By: Patrick Hinga George, Public Education Officer, ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Kenema Regional Office, on 3rd September 2025, engaged personnel of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in Kailahun District during their morning muster parade as part of its two-day outreach campaign. The session brought together the rank-and-file of the SLP with the aim of reinforcing discipline, promoting integrity, and discouraging practices that compromise the credibility of the police force. The engagement highlighted the critical role of law enforcement officers as key partners in the fight against corruption.
Addressing the officers, the Kenema Regional Director of the ACC, Hawanatu O. Kamara, reminded them that their duty as law enforcers demands the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and integrity. She cautioned officers against corrupt practices such as bribery at checkpoints, extortion of motorists, abuse of office, delay of files under investigation, etc, noting that these can erode public trust and undermine the rule of law. Madam Kamara urged the officers to view themselves as custodians of justice and national security, emphasizing that a corrupt-free police service is essential for peace and development.
Madam Kamara further challenged the officers to resist corruption in all its forms, stressing that their daily conduct either strengthens or weakens public confidence in the police. She encouraged them to lead by example, uphold patriotism, and remain committed to serving with honor and fairness. Her call inspired the officers to reflect on their responsibilities as role models whose conducts can directly influence societal attitudes toward integrity and accountability.
Public Education Officer, Patrick Hinga George, spoke on the dangers of corruption within the security sector. He explained that acts like soliciting bribes or shielding offenders compromise the rule of law, etc, can embolden criminals and undermine national security. Mr. George urged officers to reject corrupt offers, report misconducts, and make use of the ACC’s confidential reporting mechanisms, assuring them of the Commission’s commitment to collaborate with the police in addressing institutional challenges.
Corruption Prevention Officer, Abiebatu Abu-Mattia, emphasized the need for embedding preventive mechanisms within the operations of the police service, to combat corruption and other vices sustainably. She highlighted the importance of strict internal monitoring, transparent disciplinary procedures, and proper supervision to minimize unethical behavior and promote service delivery. She further encouraged leadership to strengthen accountability through regular audits, training sessions, and adherence to established codes of conduct, noting that robust systems make it harder for corruption to thrive and help rebuild public confidence in the force.
ACC’s Investigation Officer, Andrew Komeh, spoke on some of the provisions in the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 as amended in 2019 and their implications. He outlined offenses such as bribery, abuse of office, abuse of position, misappropriation, and soliciting or accepting an advantage, etc, stressing that these carry strict penalties including fines, and or imprisonment, and dismissal from public service. Mr. Komeh reminded the officers that no one is above the law and that ignorance of the law offers no protection. He assured them, however, that the ACC remains a partner in ensuring compliance and was always available to provide guidance when needed.
In his response, the Local Unit Commander of the Kailahun Police Division, Mr. Thaimu B. Sesay, thanked the ACC team for the timely engagement and acknowledged the temptations officers often face as front-line enforcers. He pledged his command’s commitment to rooting out malpractices and working closely with the ACC to uphold integrity, restore public confidence, and maintain trust in the Sierra Leone Police.
