By: Patrick Hinga George
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Eastern Regional Office’s Prevention and Public Education Units on the 30th January, 2025, engaged Paramount Chiefs together with chiefdom authorities in Blama and Kandu in the Small Bo and Leppiama chiefdoms respectively, in Kenema District, on the judicious use of Diamond Area Chiefdom Development Fund.
Explaining the purpose of the meeting, ACC’s Prevention Officer, Abibatu Abu Matia said the team’s visits was to enlighten and educate the authorities on what constitutes chiefdom development funds, how they should be allocated, and the importance of tracking their usage to promote real community development. The Prevention Officer emphasized that the goal of the engagement was not only to inform but also to ensure that the funds are utilized properly and with integrity.
The engagement, according to Mrs. Abu Matia is seen as a crucial step in fostering a culture of transparency and accountability among local authorities, ensuring that funds allocated for community development projects are judiciously used on the intended purpose and/or reach the right and intended beneficiaries.
ACC’s Public Education Officer (PEO), Patrick Hinga George, took the opportunity to explain key corruption offences such as, the misappropriation of public funds, abuse of office, abuse of position, corrupt acquisition of wealth, possession of unexplained wealth and conflict of interest, among others.
He explained the damaging effects of corruption and emphasized that such practices do not only impede sustainable development and hinder the progress of communities relying on these funds for vital projects, but also hugely undermine the peace and stability of the entire country, referencing the scars of the 11 years civil war.
Mr. George concluded by highlighting the corresponding penalties that relate to the conviction of any for a commission; a minimum fine of five thousand (new) Leones, five-year imprisonment and/or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the Judge.
He his submission, the ACC Regional Manager, ACC, Eastern Region, Peter Baio Kamara, dilated on the issue of high local court fines, cautioning the chiefdom authorities about their responsibilities in adhering to legal frameworks, referencing Sierra Leone’s Local Government Act of 2022 (as amended).
The Manager further reminded the chiefs that the local courts do not have jurisdiction to preside over serious offences and advised them to always transfer all such offences to the appropriate Courts.
The meeting was warmly received by both the Regent and Paramount Chiefs Ishmeal M.S. Koroma and Theresa Vibbie of Blama Small Bo and Kandu Leppiama chiefdoms respectively as a timely and crucial step in ensuring the effective monitoring and proper use of funds meant for community progress.
The two chiefs welcomed the ACC's initiative, noting that the visit was timely and vital for monitoring the use of community development funds. They expressed their commitment to ensuring that the funds are used solely for the benefit of their communities, in line with the principles of good governance and accountability.
The ACC’s ongoing efforts to promote ethical leadership and combat corruption continue to play a vital role in strengthening public trust and advancing sustainable development across the country.
An interactive question and answer session formed part of the engagement.
