4. Page 4 The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is the most comprehensive international treaty against corruption. Articles 8 and 52 of the treaty urge each State Party to incorporate anti - corruption measures into its legal system to promote prevention, accountability, and transparency in public life. In compliance — and according to the World Bank ’ s Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR) — over 160 countries have introduced systems for public officials to declare their assets and interests. Sierra Leone is one such country, having made a committed deployment of this system — a real game changer. The country ’ s amended Anti - Corruption Act, 2019, explicitly provides for the declaration of income, assets, and liabilities of public officers under Section 119. Accordingly, all public officers in grade seven and above, and those in lower grades with fiduciary responsibilities, are required to comply. Over the years, the compliance rate has improved remarkably, particularly after the digitisation process began in 2017 and the full online regime was rolled out in 2022. For example, in 2022, the overall compliance rate was 95 per cent, and in 2024, 91.1 per cent. As compliance continues to rise, it is crucial to understand that asset disclosure is not merely a statutory requirement — and certainly not a perfunctory exercise. It is neither ‘ Ariogbo ’, a traditional masquerade believed to be imbued with powers to hunt down witches, wizards, and thieves. On the contrary, it is an accountability tool and a transformative strate- gy to protect public resources for the common good. Beyond filling in the asset form lies a critical test of integrity and pa tri- otism — the very fulcrum of the process. Consider this for a moment. You are a public officer seated before a computer with an open asset declaration form. Perhaps someone is beside you, providing assistance. The fundamental point to remember is that the process demands complete, factual, and truthful details — and that should never be discounted. At that moment, you figuratively become the writer of your own moral portrait, painting on the canvas of your job and civic obligations. What are you entering in the form, knowing that the choice of what you submit is yours alone, and that there are consequences? The temptation to falsify details or evade the process altogether must be resisted, for doing so subverts transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors. Besides, there are clear penalties for those who flout the requirements. Section 122(1) of the Act states that a public officer who, without valid reason, fails to declare their income , assets, and liabilities with the ACC, or deliberately submits misleading or false information, is liable to administrative sanctions — including, but not limited to, suspension, withholding of salary, or dismissal. Yet, compliance brings its own rewards. The system shields public officers from unfounded allegations of corruption and unjust seizure of property. A few years ago, a public officer named Samu (pseudonym) served as a finance officer in a public institution. A lone son, he inherited a house worth one billion Leones from his late father. Samu duly registered his lawful property after his father ’ s passing. Shortly afterwards, however, his uncle accused him of acquiring unexplained wealth. When an investigation was launched, it was found that Samu had declared his inherited property, supported by legal documents. Put another way, asset declaration helps public officers demonstrate that their wealth is derived from lawful sources such as inheritance or private - sector work — not from illicit activity. Moreover, compliance with this globally recognised anti - corruption measure demonstrates a commitment to integrity and good governance. It strengthens public trust between declarants and citizens: if you can honestly and consistently declare your assets, you can serve with what I call patriotic candour. As previously noted, and at this juncture, it is also worth reiterating — asset declaration is anchored in honesty. It compels public officers to choose between self - interest and public duty. Every public office is a platform to serve citizens who, inturn, demand transparency, accountability, and results. Public officers are therefore expected to meet those expectations by candidly disclosing their income, assets, and liabilities to the ACC: within three months of assuming office, every two years thereafter, and upon leaving office. In brief, Sierra Leone has firmly aligned itself with international instruments such as the UNCAC, demonstrating its commitment to the global fight against corruption. The adoption of an asset declaration regime in law is a testament to this resolve — a measure designed to strengthen accountability and transparency in public service. The impressive compliance levels are the result of the dedicated work of the ACC ’ s Asset Declaration Unit and its Public Education and Outreach Department. By Aiah P. M. Sourie, Head, External Outreach, (ACC)

