The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) North-West Region has conducted a series of engagements in Karene District aimed at strengthening public participation in the fight against corruption, promoting accountability, and enhancing compliance with the Asset Declaration regime.
The engagements, which took place from 3rd to 4th June 2026 in Kamakwie and surrounding communities, targeted public officials, community stakeholders, traders, commercial bike riders, drivers, market women, teachers, pupils and representatives of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
At the Karene District Council, the Commission held a customized stakeholder engagement and online Asset Declaration training for officials of the Council and representatives of MDAs. Participants were sensitized on the importance of compliance with the Asset Declaration regime and the role of public officers in promoting transparency and accountability in public service.
Welcoming the engagement, Chairman of the Karene District Council, Abdul Kandeh Turay, commended the Commission for bringing its anti-corruption messages closer to local institutions, while Council Administrator, Lahai J. Makavoray, reiterated the need for public officials to comply with asset declaration requirements.
The Commission also held a community engagement at the Sella Limba Court Barray of Regent Chief, Pa Alimamy Mallay Konteh, where residents highlighted concerns ranging from illegal mining and abuse of office to delays in government projects, immigration-related challenges and other governance issues affecting service delivery in the district.
Responding to the concerns raised, North-West Regional Director, Zainab Othman, assured community members that issues falling within the Commission's mandate would be appropriately addressed, while matters outside its jurisdiction would be referred to relevant institutions through existing collaborative frameworks. She encouraged citizens to report corruption and assured them of confidentiality and protection.
As part of its preventive mandate, the Commission monitored the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at Kamakwie Wesleyan Secondary School Centre and St. Paul's Senior Secondary School, Kamalo. The examination centres were observed to be calm and orderly, with no reported incidents.
The Commission further engaged pupils and teachers through its Meet the Schools Campaign, where messages on integrity, accountability and ethical conduct were shared. School authorities were encouraged to establish Integrity Clubs as a means of promoting anti-corruption values among young people.
The outreach also included a courtesy engagement with the Kamakwie Police Division and a radio discussion on Radio Okentu 90.4 FM, during which listeners were encouraged to support the fight against corruption by reporting corrupt practices to the Commission.
