By: Aiah P. M. Sourie, Head of Outreach Unit ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone has participated in the official opening ceremony of a seminar on Identifying and Monitoring Corrupt Practices in Beijing, China.
The seminar, which runs from 23rd June to 6th July 2026, officially commenced at the 9th Conference Room of the Fenghui Hotel in Fengtai District, Beijing. It is sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and organized by the International Cooperation Centre of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the ACC delegation, Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie expressed appreciation to the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, and the International Cooperation Centre of the NDRC for inviting 35 staff of the Commission to participate in the specialized training on corruption prevention and monitoring strategies.
Mr. Ngobie described the programme as timely and reflective of the enduring bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and China, noting that the two countries have, over the years, built a partnership founded on "mutual respect, deep trust and shared aspirations." He acknowledged China's continued support to Sierra Leone's development in key sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and education.
Highlighting Sierra Leone's anti-corruption progress since 2018, the Deputy Commissioner outlined key reforms undertaken by the Commission, including the strengthening of the legal framework with stiffer penalties for corruption offences, the implementation of compulsory asset declaration for public officials, political appointees and elected officials, prosecution of corruption suspects in absentia, and the ongoing implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028.
"We consider this training a strategic opportunity to learn from China's wealth of experience, adopt best practices and acquire practical skills that will further strengthen our collective national effort to combat corruption," Mr. Ngobie stated. He also underscored the importance of leveraging emerging technologies to enhance corruption prevention and control in Sierra Leone.
Welcoming participants, Song Guoxuan, Director of the Industry Division at the International Cooperation Centre of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, quoted the ancient Chinese saying that it is "a great joy to have friends coming from afar."
He warmly welcomed the ACC delegation and expressed confidence that the seminar would deepen mutual understanding, facilitate the exchange of experiences, and strengthen cooperation between China and Sierra Leone.
Mr. Song described the seminar as more than a training programme, saying it provides a valuable platform for building lasting partnerships and sharing practical approaches to strengthening anti-corruption systems. He emphasized that an "incorruptible and effective government" is fundamental to national development and the well-being of citizens, while highlighting China's significant achievements in combating corruption.
"There is never an upper limit in the fight against corruption," he said, adding that China remains committed to investigating and prosecuting corruption at all levels of government through its supervisory and auditing mechanisms.
Mr. Song further commended Sierra Leone's demonstrated commitment to fighting corruption, noting that the Deputy Commissioner's presentation reflected the country's strong resolve to promote integrity, accountability and effective governance.
He assured participants that the seminar would expose them to China's anti-corruption systems, supervisory procedures, investigative techniques, evidence collection methods and other practical experiences, while creating new avenues for continued cooperation between participating institutions.
The opening ceremony also featured an introductory lecture on China's geography, economic development and current challenges, as well as an orientation on basic Chinese language for social interaction.
