to seek clarification on provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act and share perspectives on strengthening accountability within their respective Chiefdoms and Communities.
The Southern Region Meet the People Tour will continue in Bonthe, Pujehun and Bo Districts in the coming days, following similar successful engagements in the Eastern and North-Eastern Regions.
