The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has issued a stern warning to insurance companies operating in Kenema, urging them to uphold professionalism, transparency, and integrity amid growing public complaints regarding their operations.
The caution was delivered during an engagement convened by the ACC's Kenema Regional Office at the Commission's Maxwell Khobe Street Office on Wednesday 3rd June, 2026 bringing together representatives of insurance companies and officials of the Sierra Leone Insurance Commission (SLICOM) Eastern Region.
Making his remarks, Senior Public Education Officer, Edward N. Blake, underscored the gravity of the complaints, warning that unresolved grievances can fuel public distrust and undermine social cohesion. He stressed the importance of responsive institutions that prioritize justice, accountability, and fairness in addressing citizens' concerns.
Referencing Section 7 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended in 2019, Mr. Blake reminded participants that the ACC is mandated to take all necessary measures to prevent, suppress, and eradicate corruption in all its forms.
Making a presentation on corruption-related offences, Investigation Officer, Andrew Komeh, commended insurance companies for the vital services they provide but cautioned that misconduct by any institution or individual would not be tolerated.
He explained that officials serving in public insurance institutions are regarded as public officers and are therefore subject to the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act. He highlighted offences including abuse of office, abuse of position, bribery, and soliciting or accepting an advantage, all of which attract severe penalties under the law.
Mr. Komeh further warned that although private insurance companies may not fall directly within certain provisions of the Act, individuals associated with such entities could still be liable for offences such as conspiracy to commit corruption-related crimes. He added that matters involving misappropriation or fraudulent conversion may also be referred to the Sierra Leone Police for criminal investigation and possible prosecution.
He cautioned that institutions found engaging in unethical or unlawful practices risk not only substantial fines and imprisonment but also serious reputational damage capable of eroding public confidence in their operations.
Public Education Officer, Patrick Hinga George, disclosed that the Commission has received a series of complaints from members of the public relating to delays in the payment of benefits, demands for financial inducements before claims are processed, and unauthorized salary deductions from teachers allegedly not enrolled in certain insurance schemes.
While emphasizing that these remain allegations, Mr. George noted that the concerns are serious and warrant the Commission's attention.
Responding on behalf of the regulator, Assistant Regional Supervisor of the Sierra Leone Insurance Commission (East), Aminata V. Amadu, welcomed the ACC's intervention and acknowledged that several of the concerns raised by citizens are known to SLICOM.
She confirmed that delays in the payment of benefits remain a recurring challenge and disclosed that investigations have revealed instances of negligence by some staff of insurance companies. However, she noted that delays are also sometimes caused by incomplete documentation, poor communication between head offices and regional branches, and misinformation provided to prospective clients during enrollment.
Ms. Amadu further revealed that administrative lapses, including the issuance of incorrect identification and PIN codes to some teachers, have contributed to cases of unauthorized salary deductions involving persons who were not members of particular insurance schemes.
The engagement concluded with a strong call from the ACC for insurance companies to improve service delivery, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and place the interests of policyholders at the center of their operations.
