By: Patrick Hinga George, Public Education Officer – Anti-Corruption Commission
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Kenema Regional Office on Thursday, 24th July 2025, in its continued effort to enhance integrity, transparency, and professionalism across public institutions, conducted unannounced checks at the Bandajuma checkpoint and the Serabu Community Health Post in Small Bo Chiefdom, Kenema District. The regional team was led by the Eastern Regional Director of the ACC, Hawanatu O. Kamara.
Speaking directly to checkpoint personnel, Mrs Kamara began her address with a powerful reminder of Sierra Leone’s painful history, particularly the devastating 11-year civil war. She emphasized that the armed forces, including both the police and military, were among the hardest hit during that era. Drawing insights from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report, she underlined that corruption was not merely a background issue but one of the major triggers of the conflict, warning that any relapse into similar vices would threaten the country's hard-won peace and development.
The Regional Director clarified that the ACC’s visit was not to conduct arrests or investigations but to send a strong warning and educate personnel on their responsibilities under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019. “The frequency of complaints reaching the Commission about bribery, extortion, and unprofessional conduct at this checkpoint is worrying. Our presence here is a message that integrity must be non-negotiable,” she said firmly. She called on the officers to reflect on the essence of their uniform, not as an avenue for personal gain, but as a sacred trust to serve and protect citizens with fairness and honour.
Mrs Kamara concluded by urging personnel to see the fight against corruption as a shared national responsibility. She appealed to their conscience, warning that even minor infractions can spiral into broader systemic failures. “Let today mark a turning point and be the change agents the nation needs. The ACC will continue to reach the frontlines not just to enforce but also, to enlighten, empower and engage all public servants to uphold the values of integrity,” she affirmed.
The ACC Public Education Officer, Patrick Hinga George, delved into the broader impact of corruption on Sierra Leone’s progress. He emphasized that corruption is not just a legal offence but a national crisis that weakens governance, undermines national development, erodes public trust and above all, scares away investors and development partners. “Corruption is a silent killer of potential. It distorts priorities and kills hope,” he lamented.
Mr. George further highlighted that personnel who engage in corrupt acts not only risk dismissal and imprisonment but also, face colossal fines, public disgrace and a minimum five-year ban from holding public office. He challenged the officers to break free from unethical practices and instead become vanguards of integrity. “You must choose between being a symbol of corruption or a beacon of change. The future of this nation hinges on that choice,” he urged.
Mr. Andrew Kome, the ACC Investigation Officer, gave a simplified but impactful legal breakdown of common corruption offences that checkpoint officers are often implicated in. These include soliciting and accepting an advantage, abuse of office, and abuse of position. He explained that officers violate the law when they demand bribes, allow the passage of unlicensed vehicles, facilitate smuggling of illegal substances, or engage in favoritism.
He also introduced the offence of “corrupting a public officer,” enlightening that the law does not only punish officers who receive bribes but also, civilians who attempt to offer them. “It is a two-way offence. You must not only resist bribery but you must report anyone who tries to corrupt you,” urging the personnel to protect the integrity of their offices by refusing to compromise.
In response, Sergeant Mohamed Massaquoi, Commander of the Bandajuma checkpoint, welcomed the Commission’s intervention, describing it as timely and impactful. He acknowledged that while several institutions including the police, NRA, local council, and forestry officers operate at the checkpoint, it is often the police who are singled out in public criticisms. Nonetheless, he assured the ACC of their commitment to uphold ethical standards and foster collaboration in the fight against corruption.
Meanwhile, the ACC team proceeded to the Serabu Community Health Post on an unannounced visit to assess the quality-of-service delivery and inspect a rehabilitation project reportedly due for completion in April 2024 under the Kenema District Council’s own-source revenue initiative. The team discovered that the rehabilitation work, handled by Two Tees Construction and General Merchandise, was incomplete, though the facility was already in use.
The Regional Director conducted a review of the free healthcare drug records alongside the Deputy In-Charge, Jeneba M. Dabor. However, the team couldn’t assess the drug store in order to evaluate the records reviewed. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that service delivery, especially in health, meets the expectations of the people and aligns with standards of good governance.
