By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC
The Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Augustine Foday Ngobie, on Thursday, 26th June 2025, led the Commission's Advisory Board to the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for a strategic engagement aimed at addressing corruption within the force, especially as contained in the just-released Afrobarometer survey report. The engagement took place at the Senior Officers’ Mess, Kingtom in Freetown.
Mr. Ngobie expressed appreciation to the Inspector General for warmly receiving the Commission and its Advisory Board, reaffirming the vital role of the SLP as partners in the national fight against corruption. He noted that the seven-member Advisory Board had requested, during one of its sittings, to engage key institutions in the fight against graft, among them is the police force.
“We have been working collaboratively with the Police and wish to ensure such synergy continues. We are particularly interested in learning what actions the Police are undertaking to address corruption within the institution,” he said.
A Board Member, Joshua Nicol, commended the police for improvements highlighted in the Afrobarometer report. He cited positive public perceptions with 72% of citizens expressing satisfaction with the police’s capacity to provide security, while 64% affirmed their capacity to reduce crime. However, he raised concern over citizens’ perceptions that 73% of “most police” are corrupt, warning that such public sentiments risk undermining their efforts and achievements.
Mr Nicol recommended integrating the ACC into training programs for police recruits and conducting periodic capacity-building engagements.
Responding, the Inspector General, William Fayia Sellu, welcomed the engagement and reiterated his force’s commitment to combating corruption. He pointed to existing reforms such as the setting up of Integrity Management Committees (IMC) within the force, and emphasized the need for the committees to become more effective in all 38 police divisions across the country.
“We are not pleased with reports that paint us as corrupt. We are committed to cleaning our image and strengthening our integrity systems, hence, your support and partnership is key,” he assured.
He made proposals for joint workshops, inclusion of ACC in muster parades, and the development of a work plan with timelines to formalize the collaboration.
Also speaking, Director of Crime Services, AIG Richard P.G. Roberts, called for broader consideration of systemic issues, including enforcement gaps, such as situations where suspects with confessional statements are later released, putting officers at risk. He also emphasized equal accountability for both bribe-givers and receivers.
The
meeting concluded with a joint resolution to capacitate police officers in
anti-corruption issues through workshops and talks during muster parades.
