By: Patrick Hinga George, Public Education Officer, ACC
The Public Education Unit of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), in the Kenema Regional Office, has on Wednesday 18th June 2025, held a robust and interactive engagement with students of the Social Work Department of the Eastern Technical University (ETU), Kabba Hall. The awareness session was part of the Commission’s sustained efforts to foster integrity and accountability in young people and future leaders of Sierra Leone.
While making the keynote presentation, the Regional Director of the ACC Kenema Office, Hawanatu Omotayo Kamara, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to cultivating a culture of integrity through education and engagement. She clearly explained to the students the fundamental difference between corruption-related and non-corruption-related issues, noting that many people often misconstrue grievances and maladministration for corruption. Mrs. Kamara went further to highlight and break down three major corruption offences under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019, including influencing a public officer, bribery, and misappropriation of public/donor funds/property.
Mrs. Kamara underscored the relevance of early education and awareness in building a national consciousness that abhors corruption. She encouraged the students to view themselves not merely as learners, but as critical agents in the national fight against corruption. “You are not too young to make a difference, it starts with knowing what corruption is, avoiding it in all its forms, and helping others do the same,” she urged.
Speaking on the purpose of the engagement earlier, Senior Public Education Officer, Edward N. Blake, stressed that the primary goal was to educate students on the dangers of corruption and the instrumental role young people play in safeguarding Sierra Leone’s future. He provided a historical perspective by linking corruption to the devastating 11-year civil war, highlighting it as one of the triggers that destabilized the country. Mr. Blake reiterated that the Commission was established in 2000 by an Act of Parliament specifically to confront the cancer of corruption that had undermined national development for decades.
Mr. Blake described young people as the conscience and engine room of any democratic nation. He therefore implored the students to serve as ambassadors of integrity and to embrace a culture of transparency in their academic and social lives. “Whether it is in the classroom, the students’ union, or your future workplaces, integrity must be your guiding principle. The ACC cannot win this war alone, we need your voice, your vigilance, and your commitment,” he noted. His remarks set the tone for a lively and thought-provoking engagement.
Delivering a statement on corruption prevention, Prevention Officer, Abibatu Abu-Matia, explained that preventing corruption remains a core strategy of the Commission. She outlined various preventive efforts undertaken by the ACC, including systems and processes reviews in numerous Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), with continuous follow-ups to ensure implementation of anti-corruption recommendations. These interventions, she said, are aimed at closing the loopholes that enable corrupt practices to thrive.
Mrs. Abu-Matia also educated the students on the Commission’s “Three Rs” approach to citizen engagement: Reject, Resist, and Report corruption. She encouraged them to internalize this approach and use it as a moral compass. “If you cannot say ‘No’ to corruption now as a student, it becomes harder when you hold public office tomorrow. Let integrity be your badge of honor,” she urged.
Also addressing the students was Investigation Officer, Andrew Komeh, who engaged them with a provocative question: What is integrity? One of the students promptly offered a fitting answer, setting the stage for Mr. Komeh’s reflection on personal ethics. He reminded the students that integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. He cautioned against various forms of corruption that can occur even within the university setting, including examination malpractice, bribery for grades, and misappropriation of Students’ Union funds.
Mr. Komeh also emphasized the importance of making reports in good faith, stating that whistleblowing must be grounded in truth and not driven by personal vendettas or malice. He challenged the students to be bold in reporting corruption, using the proper channels provided by the ACC. “As future leaders, your legacy must not be tainted by acts of dishonesty. Integrity must be the foundation of your leadership,” he concluded.
Earlier in the program, Lecturer Abu Kamara, who represented the Head of Department, warmly welcomed the ACC delegation and expressed appreciation for the Commission’s continued engagement with institutions of higher learning. He noted that the collaboration between the ACC and the university contributes significantly to the ethical and professional grooming of students in the field of social work.
The entire engagement was moderated by Public Education Officer, Patrick Hinga George, who chaired the session and ensured a smooth flow of discussions. He encouraged students to become integrity ambassadors on campus and beyond, by reporting all forms of corruption using the toll free lines: 077985985/077986986/8515.
The presentations by the ACC Team prompted insightful contributions and heightened curiosity from the students. The session ended with high enthusiasm, and a collective call for the ACC to make such engagements more regular, a clear indication of the session's impact.
