The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday 3rd February 2026, recorded a major confidence-building milestone in its nationwide anti-corruption campaign following a high-level public education and stakeholder engagement with Paramount Chiefs and Chiefdom Authorities in Kailahun District. The objective of the engagement is to significantly strengthen integrity within traditional governance systems.
Held at the Kailahun District Council Hall under the theme “Strengthening Integrity in the Traditional Governance Architecture,” the engagement brought together traditional authorities, district officials, and governance actors in a powerful demonstration of shared resolve to mainstream_accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership in local governance._
Explaining the purpose of the engagement, the Coordinator of Operations at the ACC, Patrick Sandi, stated that the initiative is strategically designed to integrate traditional authorities into the national fight against corruption, recognizing their pivotal role as custodians of justice, culture, and community trust.
He noted that the Commission has deliberately identified areas where traditional leaders frequently encounter ethical dilemmas, particularly in relation to gifts, inducements, and asset declaration obligations. He said the Commission has prioritised these as critical components of the public education process. He further disclosed that the ACC, represented by himself, is part of the _steering committee working towards the restoration of local courts to Paramount Chiefs, underscoring the Commission’s deep respect for, and understanding of, the authority and responsibilities of traditional leadership.
In a compelling address, the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Francis Ben Kaifala, expressed profound appreciation to the Paramount Chiefs for their openness, receptiveness, and keen interest in advancing the anti-corruption agenda, which aligns with His Excellency Brigadier (Rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s governance vision for Sierra Leone.
The Commissioner emphasized that traditional authorities occupy a strategic and amplifying position within Sierra Leone’s governance framework, making their participation indispensable to national integrity efforts. He noted that Paramount Chiefs, by virtue of their direct and continuous interaction with their subjects, are often confronted with situations that test ethical judgment, particularly regarding gifts and assets, and urged them to be fully conversant with the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, especially those governing the receipt, declaration, and management of assets and gifts.
He further explained that one of the most effective approaches to combating corruption lies in prevention, stressing the need to dismantle the very conditions that allow corruption to thrive- monopoly, unchecked discretion, perverse incentives, and opportunity.
A defining outcome of the engagement emerged during the interactive session, where the Paramount Chiefs collectively expressed profound appreciation to the Commissioner and the ACC team, noting that the engagement had clarified long-standing misconceptions and apprehensions surrounding the Assets Declaration Regime.
The traditional leaders openly acknowledged that prior fears and uncertainties regarding asset declaration had now been clearly addressed, and assured the Commission of their readiness and commitment to promptly comply with asset declaration requirements as public officers.
Speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chiefs, Foday Musa Nyadebo Gbogboto II of Jahn Chiefdom highlighted the developmental and administrative challenges confronting communities, while underscoring the importance of continuous engagement and dialogue with traditional leaders as a vital strategy in addressing corruption at the local level.
Chairman of the Kailahun District Council, Sahr Kekeh Lamin, commended the ACC for the Assets Declaration Regime, describing it as a critical safeguard that protects public officers from false claims and misrepresentation regarding their wealth before and after public service. He noted that engagements of this nature play a crucial role in demystifying the work of the ACC, strengthening public confidence, and fostering cooperation between institutions and communities in the fight against corruption.
Earlier, Senior District Officer Alpha M. Sowa in his welcome address said that "no district is too remote and no public institution is beyond scrutiny"._ He stressed that the fight against corruption is a collective national responsibility and assured the Commission of Kailahun District’s full cooperation and unwavering support.
As the ACC continues its nationwide rollout, the Kailahun engagement sent a clear, powerful, and outcome-driven message: the fight against corruption is a national fight, and with clarity, trust, and partnership, traditional leadership stands ready as a decisive frontline in securing Sierra Leone’s integrity, justice, and sustainable development.
