By: Patrick Hinga George, Public Education Officer, Anti-Corruption Commission
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Eastern Regional Office in Kenema, on Monday, 16th March 2026, joined the leadership of the Kenema Government Hospital (KGH) to officially launch the Hospital Service Charter, a major step aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and quality service delivery in the public health sector.
The Service Charter serves as a public commitment by the hospital to provide efficient, professional, and transparent healthcare services while clearly outlining the services available from the hospital with their various costs attached.
Speaking at the event, the ACC Regional Director, Hawanatu O. Kamara, spoke on the importance of the Service Charter as a vital tool for strengthening transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
She stated that the initiative is in line with the Commission’s mandate to take all necessary steps to prevent and combat corruption in public institutions across Sierra Leone.
“Service Charters are important instruments for promoting transparency and accountability in public institutions. They clearly spell out the services citizens should expect and their various costs that institutions must uphold,” she said.
She further noted that the establishment and public display of Service Charters by public institutions also align with a presidential directive requiring all service-providing institutions to develop and erect charters that promote openness, efficiency, and accountability.
The ACC Regional Director commended the management of the Kenema Government Hospital for embracing the initiative and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting institutions in strengthening systems that promote integrity and improve service delivery.
“When institutions clearly state their available services alongside costs and commitments to the public, it reduces opportunities for corruption and enhances public trust in government institutions,” she added.
From a prevention standpoint, the ACC’s Prevention Officer, Abiebatu Abu-Mattia emphasized that the development and erection of the Service Charter at Kenema Government Hospital is a critical corruption prevention measure designed to strengthen transparency and accountability in the delivery of healthcare services. The officer noted that by clearly outlining the available services with costs attached, the charter reduces ambiguity in service provision and helps minimize opportunities for corrupt practices within the hospital system.
She further stated that the ACC worked closely with the management of the Hospital throughout the development process to ensure that the charter reflects practical prices of the services available and as well ensure institutional commitments. According to the officer, Service Charters empower citizens with the information they need to demand quality services while also guiding public officials to adhere to ethical and professional standards, thereby contributing to the broader national effort to prevent corruption and promote integrity in public service delivery in Sierra Leone.
The Medical Superintendent, Dr. Abdul Tejan Jalloh, expressed appreciation to the ACC for facilitating the development of the Service Charter, describing the initiative as a significant step toward improving healthcare delivery at the facility.
He further noted that the charter will guide staff in delivering professional and ethical services while also empowering patients with the knowledge of what is financially required when accessing healthcare services. He reaffirmed commitment to ensuring that the services and costs outlined in the charter are upheld.
