3. Page 3 T he Anti - Corruption Corruption (ACC) has drawn the attention of the Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs (MoGCA) to how corruption is a threat to creating space for women to access power and resources. The Commission sounded the alert in a Customized Meeting with officials of the Ministry at its Field Road office in Makeni on 13 th of March, a National Women’s History Month to celebrate and honour the efforts and achievements of women. Delivering a statement at the meeting, Senior Public Education Officer, Aiah Sourie, gave an overview of milestones the country has achieved since it ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1988. He cited prominent Rights Groups, like the 50/50 Group established in 2000, which lobbied successfully for 30 per cent female political seats. The Officer further noted that Three Gender Acts were passed between 2007 and 2008 as follows: The Domestic Violence Act, The Devolution of Estate Act, and The Registration of Customary Marriage and Divorce Act. And in 2022, Mr. Sourie added, Parliament passed the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act with strong mandates to grant women 30 percent political participation, equal access to pay, financial support, and training opportunities, amongst other MoGCA and ACC officials after the meeting things. While he identified these significant efforts to empower women, the officer pointed out that social and cultural structures still remain unmoved in the way of women’s upward mobility. “To date, women face more challenges to reach opportunities than their male counterparts, who play meaningful roles in decision - making bodies both in the public and private sectors.” The existing barriers to women’s growth and development are worsened by corruption not least in the public sector, where most women encounter difficulty in accessing reproductive health services, education, training, and justice, for example. Corrupt public officers, the anti - graft officer explained, pressure women to pay bribes even for services they deserve and are entitled to. In the event women cannot pay bribes, officials sexually extort them and in some instances the women pay bribes in both cash and sex. “The sex part of this kind of corruption is gender - specific, and it is sad to note that female low - income earners are more susceptible to such exploitation than empowered women,” Sourie averred. He suggested to the MoGCA officials to establish a special anti - corruption desk at the Ministry that would be responsible to look into matters of sexual exploitation of women in public life and work in collaboration with the ACC to seek redress for the victims, adding that the Ministry should also work with and encourage organisations with mandate on the rights of women in the Northern Region. In his contribution, Ibrahim Bangura, Legal Clerk, ACC, decried extorting women sexually as it is a breach of Sections 42 (Abuse of Office) and 43 (Abuse of Position) of the 2008 Anti - Corruption Act (as amended in 2019). Mr. Bangura warned public officials not to use their offices to abuse women in any form, but they should instead follow due diligence to provide equal opportunities for both men and women. He emphasized: “The Commission is aware that most women so abused shy away from reporting their traumatic experiences mainly out of fear of social stigma and/or the lack of reporting channels. But I encourage this Ministry to help such women understand that any actions that contravene the Anti - Corruption Act 2008 as amended in 2019, shall be punished without favour.” He named the ACC as a public entity that firmly believes in creating equal opportunities for its staff and encouraged other public bodies to follow suit. For example, Mr. Bangura enlightened his audience revealing that three of the five regional offices of the Commission are managed by women. “The ACC also has female staff members that are in key positions as Directors and Deputy Directors and have excellently performed continuously in the respective duties.” In response to the anti - graft messages, the Assistant Regional Director of MoGCA, Gassimu Sesay, thanked the ACC for the engagement and confirmed that corruption is a serious menace to women’s empowerment drive. He said, this necessitated the meeting he organized with vulnerable women, farmers and traders to discuss and celebrate the International Women’s Day on March 8. He suggested extending an invitation to the ACC whenever the MoGCA is ready to undertake awareness - raising activities on women issues in communities within the region.

