By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC
The week-long study visit by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone concluded on Thursday, July 31st, 2025, with a series of high-level engagements with key strategic partners of the ACC. These included fruitful meetings with the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Center for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL).
The LACC delegation, led by its Vice Executive Chairman, Ernest Hughes, was warmly received by the Honourable Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, alongside two Supreme Court Justices, the Honourable Alusine Sesay and the Honourable Fatmata Bintu Alhadi.
Chief Justice Kamanda described the judiciary as an “integral pillar in the fight against corruption” and emphasized the distinct nature of corruption-related offences. He noted that such matters are fast-tracked through a dedicated Anti-Corruption Division at the High Court, supported by experienced and high-integrity judges.
The LACC team also paid a courtesy call on the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police, where they were received by the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, and his deputy. IGP Sellu reiterated the importance of inter-agency collaboration and disclosed that all 28 Police Divisions across the country have dedicated Support Officers who coordinate the operations of their Integrity Management Committees.
“We support the ACC in the conduct of arrests and intelligence… Our Complaints, Discipline, and Internal investigations Department (CDIID) works hand-in-hand with them, and we have a strong internal sanctions regime,” the IGP noted. He also highlighted collaboration through platforms like the Integrated Monitoring Committee (IMC), and West African Police Information System (WAPIS), which enables regional data sharing on wanted persons.
“The ACC has done remarkably well especially under the leadership of Francis Ben Kaifala," he said whilst resounding their continued support and collaboration.
While at the CARL office, Jeremy Benjamin Simbo who is Head of Programs of the civil society organisation, noted the deep relationship his institution enjoys with the ACC, which he said is built on a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding. He praised the ACC’s commitment to public engagement, describing them as a valuable partner in promoting integrity and accountability across Sierra Leone.
“We collaborate closely with the ACC, including implementing joint public engagements and community outreach,” he said. He added that they have embarked on research work such as the Perception and the Cost of Corruption surveys to assess the work and impact of the ACC.
Speaking on behalf of the LACC, Vice Executive Chairman, Ernest Hughes, commended all the institutions for their warm reception and knowledge sharing. He expressed keen interest in Sierra Leone’s specialized anti-corruption court structure and expressed hope to replicate it in Liberia.
“If we are working together and reporting together, our work becomes easier. Ill-gotten wealth taken in Sierra Leone sometimes ends up in Liberia, and vice versa. So the synergy is critical,” Mr. Hughes affirmed.
Coordinator of Operations, ACC, Patrick Sandi, who accompanied the Liberian delegation for the engagements, expressed satisfaction for the quality of institutional interactions and knowledge shared. “We are proud of the relationships we have built with our strategic partners- the Judiciary, the Police, and civil society. These meetings offered meaningful exchanges of experiences and ideas. The fight against corruption is a shared responsibility, and platforms like these are essential in building synergy and regional resilience,” he said.
