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Bombali, 20th August 2025 – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Northern Regional Office has engaged staff of the Senior District Officer’s (SDO) Office in Bombali to address alleged corruption concerns in local courts and strengthen institutional support for anti-corruption efforts. The session was held at the District Office’s conference room.
Fatu Florence Kamara, ACC Northern Regional Director, highlighted complaints received by the Commission indicating that some court chairmen in the district have been imposing excessive fines, levying unauthorized charges, and presiding over cases outside their jurisdiction for personal gain. She warned that such practices violate the Anti-Corruption Act and could threaten public trust and community peace.
Kamara urged the SDO to use his administrative authority to engage court chairmen and ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards.
She also emphasized the importance of equipping public officers with knowledge of anti-corruption measures, including establishing Integrity Management Committees, maintaining Gift Registers, and reporting misconduct through ACC’s toll-free hotline.
Senior Public Education Officer Aiah Sourie provided an overview of Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption legal framework, explaining how the 2008 Act expanded offences and gave the ACC prosecutorial powers, while the 2019 amendment introduced stricter penalties and measures for recovering misappropriated funds.
Responding, SDO Augustine Fatorma commended the ACC for its proactive approach and confirmed that the Commission will be invited to address local court chairmen at the next District Office meeting on 3rd September 2025.
The engagement concluded with a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to discuss practical steps for ensuring accountability and upholding integrity within the judicial system.