4. Contd from Pg 1 Africa and Sierra Leone were to free themselves from their problems, they must begin to develop thei r solutions be- cause they are aware and conversant with their problems. He further expressed delight over the nature and caliber of new courses being designed by AIMS, addi ng that such will continue to make Africa a better place. ‘’The ACC will study the packages available and will decide on the best for itself, based on personnel develop- ment and organizational needs, cost, available resources’’, etc. Mr. Ngobie added. He also stated that the request for an improved and mutually beneficial partnership will be consider ed and explored by the Commission. Questions and requests for clarifications from the ACC Management Team, which were responde d to by the AIMS Team formed part of the interactive and very informative engagement. Page 4 I n an experience sharing exchange, the Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC) Regional Office in Kenema, has in a customized meeting briefed the District Health Management Team (DHMT) in Kenema on alleged instances of corruption that are mostly reported to the Commission, requiring urgent actions. The meeting which was held at the renovated Hospital Hall on the 15th March 2024, had in attendance Heads of the different Units making up the DHMT. In his welcome address, the District Medical Officer (DMO) Kenema DHMT, Dr Donald Grant, expressed delight for the meeting, cataloguing the work and successes of the Commission in recent years.He encouraged his team to feel free to make contributions, ask questions and seek clarifications. The Regional Manager of the Commission, Kenema, Peter Baio Kamara thanked the DMO and his team for playing host to ACC. He committed the Commission's continued support to the DHMT in ensuring that there will be no incentive for corruption, which essentially informs the meeting. Disclosing the purpose of the engagement, Edward N Blake, Senior Public Education Officer ACC Eastern Regional Office, Kenema, said that the Commission monitors and guides the ac- tivities of Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) through customized meetings, establishment of Integrity Management Committees (IMCs) among others. He furthered that, public education is equally a means to enlighten but more importantly caution public officers on the ramifications of indulging in acts of corruption. This intervention is not intended to investigate or institute arrest, but to hold frank discussions on possible trouble shooting issues by way of commission or omission of any corruption offence as Public Officers, Mr. Blake asserted. Admonishing staff on the same, ACC's Public Education Officer, Kenema, Patrick Hinga George stated that the ACC was established in 2000 to serve as a deterrent to the very reasons why we had an eleven years rebel war - endemic corruption and injustices, in order to prevent, investigate and prose- cute offenders. Mr. George declared that corruption is a million times deadli- er than HIV, MALARIA, EBOLA and COVID - 19 combined. He therefore endeared the team to resist, reject and report any suspected acts of corruption to the ACC. "PLUMPY NUTS", BP - 100 and some of the Free Health Care drugs are found in almost all pharmacies in the country. How are these items making their way to the markets?" he questioned. Reminding the DHMT on the provisions made in the Anti - Corruption Act of 2008 (As amended in 2019), that prohibit Public Officers from malfeasance in a work place, Andrew Komeh, Investigation Officer, ACC Kenema, reaffirmed the Commission's stance in tackling the menace. He stated that Sections 42 and 43 of the ACA 2008 as Amended in 2019, cautions public officers on Abuse of Office and Abuse of Position, disclosing that conviction on these will attract a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand (New) Leones (50,000 NL) or a jail term of not less than five years or to both as such fine and imprisonment. Mr. Komeh encouraged them to comply with Anti - Corruption laws including, the Declaration of their lncome Assets and Liabilities as this year is a Declaration Year, emphasizing its legal and compulsory nature. He added that this is an ease of burden on incidences of unexplained wealth as contained in Section 27 (1) (a) of the ACA 2008 as Amended in 2019. In her contribution, Head of Nutrition Unit, Kenema DHMT, Madam Mania Lahai, thanked the ACC for what she described as a very useful and important engagement, adding that, they look forward to more of these to help in their work as health care service providers. By Sylvanus Blake, Public Relations Officer, ACC. By: Edward N. Blake Senior Public Education Officer, ACC - The ACC and DHMT Teams after the meeting

2. By : Hawanatu Omotayo Kamara, Regional Manager, ACC, East - Kono Page 2 W omen’s History Month is marked each year through- out March as it celebrates and highlights women’s contributions to society. March 8 of every year is a day set aside for collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging wom- en’s equality. It offers an opportunity to reflect on progress made, to call for change, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. From their individual acts of courage to community outreach, women are courageously fighting corruption, promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability in their workplaces, communities, and beyond. Their work, while it comes with high risks and extreme sacrifices, often goes unrecognized. Sierra Leone has passed the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act in 2022, which requires public and private employers to reserve 30 percent of jobs for women, including leadership positions, and stipulates that 30 percent of candidates put forward by any political party for Parliamentary and Local Elections must be female. “ Now that we have a stable and peaceful Sierra Leone, we cannot afford to have women, who make up 52% of our population, not featuring prominently in politics and leadership,” said Sierra Leone’s President, H.E Brig. (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio. The theme ‘ Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress ’ aligns with the priority theme for the UN’s 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 68) and will examine pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls