The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) North-West Region has concluded a regional training exercise on the Online Asset Declaration System for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), aimed at strengthening compliance with the asset declaration regime under the Anti-Corruption Act 2019, as amended.
The exercise targeted politically exposed persons (PEPs), financially exposed persons (FEPs), and continuing public officers required to declare their income, assets, and liabilities through the Commission’s upgraded online platform developed by the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
The training commenced on Wednesday, 7th May 2026, at the ACC North-West Regional Office in Port Loko, bringing together representatives from over fifty (50) MDAs. The sessions later continued at the Freetown International Airport (FIA), Lungi, on Tuesday, 12th May 2026, before concluding on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, at the Kambia District Council and Gbalamuya Customs Post, where over one hundred (100) public officers and MDA representatives participated.
Speaking during the engagements, the ACC North-West Regional Director, Zainab Othman, emphasized that asset declaration remains a critical accountability mechanism for promoting integrity, transparency, and public trust in governance, while also serving as a preventive tool against illicit enrichment. She further reminded participants of the statutory deadlines and penalties for non-compliance under Section 119 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2019, as amended.
At the FIA training session, senior officials, including the Deputy General Manager of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority, Bobson Kargbo, and the Account Manager, Can Erkut Guver, participated alongside heads of institutions operating within the airport environment, demonstrating strong institutional commitment to the declaration process.
Welcoming the ACC team in Kambia, the Chief Administrator of the Kambia District Council, Mohamed Marah, described the exercise as timely and important, assuring the Commission of the district’s full compliance with the declaration process.
Similarly, the Manager of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) at Gbalamuya, Patrick Syl Kongo, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the commitment of institutions operating at the Customs Post to fully comply with the asset declaration requirements.
The highly interactive sessions were facilitated by Public Education Officer, Dalton Shyllon, and Finance Officer, Patricia Fayrah Yealimay, who guided participants through the improved and user-friendly online declaration platform.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the upgraded system, describing it as accessible, efficient, and easy to navigate. They further pledged to cascade the training within their respective institutions and ensure timely compliance with the Commission’s declaration requirements.
The successful conclusion of the regional exercise underscores the continued commitment of the ACC to promoting accountability, transparency, and integrity in public service through effective implementation of the Online Asset Declaration System.