3. Page 3 North - West Regional Director of the ACC Zainab Othman delivering a statement During the engagement at the Maforki Agricultural Islamic School The Public Education and Outreach Unit of the Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC) North - West office, between 6 and 10 October 2025, preached integrity messages to teachers and pupils of Maforki Agricultural Islamic, Free Pentecostal Academy, and Johanna Kuyvanhoven Model Secondary Schools in Port Loko City during successive Meet - the - School Campaigns. Informed by the principle of ‘ catching them young ’, Meet - the - School Campaign is ACC ’ s strategy to instill values such as integrity, hard work, transparency, and accountability in pupils. While they are still teens, they pupils need support to acquire acceptable conduct that would help them progress in school and prepare for future leadership. In her statements during the interactive engagements, ACC North West Regional Director Zainab Othman urged the teachers to commit to professional ethics and support the pupils to develop their potentials. She underscored the role of the school in shaping the behaviour and attitude of pupils, and assured the schools that the ACC would always support them to fight against corruption. The Director also stressed that integrity should be the cornerstone of every public body including learning institutions. She said, ‘ Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching you. It is a decision you take to refrain from doing anything that would negatively affect the effective running of your school and, by extension, the country. ’ Md. Othman urged the teachers and pupils to uphold integrity as its absence, she warned, would open the door of abuse and moral decline. She sternly warned the schools to abstained from examination malpractice, sex for grades, bribery, extortion, absenteeism, truancy, and awkward dressing. According to her, these improper conducts undermine learning goals and distort pupils ’ potentials. Admonishing the teachers to handle pupils professionally, Madam Othman remarked that passing public examinations in flying colours is not the only thing that matters, as the moral development of pupils is also an important consideration to make education worthwhile. ‘ The pupils should be taught to think critical and behave well as part of shaping their personality, ’ she said . Senior Public Education Officer, Samuel Junisa Sankoh, and Public Education Officer, Mohamed Thullah also made salient contributions during the campaigns. They explained, in turn, some corruption offences in the Anti - Corruption Act of 2008 (amended 2019): Offering, Soliciting and Accepting Advantage, Abuse of Office and Position, Misappropriation of Public Funds and Property, Misappropriation of Donor Funds and Property, Failure to Declare Assets, and Acquisition of Unexplained Wealth amongst others. They disclosed that anyone guilty of each of the offences mentioned shall be liable to a minimum fine of Le 50000 or a minimum prison term of five years, upon conviction. The convict may pay the fine and serve the prison term. The teachers and pupils were urged to report corruption to the ACC in person under anonymity, or write a letter to ACC's Regional Offices or Headquarters, or call the following toll - free lines: 077 985 985 or 077 986 986 or 8515 for all mobile networks.

2. Page 2 T he Deputy Director of the Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC) ’ s Public Education and Outreach Department, Sylvanus Blake, called on freshmen of the Law Department of IMATT College to desist from all forms of corrupt practices and uphold the highest required standards. He was speaking on Thursday, 9 th October 2025, while addressing staff and first - year law students of the college, during their orientation ceremony held at the college ’ s Kingtom campus. In his powerful and motivating speech on the importance of upholding integrity in both academic and personal life, Mr. Blake started off by thanking the Administration of the IMATT College for their partnership with the ACC in promoting integrity and transparency in the education sector, which includes but not limited to the establishment of an Integrity Club on campus with the objective of instilling integrity in students. “ The law profession is one that thrives best on the shoulders of integrity and discipline. You all should know this, and be committed to doing your very best from the outset. That is the only route to becoming a lawyer. I urge you all to study hard, conform to the rules and regulations of this institution, and above all, uphold your integrity. Always do what is right even when it is hard to do and even when no one is watching you, ’’ he stated. Mr Blake encouraged the students to study hard and adhere to established rules and regulations in pursuit of their dreams to become lawyers. He went on to remind them that the law profession is an enviable one that does not compromise the core values of integrity, discipline and justice. He made reference to Section 128(3) of the Anti - Corruption Act 2008 (amended 2019), which criminalizes all forms of educational malpractice as a full - blown corruption offence that carries serious penalties, including a five - year jail term, a fine of 50,000 Leones, or both. He emphasized that examination malpractices do not only undermine the credibility of education but also affect national development. He cautioned both students and lecturers to stay away from practices that may constitute corruption, as the ACC remains undeterred in addressing all allegations of corruption, regardless of who is involved. Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Director of the IMATT College, Amadu Justice Bah, welcomed the new students and took them through the institution ’ s regulations designed to protect both students and lecturers. He stated that, at IMATT College, they always strive to do what is right. He assured the students that the Administration prioritizes fairness, justice, and equal rights. He underscored that the Administration had a zero - tolerance approach to all forms of examination malpractices and maintains an open, fair, and verifiable examination grading procedure. ACC ’ s Public Education Officer and popular comedian, Shaka Kamara alia Yemata, entertained the jam - packed hall with motivational performances that demonstrated the importance of ethical behavior, transparency, accountability, discipline, and hard work. His performance brought excitement and laughter to the audience, reinforcing the message that integrity must be practised in every aspect of life. Deputy Director of Public Education Department, Sylvanus Blake, making his statement Audience at the Orientation By Shaka Kamara, Pubic Education Officer, ACC Shaka Kamara, Public Education Officer, ACC

1. Contd. Page 4 11 Mobile No: 8515 on all Networks EDITORIAL TEA M EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Aiah P. M. Sourie EDITORS Sylvanus Blake Alex A. Bah LAYOUT & GRAPHICS Philippa M Davies EDITORIAL ADVISERS Augustine Foday Ngobie Patrick Sandi Abubakarr Turay 6th — 10 th October 2025 ISSUE 3, VOLUME 17 ACC and ASSL staff after the Engagement As a demonstration of the Anti - Corruption Commission ’ s commitment to strengthening ties with other accountability institutions, the Commission ’ s southern region office on Thursday, 9 th October 2025, engaged staff of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) in Bo at the ASSL Conference Room, Stock Road, Reservation in Bo. ACC ’ s Senior Public Education Officer, Abdulai Saccoh, said that the engagement was intended to move the already existing partnership between the two institutions to another tier, and to also draw the attention of the ASSL staff to some practices that tend to compromise the integrity of their work. Saccoh encouraged them to always put the country's interest first and serve with distinction and loyalty. He also admonished the ASSL staff not to engage in any unlawful practices that would breach public trust and expose the institution to ridicule. He reminded the participants of the consequences of corruption offences – which may be a minimum fine of Le50,000 or a minimum five - year prison term, or both such fine and term. “ I therefore encourage you to serve diligently because your action today determines the future of this country, ” he concluded. In his statement, ACC ’ s Public Education Officer, Mohamed A. Kabba, acknowledged the pivotal support ASSL continues to provide to the Commission through sharing pertinent information. He said that when staff of ASSL who are supposed to be guardians of public resources are compromised then the entire system will collapse. Kabba highlighted that soliciting bribe, falsifying documents, suppressing evidence, disclosing sensitive audit findings, fraud, and conflict of interest involving ASSL resources can erode the institution's ethical foundation. He called on the administration to implement mandatory peer review exercises, especially in high - risk areas, before the commencement of every new audit year to help guard the staff against audit dilemmas. Public Education Officer, David Garrick, affirmed that the engagement was in tandem with the Commission ’ s strategic approach to promote the pillars of integrity, so that public officers can be empowered to stand against corruption. Garrick recognized that fighting corruption should not be seen as the business of the ACC alone, but rather as the civic responsibility of all citizens. He therefore encouraged the ASSL staff to take pride in doing the correct thing at all times and have the courage to expose the corrupt. Earlier, Assistant Auditor General, South, Amos Belden Ngakui stated that ASSL has the mandate to audit central and local government, public enterprises, the central bank, state - owned commercial banks, and other state - owned financial corporations. Mr. Ngakui appreciated the Commission's public awareness drive, which he said would help to demystify the work of the ACC. He called on his colleagues to always adhere to the ASSL code of ethics. A question - and - answer session formed part of the engagement . Meeting in progress