By: Patrick Hinga George, Public Education Officer – ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has continued its proactive engagement with public institutions by meeting with In-Charges of Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) in Kenema District on Wednesday, 11th February 2026. The engagement took place during the PHUs’ quarterly meeting and forms part of the Commission’s ongoing customised outreach to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Addressing the gathering, the ACC Eastern Regional Director, covering Kenema and Kailahun districts, Hawanatu O. Kamara, reassured participants that the Commission’s presence was not triggered by any specific allegation of corruption, but a routine activity designed to strengthen collaboration, deepen understanding of corruption-related issues, and promote integrity in public service.
Madam Kamara noted that corruption has significantly undermined national development and eroded public trust in institutions. She emphasized that the health sector, being a critical service delivery arm of government, must remain vigilant and committed to transparency and accountability.
“This is a customised meeting,” she stated, “aimed at engaging you, raising awareness about corruption offences, and guiding you as you discharge your responsibilities to the people of Sierra Leone.”
She further informed the In-Charges that the Commission will soon commence unannounced monitoring visits across the district under an initiative dubbed ‘Operation Meets the Health Facilities’. The operation, she explained, is intended to assess compliance levels, monitor service delivery standards, and ensure that government resources, especially Free Health Care drugs are properly utilized for the benefit of citizens.
The In-Charges were strongly advised to ensure the proper management and utilization of Free Health Care drugs and other medical supplies. The Regional Director warned against practices such as absenteeism, neglect of patients, and engagement in private business activities during official working hours while still receiving government salaries. Such acts, she cautioned, amount to corruption offences and would not be tolerated.
Earlier, Senior Public Education Officer, Edward Blake, explained that the Commission’s visit was friendly and preventive in nature. He described corruption as a “national enemy” that has ravaged Sierra Leone and continues to hinder socio-economic progress.
He encouraged the health officials to use the engagement as an opportunity for open, frank, and sincere dialogue with the Commission. “The fight against corruption is a national one,” Mr. Blake stressed, “and it requires the cooperation of every Sierra Leonean if we are to win.”
Providing legal insights, Investigation Officer Andrew Komeh highlighted key corruption offences under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008, as amended in 2019. He elaborated on offences such as misappropriation of public funds and property, abuse of office, abuse of position, and other related violations, as well as their corresponding penalties.
Additionally, Public Education Officer Patrick Hinga George reminded the PHU In-Charges of their obligation to declare assets as required by law. He also provided the Commission’s official toll-free lines of 077985985 / 077986986 / 8515 for reporting suspected acts of corruption.
