By: Patrick Hinga George, Public Education Officer ACC
The Eastern Regional Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Kenema on Thursday, 26th June 2025 held a customized engagement with the management and staff of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) at the Authority’s premises on Blama Road in Kenema.
Explaining the purpose of the engagement, ACC’s Regional Director, Hawanatu O. Kamara said the Commission’s visit came in the wake of numerous complaints from members of the public. the complaints include allegations of acts of delay in the issuance of licenses already paid for and unprofessional conduct by SLRSA officers, including disguise of uniforms to effect unwarranted arrests, particularly targeting commercial motorbike riders.
Mrs Kamara outlined the critical purpose of the meeting and reminded the staff that SLRSA is primarily a service delivery institution and must uphold the principles of integrity and public accountability. She emphasized that the ACC’s presence was not to instill fear but to foster awareness and empower the institution to take leadership in curbing corruption from within.
The Director further noted that prevention remains the most effective approach in the fight against corruption and when that fails, the Commission will have no option but to pursue investigation and prosecution, which have potentially grave consequences upon conviction.
Mrs Kamara reiterated the Commission’s commitment to partnering with institutions to build ethical cultures and improve service delivery to the people. She encouraged staff to see the ACC as a strategic partner and not an adversary, stressing that the fight against corruption requires collaboration. She ended her address by appealing to the conscience of all present to always serve with integrity and resist temptations that would undermine public trust and institutional credibility.
As chairman of the session, ACC’s Public Education Officer, Patrick Hinga George, spoke on the real and lasting damage corruption has caused Sierra Leone, referencing the eleven-year rebel war, chronic underdevelopment, the lack of access to essential services such as quality education, healthcare and infrastructure. He made a passionate call to action for all public officials to see themselves as agents of change and custodians of the public good.
Mr. George further emphasized that the legal framework for fighting corruption in Sierra Leone has been significantly strengthened, making corruption a high-risk venture with little or no returns. He called on the SLRSA staff to take the engagement seriously, as it serves as both a warning and a support system to help them avoid the pitfalls of corrupt practices. He concluded by urging all present to reject, resist, and report corruption wherever and whenever it occurs, if the nation is to see sustainable development and improved public service delivery.
ACC’s Investigations Officer, Andrew Komeh, also contributed to the session, using a vivid analogy to stress the importance of the SLRSA. He explained that just as a dirty banknote still holds its value and remains useful, the SLRSA, despite some public criticisms, remains an essential public institution with a pivotal role in ensuring road safety and national order. He broke down key sections of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 as amended in 2019, focusing particularly on offences such as extortion, soliciting and accepting bribes, abuse of office, abuse of position and unexplained wealth, cautioning that these offences carry serious penalties, including huge fines, imprisonment and dismissal and/or ban from public service for a minimum of five years.
Responding on behalf of the SLRSA, the Eastern Regional Manager, Paul Mattia, expressed sincere gratitude to the ACC for what he described as a timely, educative, and interactive session. He acknowledged the issues raised and admitted that such engagements are not only necessary but also serve as vital reminders for public officers to uphold professionalism and integrity. Mr. Mattia pledged the unwavering support of his team to the fight against corruption and commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the SLRSA.
He further proposed that the ACC considers organizing a joint engagement involving the SLRSA, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Bike Riders’ Union, noting that such collaboration would enhance mutual understanding and ensure broader compliance with anti-corruption values across all stakeholders involved in road safety and traffic management.
