As the Anti-Corruption Commission’s continue the drive to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in the operations of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) its Public Education and Outreach Unit in Kono on Tuesday 18th November, 2025 held a successful customized sensitization meeting with staff of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) at their District Office in Koidu City.
In declaring the purpose of the customized engagement, the Acting Regional Director Kono, Andrew Demby referred to Section 7 (1) (a) of the ACC Act 2008 as amended in 2019, which mandates the Commission to take all necessary steps as may be necessary for the prevention, eradication or suppression of corruption or corrupt practices in the nation.
He stated that the meeting was to discuss policy issues around the operations of the Authority and to foster collaboration aimed at minimizing corruption prevalence in their daily operations. He posited that in the operations of the SLSRA there is a nexus between effective and unhindered service delivery on the one hand and increased revenue generation on the other. Director Demby referred to the Commission as not a witch-hunt entity but one that is determined to ensure quality service delivery by all public bodies in line with her vision: ‘’ to have a corrupt free Sierra Leone where the socio economic needs of its citizens are met.’’
The Director however expressed serious concerns reaching the Commission over the improper conduct of certain staff of the SLRSA who solicit and accept advantage from commuters and other customers as a proviso for service delivery. Acts like this and many others, he said were not only unacceptable but also punishable by law. He however informed his audience about the Commission’s open door policy for effective collaboration and assured them of ACC’s commitment to working with SLRSA and other MDAs in putting systems in place to mitigate graft in their operations.
In his presentation, the Senior Public Education Officer Sam P. Gogra stressed the need for strategic alliance in the fight against corruption, as its negative effect on the nation were enormous and devastating. He referred to the Commission as an impartial, transparent, credible, and accountable institution that is making remarkable gains in the fight against corruption. He exemplified the strides that the Commission continues to make ranging from robust public education campaigns, systems reviews done in MDAs, creation of Citizens Service Delivery Charters, Income Assets and Liability declaration exercise, the recovery of millions of Leones and other physical properties from persons found culpable of corruption over the years. Gogra informed the audience about the nation’s 71 percent score in the control of corruption indicator of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) FY 2026 Scorecard recently released as a testament of the Commission’s unwavering efforts in the fight against corruption.
He further re-echoed some complaints and other unacceptable practices raised by the public including the delays and harassment of drivers and bike riders at checkpoints in the district, undue delays in receiving licenses and number plates among others after all necessary processes are completed and urged the management to address the issues so as to regain the public’s confidence.
Highlighting some corruption related offences in the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 as amended in 2019 that may be committed by public officers, Gogra mentioned bribery, misappropriation of donor/public funds and resources, abuse of office, abuse of position, conflict of interest etc, underscoring that the penalties for offenders include fines, jail terms and or both. He informed his audience of the various methods of reporting graft to the Commission and the protection and possible benefits provided for informants and whistle-blowers.
In his contribution, the Head of Station SLRSA Kono, Eric A. Sam applauded the ACC Team for the interactive discussion, which he said, was timely, educative, and helpful. He stated that most of their products and services have now been decentralized to reduce delays and unnecessary bureaucracies to prompt service delivery. He however expressed his commitment on behalf of his staff to support the Commission in the ongoing fight against corruption.
