Following growing concerns over alleged bribery and other forms of corruption, the Public Education and Outreach Unit of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) Northern Regional Office conducted an unannounced, on-the-spot visit to the Makoth Checkpoint on the Makeni–Lunsar highway. The engagement, held on 12th August 2025, formed part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote integrity and due diligence in public service.
Addressing personnel of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), Director of the Northern Regional Office, Fatu Florence Kamara, strongly cautioned against placing personal gain above public service. She stressed that public officers are entrusted with specific duties and responsibilities, which must be carried out in strict adherence to the ethics of their profession.
Mrs. Kamara disclosed that her office had received public reports alleging that some security personnel demand bribes in exchange for ignoring traffic offences — some of which pose serious risks to the lives of passengers, drivers, and commercial motorbike riders. “This checkpoint is not a bargaining spot, and any action that compromises security should be avoided at all costs,” she warned.
Highlighting the partnership between the ACC and the SLP, Mrs. Kamara gave an overview of key offences under the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008, as amended in 2019. She drew attention to Section 28 of the Act, explaining that any person who gives or offers an advantage to a public officer as an inducement - whether to perform or neglect an official duty, commits an offence. She added that under subsection (2) of the same section, any public officer who solicits, accepts, or even attempts to accept such an advantage is equally culpable. “If you receive any payment, gift, or favour from a driver or motorbike rider in breach of your professional ethics, both you and the giver are in violation of the law,” she emphasized.
Ibrahim Bangura, Legal Clerk of the ACC’s Northern Region Office, also referred to Sections 42 and 43 of the Act, which deal with Abuse of Office and Abuse of Position respectively. He explained that any public officer who wrongfully uses their office for personal benefit commits an offence and is liable to face the full weight of the law. While underscoring the Commission’s unwavering commitment to cleansing both the public and private sectors of corruption, Mr. Bangura encouraged the officers to uphold integrity and avoid acts that could lead to prosecution.
He further pointed out that the Anti-Corruption Act prescribes stringent penalties aimed at making corruption a zero-gain venture. A single offence, he noted, attracts a fine of not less than NLe 50,000 and a minimum prison term of five years. “The law has no sacred cows, and as law enforcers, police officers should be the first to respect and uphold it,” he stressed.
In his contribution, Senior Public Education Officer, Aiah Sourie, underscored the importance of collaboration among public institutions to curb official misconduct. He urged the officers to actively support the ACC in enhancing integrity and performance in the security sector, especially within the northern region.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Assistant Superintendent Paul Conteh, Officer-in-Charge at the checkpoint, thanked the ACC team for the engagement and awareness messages. While noting that the allegations may not necessarily be true, he assured that he and his team would work diligently to serve the public. He also called for continued, productive engagements between the ACC and the SLP.
The interactive session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, during which the ACC team addressed key concerns raised by the officers.
