4. that it had been providing support to the fight against corruption Mr. Allison continued that his direct involvement in the fight against corruption was in 2020 when his institution, CENSSAD, led the writing of the f irst Civil Society Parallel Report on the implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in Liberia. He said the report recommended the strengthening of the Liberian Anti - Corruption Commission (LACC). He said that at that time there were only two(2) Commissioners when the law made provision for seven(7) Commissioners and LACC did not have any prosecutorial power. These recommendations, he said, are what they worked with the LACC to implement. “I want to personally commend you and the Commissioner who is a very vibrant man that has infused a new level of dynamism in the fight against corruption, ”, he added whilst stating that he has been following the ACC and he was so impressed with its posture and tremendous gains. He said that he had always shared some of his experiences he had in Sierra Leone about how seriously public officials and citizens are supporting the fight against corruption. Earlier, Director of Public Education and External Outreach Department, Patrick Sandi, whilst introd ucing Mr. Allison to the Deputy Commissioner said that the institution he established, WAYN, is a very strong civil society partner of the Commission and has been implementing programmes aimed at tackling corruption with specific f ocus on young people that are the emerging leaders. CONTD FROM PG.1 By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC Group photo after the courtesy visit

3. Page 3 T he Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday 16 th November 2023, engaged the Bike Riders Union at Lum- ley, in the Western Urban Area at the Union’s office in Lum- ley, Freetown. This engagement is in recognition of their cru- cial significance to the informal economy and to also more importantly enlist them into the anti - graft campaign. Making a statement, Head of the Outreach Unit, ACC, Al - Hassan Sesay commended these young entrepreneurs who have taken upon themselves to create employment opportunities in the informal sector, despite the numerous challenges they might be facing. He added that the friendly face of the Commission which is its Public Education outfit is charged with the responsibility to enlighten the public on the ills of corruption, and it is in that spirit that such a meeting was organized. Mr. Sesay continued that the Commission is keen to having these young entrepreneurs become integrity ambassadors which will also prevent them from coming into conflict with the law, as that will jeopardize their businesses. He furthered that the engagement is to empower and stimulate their consciousness on corruption and corrupt practices. “This event is equally aimed at bridging the gap between law enforcement agencies and the informal sector with a view of fostering partnership as we wage a war against the plague of corruption,” he underscored. Communications Officer ACC, Dolly Aminata Issa explained the various channels of reporting corruption to the ACC and protection of informants. She read out the toll free lines of 077 - 985985 and 077 - 986986 and informed the bike riders that they can also visit any of the Commission’s offices in Freetown and nationwide to make their reports. She assured them of maximum protection against reprisal as provided for by the provisions in the Anti - Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019. She equally discouraged them against making any false or concocted reports borne out of malice, stating that it is also an offence that attracts very stiff punishments. Explaining the purpose of the engagement, Public Education Officer ACC, Hawa Deen Conteh recognised the importance of bike riders in the transport sector. She said the meeting was to edu- cate them on the dangers of corruption and empower them to report corrupt practices. Whilst soliciting their support towards the fight against corruption, she re- minded them of their responsibility to be law abiding and conform to traffic rules. Earlier in his welcome address, Nat S. Ansumana, Chairman of Bike Riders - Lumley Branch, appreciated the ACC for recognizing their association and the sensitization drive. He admitted that the sensitization meeting will help them desist from corrupt practices and also empower them to support the fight against corruption in the transport sector. The meeting ended with an opportunity given to the bike riders to ask questions and make suggestions. Al - Hassan Sesay, Head Outreach Unit addressing the Riders. Dolly A. Issa, Communications Officer ACC, making her statement . CONTD PG.4 By: Hawa Deen Conteh, Public Education Officer, ACC

