As part of its unrelenting, customized engagements with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) aimed at identifying, discussing, and preventing corruption within public institutions, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), through its Public Education and Outreach Unit in Kono District, on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, held a successful sensitization meeting with staff of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) in Koidu City.
The engagement brought together various categories of NRA staff and provided an opportunity to deepen institutional partnership and collaboration between the two bodies. Discussions focused on corruption risks within revenue administration and, most importantly, encouraged adherence to recommended best practices in revenue generation as a catalyst for national development.
In his address, the ACC Kono Acting Regional Director, Andrew Demby Esq., described the NRA as nulli secundus (second to none) in revenue generation, underscoring its critical role in Sierra Leone’s growth and development. He emphasized the necessity of sustained engagement with the ACC, noting that such interactions create an enabling environment for candid discussions on corruption prevention mechanisms, while also enhancing mutual understanding of each institution’s mandate and operations.
Director Demby reiterated that corruption gravely undermines revenue mobilization, with adverse consequences for economic growth and public service delivery. He therefore reminded public officers of their duty to safeguard public revenue and resources, which remain the backbone of national development. He further highlighted his Open Door Policy as a means of strengthening partnership and collaboration in the fight against corruption in the district, and implored staff to consistently adhere to best practices in their operations.
The Director delivered a clear and comprehensive presentation on offences under the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008 (as amended in 2019), including offering, soliciting or accepting an advantage; misappropriation of public funds and property; abuse of office or position; conspiracy to commit corruption offences; conflict of interest; embezzlement of donor or public property; bribery; violation of procurement rules; and impeding investments, among others. He stressed that penalties for such offences include fines, imprisonment, or both.
In his exposition, the ACC Kono Senior Public Education Officer, Sam P. Gogra, acknowledged the pivotal role of public officers in revenue generation and mobilization. He noted that while the ACC is mandated to protect public funds, revenue, and property and to prosecute corruption perpetrators, the NRA is responsible for generating, mobilizing, and safeguarding national revenue, an emblem of complementarity that necessitates closer coordination between the two institutions in the fight against graft.
Highlighting achievements under the leadership of Francis Ben Kaifala, Mr. Gogra referenced extensive nationwide public education campaigns, Systems and Processes Reviews conducted across MDAs, the introduction of Citizens’ Service Delivery Charters, the asset declaration regime, recovery of billions of Leones and other physical assets, and the significant number of convictions secured against public officers.
Mr. Gogra also informed participants about the operationalization of the Whistleblowers and Witnesses Protection Regulations, 2025, made pursuant to the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008 (as amended in 2019). He assured attendees that once fully operational, beneficiaries would enter into binding protection agreements with the ACC and benefit from a reward and compensation regime. This initiative, he explained, is intended to motivate increased whistleblowing, provide compensation, and punish retaliation or detrimental actions against whistleblowers and witnesses.
The ACC Kono Public Education Officer, Patricia J. Sannoh, reinforced the Commission’s newly enhanced mechanisms for the protection of informants, whistleblowers, and witnesses. She encouraged staff to refrain from all forms of corruption and to report any suspected acts to the ACC via the toll-free lines 077-985985 and 077-986986 for prompt action.
Responding on behalf of the NRA, the Regional Manager, Mr. Moses Soluku, commended the ACC team for the engagement and sensitization on key corruption issues and the NRA’s role in combating corruption. He stated that the session would significantly guide their operations and help identify areas for stronger collaboration between the two institutions. He concluded by assuring the Commission of his unwavering commitment to upholding recommended best practices in the discharge of their duties.
