By: Alex A. Bah, Ag. Public Relations Officer, ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday, 11th February 2026, concluded its Eastern Region engagement with Paramount Chiefs and Traditional Authorities at the Fillie Faboe Hall in Kono District, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the alignment between traditional governance and modern anti-corruption laws.
The dialogue was marked by a candid and incisive exchange on how customs, traditions, and national law can coexist harmoniously without conflict.
Opening the engagement, the Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, explained that while the Commission is empowered by law to enforce compliance, recent reports and recurring misunderstandings necessitated proactive engagement with traditional leaders. “There are powers the law gives us,” he stated, “but the reports we receive at times prompt us to engage directly. Issues such as gifts, often rooted in tradition, and asset declaration obligations require clarity. That is why we considered it necessary to make this leadership visit, mindful of the reverence attached to the institution of chieftaincy.” He emphasized that enforcement without understanding creates tension, but public education builds cooperation.
Welcoming the Commission, the Chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs in Kono, PC Abu D. B. Soloko V of Toli Chiefdom, described the visit as both respectful and necessary. He noted that Paramount Chiefs exist to ensure law and order, preserve traditions, and maintain societal stability. However, he acknowledged that modern statutory laws sometimes appear to overlap or conflict with longstanding customs. “This visit is welcome because it helps us understand the national laws clearly, so that we do not find ourselves unintentionally in conflict with them,” he stated.
Adding the voice of local governance, the Chairman of the Kono District Council, Augustine Sheku, described leadership as a moral responsibility in times of societal strain. “If society disintegrates, we need people who will preserve our traditions and uphold order,” he remarked. He commended the Commissioner for what he described as remarkable anti-corruption reforms that have elevated Sierra Leone’s international standing.
He further highlighted the importance of collaboration between district councils and Paramount Chiefs, noting that government-created structures now provide platforms for joint problem-solving and governance coordination.
Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner of the ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala, reflected on the reform journey of the ACC. “President Bio appointed us to bring change, and with his support we have transformed how Sierra Leone performs on key governance indexes. Where we once performed poorly, we are now seeing measurable progress,” he said.
Turning specifically to asset declaration, the Commissioner clarified its purpose, stating that “Asset declaration simply means declaring what you have, your businesses and other interests, before and during service. Your positions are highly respected. Declaring assets is not a bad thing; it protects both you and the public.” He also addressed the sensitive issue of gifts, stating firmly that “the law is not against gifts. It is against conflict of interest.” He explained that transparency, not prohibition, is the cornerstone of the law’s approach, ensuring that traditional expressions of appreciation do not compromise impartial leadership.
Earlier, Senior District Officer William B. Ngegai expressed appreciation for the engagement, candidly acknowledging that misunderstandings frequently arise between traditional practices and statutory provisions, including the Anti-Corruption Act and aspects of the 2009 Chieftaincy Act. He urged for continued dialogue and refinement of laws where necessary, particularly where customary authority and modern legal frameworks intersect.
The engagement culminated in an insightful and interactive question-and-answer session, during which Paramount Chiefs sought clarification on real-life scenarios and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding integrity while preserving tradition.
With the conclusion of the Kono engagement, the ACC has successfully completed its Eastern Region tour, building a stronger bridge between customary authority and constitutional responsibility, and reinforcing the message that integrity strengthens both tradition and national development.
As the Commission moves forward to other regions, one theme that resonates clearly across Kailahun, Kenema, and Kono is that the fight against corruption is not a battle against tradition, it is a partnership to protect it.
