The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Eastern Regional Office in Kono has conducted a customized engagement with staff of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) to promote anti-corruption messages and discuss the importance of integrity, accountability, and reliability in service delivery. The engagement was held on 25th May 2026 at the NCRA District Office along Council Road, Koidu City.
Declaring the purpose of the engagement, Acting Regional Director, Kono, Andrew Demby, referenced Section 7(1)(a) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008, as amended in 2019, which mandates the Commission to take all necessary steps to prevent, eradicate, and suppress corruption and corrupt practices in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and the country at large. Mr. Demby stated that the engagement was also intended to strengthen collaboration between the ACC and NCRA and to obtain feedback on the institution's operations. He emphasized that the Commission's successes over the years have largely been driven by strong integrity partnerships with public institutions across the country.
He, however, expressed concern over reports received by the Commission regarding alleged instances where some staff solicit and accept advantages from members of the public as a condition for providing services. He stressed that such conduct is unacceptable and constitutes an offence under the Anti-Corruption Act. He therefore urged management to address such concerns to enhance public confidence in the institution.
Mr. Demby further presented on corruption offences under the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008 (as amended in 2019), including offering, soliciting, and accepting an advantage; abuse of office; conflict of interest; misappropriation of public funds and property; conspiracy to commit corruption offences; embezzlement of public or donor funds; bribery; and violations of procurement rules, among others. He noted that offenders risk fines, imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
Also addressing the gathering, Senior Public Education Officer, Sam P. Gogra, underscored the need for collective action against corruption, noting its far-reaching and devastating impact on national development. He highlighted key interventions undertaken by the Commission, including public education campaigns, the establishment of Integrity Management Committees (IMCs), systems and processes reviews in MDAs, the introduction of Citizens' Service Charters, asset declaration exercises, and the recovery of billions of Leones and valuable public assets from corrupt individuals.
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). According to him, the initiative is designed to encourage whistleblowing, protect witnesses, provide compensation where applicable, and deter retaliation against whistleblowers and witnesses.
He urged staff to comply with the asset declaration requirements conatined in the Anti-Corruption Act as amended, cautioning that failure to do so attracts administrative sanctions, including possible dismissal.
As part of the engagement, ACC Administrative Officer, Kadiatu Kanneh, conducted a practical session for designated staff on the online asset declaration platform to facilitate and expedite the declaration process.
Responding on behalf of the institution, NCRA District Manager, Daniel Komba Matturi, provided an overview of the Authority's functions, including the issuance of birth certificates, national identity cards, burial permits, and the registration of marriages and adoptions. He commended the ACC team for raising awareness on corruption risks associated with public service delivery and assured the Commission of NCRA's continued cooperation and support.
Mr. Matturi further pledged to strengthen internal control measures aimed at preventing corruption and enhancing the image and credibility of the institution.aa
