By: Alhaji A. K. Bangura, Senior Communications Officer, ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on 23rd January, 2025 engaged freshmen of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) – University of Sierra Leone, during the second day of the institution’s orientation ceremony held at the Ekundayo Building, Tower Hill, Freetown
Representing the ACC, Public Relations Assistant Alex A. Bah emphasized the crucial role of young people in combating corruption. He outlined how academic malpractices, including exam leakages, sex-for-grades, bribery, and falsified certificates, undermine education and impede national development. Citing Section 128 (3) of the Anti-Corruption Amendment Act of 2019, Mr. Bah warned that such offences, upon conviction, carry severe penalties, including fines of 50,000 (New) Leones or a minimum jail term of five years or both such fine and jail term.
“Integrity in education forms the bedrock of national growth. By avoiding corrupt practices, you protect your future and contribute to Sierra Leone’s progress,” he advised. He further encouraged students to report any corrupt activities to institutional authorities or the ACC directly.
Alhaji A. K. Bangura, Senior Communications Officer, ACC, commended IPAM’s administration for the proactive measures such as installation of CCTV cameras to ensure integrity in the exams. He urged the students to cultivate the culture of merit and ethical behavior, adding that “corruption in education undermines institutional credibility, weakens human capital, and deprives the nation of effective leadership. Education is the greatest equalizer, and by adhering to ethical practices, you empower yourselves to break cycles of poverty and inequality.”
Mr. Bangura also shared the ACC’s reporting hotlines of 077-985985, 077-986986 and 8515 (Africel) and encouraged the students to report any suspected instances of corruption while at the same time discouraged them from making false reports, which he also stated constitutes an offence under the Act.
The engagement concluded with a strong call to action for students to embrace accountability and integrity.
During the question-and-answer session, the students pledged to uphold the “3-R” principles: Resist, Reject, and Report corruption.