2. Page 2 T he Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC) on 24 th November 2023, warmly welcomed pupils and staff of the United Brethren Academy, Main Motor Road, Congo Water Wellington, who paid a learning visit to the Commission’s Integrity House, Tower Hill, in Freetown. Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, expressed his profound joy to the principal, pupils and their teachers for their interest to learn about the Commission and its activities. He said that the thirst for the children to learn about corruption and how to prevent it shows how dedicated they are to national development, as the fight against corruption is a collaborative effort. “The interest of these children in fighting corruption should not be interfered with as their future depends on it,” he said. Mr. Ngobie said the role of the ACC is to lead the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone and went further to highlight the different operational Departments of the Commission; Prevention, Public Education, Intelligence and Investigation, Prosecution, and their roles in the fight against corruption. These Departments, he said, are the instruments used by the Commis- sion to fight corruption and maintain transparency and accountability in public offices. The ACC Deputy Commissioner asked them a series of questions about corruption which the pupils cleverly answered. He admonished the pupils not to engage in corruption, violence or drugs in their school. The Agt. Principal of the United Brethren Academy, Edward J. Charles, who also led the pupils on the fieldtrip, said the motivation behind the fieldtrip was to see the Integrity House, but most of all to learn about issues of corruption and the offences. “We believe that knowledge is power and therefore, this fieldtrip will help the pupils to build on their career aspirations,” further adding that being in such an environment will serve as motivation to study and work harder to chase their dreams. Mr. Charles also said the geographical location of the Integrity House, being surrounded by other prominent public offices will expose the pupils to know the locations of these offices for future references. ACC’s Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie addressing the pupils of the school. Next to him is the Director of Public Education and Outreach Department, Patrick Sandi Representatives of the various Departments including, Michael Sesay, Andrew Demby, Wilfred J. Bangura and Emmanuel Y. Musa elaborated on the work and activities of the ACC. The fieldtrip ended with a tour of the Commission, with the Director of Public Education and Outreach, Patrick Sandi, taking the pupils and teachers to every Department to meet with the Heads for better understanding of their roles. By: Amie Massaquoi, Information Officer ACC ACC’s Deputy Commissioner Augus- tine Foday Ngobie addressing the pu- pils of the school CONTD PG.4 Pupils raising their hands to answer questions posed to them by the Deputy Commissioner Cross section of ACC staff and pupils of the school after the conducted tour of the Integrity House

1. 20th –24th November 2023 Issue 1 Volume 15 INTEGRITY HOUSE, TOWER HILL FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Abubakarr Turay EDITORS Sylvanus Blake Alex A. Bah LAYOUT & GRAPHICS Philippa M. Davies EDITORIAL ADVISERS Augustine Foday Ngobie Patrick Sandi because of the enormous Presidential and Political Will we enjoy,” Mr. Ngobie said whilst noting his expectation of same with the newly - elected President and Government of Liberia. He congratulated him on the conduct of peaceful elections in Liberia. Expressing the purpose of his courtesy visit, Mr. Allison expressed thanks to the Deputy Commissioner of the ACC for receiving him though on a short notice, adding that it shows how much the Commission places value on its partners. He said the establishment of the WAYN in 2001 was for young people to take the lead in peace building and development. He maintained that though he had passed the youth stage and had left WAYN but the institution has survived and thrived, and he was most importantly happy . what he described as years of support to- wards the development of Sierra Leone and Liberia. He said the two are sister nations that share a lot of commonalities and that what af- fects one is likely to affect the other. The fight against corruption, he said, should be a col- lective fight and commended him for particu- larly establishing an institution involving young people. “Corruption can affect me, but not as grave as it can affect my children,” the Deputy Commissioner said. Mr. Ngobie informed him that the Head of the LACC visited the ACC two years ago and had an extensive interaction with the various Departments of the Commission to learn from them. He said that the Deputy Director of Prevention, Samuel Marah Esq., was sent to the LACC shortly afterwards to facilitate a capacity building training. He stated that the ACC and LACC are one family and the Commission is ever - ready to always provide her the needed support. ”We are achieving all of what you have heard in the fight against corruption T he Anti - Corruption Com- mission (ACC) has on Thursday 23 rd November, 2023, played host to Richelieu Allison, the Executive Director of the Center for Security Studies and Development (CENSSAD) who doubles as the founder of the West African Youth Network (WAYN) and was a Political Adviser at the Liberian Senate. Mr. Allison who was in Sierra Leone on some other official engagements paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of the Commission at its Integrity House in Tower Hill, Freetown. Welcoming the guest, the Deputy Commissioner, Au- gustine Foday Ngobie, pro- fusely thanked Mr. Allison for By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC ACC’s Deputy Commissioner, Augustine Foday Ngobie (L) and Richelieu Allison, Executive Director, CENSSAD (R) in a warm handshake ACC’s Deputy Commissioner, Augustine Foday Ngobie speaking at the meeting CONTD PG.4