everywhere. The theme recognizes that, despite progress, women face significant obstacles to achieve equal participation in the economy and calls for ensuring equal opportunity for women and girls to build their capabilities and strengthen their capacity to learn, earn, and lead. Now, this piece is meant to celebrate one of the fearless women who is taking the lead in fighting corruption at a heightened risk of marginalization, hate and neglect. MRS. EVELYN SAMUELLA KUYATEH Mrs. Evelyn Samuella Kuyateh is the Director of Intelligence and Investigations at the Anti - Corruption (ACC) of Sierra Leone. She has been in the anti - corruption frontline for over 20 years. This anti - graft giantess is a graduate of the University of Sierra Leone with both a Bachelor and Master’s Degrees. This notable woman joined the ACC as an Investigation Officer in 2001, a year after the Commission’s establish- ment. The zest and sedulousness she portrayed led her to be promoted to Senior Investigation Officer in 2006. Due to her integrity and professionalism, our fearless woman is the first and only woman in the ACC to have attained the position of the Director of Intelligence and Investigations, ACC, Mrs Evelyn S. Chief of Investigations, the then pinna- cle of investigation at that time. Mrs. Kuyateh was also transferred to head the Regional Office in Kenema as the Regional Manager from 2011 to 2013 after which she was recalled to take up the position of Deputy Director of the Intelligence, Investigations and Prosecution Department. Our trailblazer woman was appointed Director of the Intelligence and Investigations Department, which is her current position. She has worked with Interpol to arrest fugitives and brought them back to Sierra Leone to face the law. She has attended dozens of intelligence - related, fraud, criminal investigations and money laundering trainings locally and internationally, and has vast knowledge in investigations and crimes. Her out- standing leadership has seen the investigation of hundreds of cases of which over 90 percent has led to suc- cessful convictions. She is also working with the Serious Fraud Office and the National Crime Agency in the UK, assisting them as and when necessary to carry out enquiries in Sierra Leone. Her favorite quote is “ Women deserve a world free from corruption, where their voices could be heard and their rights are protected”. As the theme for this year’s Internation- al Women’s Day quintessence on In- vesting in women and girls for societal progress and development, our fearless woman has been silently fighting the good fight in her own way. As I conclude this piece, I want to kind- ly ask all to collectively forge a more in- clusive world for women and our girls. Together we can make a better Sierra Leone.

1. 25th — 29th March 2024 Issue 2 Volume 10 INTEGRITY HOUSE, TOWER HILL FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Abubakarr Turay EDITORS Sylvanus Blake Alex A. Bah LAYOUT & GRAPHICS Philippa M Davies EDITORIAL ADVISERS Augustine Foday Ngobie Patrick Sandi Programs AIMS, and head of the Team in Sierra Leone, Mamuda T. Seidu, thanked and applauded the ACC for continuing to distinguish itself and Sierra Leone in the fight against corruption. He stated that AIMS has carved a niche as a critical leader in delivering tailored solutions to enhance organizational performance and empower professionals. He furthered that the journey of AIMS over the past two decades has been defined by innovation and a relentless commitment to designing skills - based programs that stimulate success. ‘ ’You and all our other clients and partners are the bedrock of our achievements and for that, we are grateful to you and we wish to continue to register our unending commitment to the provision of top - notch skills, aptitude, and capacity for the human resources’’, he underscored. Mr. Seidu went on to unveil a transformative partnership AIMS has entered into with the World Academy for Research and Development (WARD), which extends its mandate to provide ISO certification, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Master's Degree Certification courses through virtual online programs. "These online cost - effective courses have been tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients, making high - quality education and skills development more accessible and flexible to them, T he Leadership of the Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC), comprising, the Deputy Commissioner, Au- gustine Foday Ngobie and the Management Team, on Wednesday 20th March 2024, at its Integrity House, Tower Hill, Freetown, played host to a two - man delegation from the African Institute of Management Science (AIMS) - which is based in Ghana, and at the forefront of excellence in the field of training and capacity development in West Africa for over 18 years.. The meeting was aimed at further consolidating the existing partnership between the ACC, which had previously participated and benefited from training and capacity - building programs implemented by the AIMS, and bringing the Commission up to speed with the available professional training and ca- pacity - building packages. Speaking at the event, the Di- rector of ( ACC and AIMS Teams after the meeting Contd on pg 4 By Sylvanus Blake, Public Relations Officer, ACC. ACC’S Deputy Commissioner, Augustine Foday Ngobie, (center) with staff of AIMS including you the ACC’ he added. He concluded by requesting a deepened, progressive, and improved partnership between the ACC and AIMS. In his response, the Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, thanked the team for the visit and registered the Commission's unwavering commitment to continue the training and development of its human resources aimed at ensuring the complete, thorough, unbiased, and sustainable delivery of its mandate and operational objectives. ‘’As an institution, we are aware that we cannot deliver on our mandate and core values without a well - skilled, equipped, and motivated human resource. We shall continue to invest resources in this direction and do so relentlessly but strategically’’, Mr. Ngobie affirmed. He also stated that the ACC was pleased to continue to partner with AIMS, an African institution dedicated to training human resources to address African concerns and problems. The DC further said that if