By: Martina George, Public Education Officer, ACC
Students from the Department of Political Science, Fourah Bay College, have delivered a research presentation at the headquarters of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Freetown, highlighting the critical role of public education in combating corruption.
The session, held on the 28th April, 2026, at the Conference Room Integrity House, Tower Hill Freetown, brought together students, lecturers, and ACC officials for an engaging exchange of ideas. The presentation formed part of the students’ “Methods of Political Research” course and focused on the impact of awareness campaigns on citizen participation in anti-corruption efforts.
Titled “How Do Public Education and Sensitization Campaigns Conducted by the Anti-Corruption Commission Impact the Rate of Citizen Reporting of Bribery in Public Service Delivery within the Western Area?”, the research was conducted by Year Three Political Science students of Fourah Bay College.
The study examined how sensitization campaigns carried out by the ACC influence citizens’ willingness to report bribery in public service delivery across the Western Area. Findings revealed that increased public education has contributed to a gradual rise in citizen reporting of corrupt practices. However, the students also identified persistent challenges, including fear of retaliation, limited trust in reporting systems, and inadequate access to reporting channels in some communities.
Coordinator of Operations at the ACC, Patrick Sandi, welcomed the presentation and commended the students for the depth of their research and the practicality of their recommendations. He noted that the Commission is keen on exploring innovative approaches to enhance public education, including maximizing the use of new media platforms such as social media and artificial intelligence through engaging tools like animations.
He further stated that the ACC views such research as valuable material to inform and strengthen its public education strategies, particularly in understanding public perception of its work and identifying areas for improvement. Whilst acknowledging the relevance of many of the students’ recommendations, he clarified that some proposals, such as calls for legal enforcement of whistleblower protection, are already being addressed, noting that the ACC has enacted a whistleblower and witness protection regulations.
Lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Joseph Nylander, who led the student team, described the engagement as a significant step in bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world governance.
Earlier, the Acting Head of the Public Relations Unit at the ACC, Alex A. Bah, whilst charing welcomed the students and commended the Department of Political Science for providing them with the opportunity to engage directly with government institutions. He noted that such interactions are vital in promoting experiential learning and bridging theory with practice.
He further emphasized that Political Science, as a social science, must actively engage with real societal challenges such as corruption, stressing that it is encouraging to see students taking keen interest in researching the issue and putting forward practical recommendations to tackle the scourge.
The engagement concluded with the presentation of the Report to the ACC and the Director equally presented them Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials a gesture reinforcing the recognized role of research and youth engagement in advancing anti-corruption efforts nationwide.
