The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Kono Regional Office, on Friday, 21st August 2026, engaged staff of the Ministries of Social Welfare and Gender and Children’s Affairs in Koidu City, Kono District, on integrity, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their mandates.The engagement comes amid growing concerns over high-profile cases of sexual and gender-based violence involving children in the district, some resulting in fatalities, and highlighted the critical role of both ministries in protecting vulnerable persons and supporting the administration of justice.
In his presentation, ACC Kono Regional Director, Andrew Demby Esq., described social welfare, gender and children’s affairs as fundamental human rights issues central to social justice and human dignity. He urged staff to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, impartiality and accountability, particularly when dealing with vulnerable groups.
Mr. Demby noted that the mandates of the two ministries expose them to corruption risks, including the diversion or misuse of government and donor funds intended for vulnerable persons, as well as possible collusion with partners to circumvent laws and frustrate justice.
He therefore cautioned staff against violating their own policies or provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended in 2019, particularly in the management of funds for persons with disabilities, probation and rehabilitation services, and programmes supporting children, women and other vulnerable groups.“Corruption affects human dignity, safety and lives,” he stressed, adding that “a corrupt decision taken, for instance, in a child protection system can have consequences that cannot be measured in Leones.”
The Regional Director cited the ministries’ role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of drug victims as an example of the far-reaching consequences of corruption. He noted that the misuse of funds intended for such interventions could undermine rehabilitation efforts and exacerbate drug-related social challenges in Kono.Mr. Demby also reminded staff of the statutory requirement for public officers to declare their assets. He noted that the Commission had provided additional opportunities following the official closure of the 2026 declaration window and cautioned that failure to comply with the requirement could attract sanctions.
Public Education Officer, Patricia Sannoh, also introduced the Commission’s newly formulated Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations, assuring participants of mechanisms designed to protect persons who provide information on corruption from persecution and other forms of interference.
Responding to the engagement, Assistant Director of Social Welfare, Naomi Conteh, and Senior Protection Officer at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Abubakarr Kanu, commended the ACC for the presentation, describing it as insightful and useful in helping staff understand and remain within the limits of their mandates.
