By: Sylvanus Blake, Deputy Director, PEOD ACC.
The Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Augustine Foday Ngbobie has reassured Development Partners and the leadership of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) that the ACC shall continue to maintain “a zero-tolerance posture to all forms of corruption” and scrupulously monitor the utilization of public and donor funds and resources meant for the development efforts of Sierra Leone.
He made these comments on Tuesday, 16th September 2025, at the Brookfields Hotel Conference Centre, in Freetown, while serving as one of the speakers at the official opening session of a two-day training workshop ogranised by UNICEF and other Partners in the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) process, including UNFPA, UNDP and UN Women.
The training brings together representatives from several Implementing Partners to build their capacities and knowledge for a proper understanding and adequate application of the joint UN agencies (UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women) global standard principles contained in the HACT process.
The training seeks to keep all Implementing Partners abreast and compliant with the HACT process- a tool that stipulates the procedures, processes, requirements, and best practices that all Implementing Partners must adhere to in applying for, accessing, utilizing, and accounting for funds.
The Deputy ACC Czar expressed appreciation to the development partners for their continued contributions to the development aspirations of Sierra Leone, pointing out that the risks posed by corruption could undermine these good intentions and efforts.
“It is a pleasure to witness this training event on the roll-out of the HACT process. To you UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women, and other development partners concerned, this is another giant step in manifesting your commitment to Sierra Leone’s development in a transparent and accountable way. As a Commission, we continue to acknowledge these efforts and pledge our uncompromising posture to address all forms of corruption and uphold accountability at all times and across all levels, Mr. Ngobie stated.
The ACC Deputy Commissioner also encouraged the participants to pay keen attention to the teachings on the HACT processes and procedures. “There will be no excuses for any procedural breaches. You all shall be held accountable at the slightest instance of any suspected mismanagement of these and any other resources meant for the development of Sierra Leoneans. We shall investigate and hold to account anyone involved in the misuse of public and donor funds according to our laws,’’ he warned.
Mr. Ngobie called on the public to be patriotic and prompt in reporting any suspected corruption to the ACC through it toll free hot-Iines; 8515, 077-985985, and 077986985, adding that no one will be targeted or victimized for reporting suspected corruption to the ACC, assuring them of sufficient witness and whistle blower protection regimes.
The Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) is a framework used by UN agencies to manage cash transfers to implementing partners in development projects, a significant tool to development project financing. It simplifies procedures and streamlines cash transfer processes, reducing transaction costs and promoting sustainable development. It also adopts a risk-based management approach that focuses on developing implementing partners' capacity to manage risks, and includes assurance activities like micro-assessments, audits, and spot-checks to ensure proper use of funds.
Research has established that the used of the HACT process has among other benefits increased efficiency, reduced complexities, improved accountability and enhanced capacities, which often translates into sustainable development.
