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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched the Southern Region leg of its nationwide Meet the People Tour with Traditional and Local Authorities, beginning in Moyamba District to strengthen integrity, accountability, and transparency within traditional governance structures.
The engagement was held on June 2, 2026, at the Jane Lahai Hall in Moyamba and brought together Paramount Chiefs and other stakeholders. It forms part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration with traditional leaders in the fight against corruption.
ACC Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie said traditional authorities are indispensable partners in the anti-corruption fight. “We have been in this fight from 2018 to date, but we recognize that there are people who are very critical to the success of this fight. That is why we have decided to engage you in consultation on how we can collectively advance the fight against corruption,” he said.
Ngobie added that the engagement was intended to enhance understanding of key provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, particularly on Assets Declaration, Gifts, and Conflict of Interest, noting that public education remains critical for compliance.
Delivering the keynote address, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. emphasized the need to clarify areas where customary practices and statutory obligations intersect. “We are keen to get you to understand the law. We are on the side of modern law and you are on the side of culture. Sometimes there are grey areas that require clarification,” he said.
On gifts, Commissioner Kaifala clarified that the law does not prohibit gift-giving. “No law is abhorrent to gifts. A gift is a mark of appreciation and respect. What the law is against is conflict of interest,” he explained. He noted that gifts become problematic only when they influence official decisions or actions, and reminded participants that gifts valued at Le5,000 and above must be declared and registered, along with disclosure of the relationship between the recipient and giver. “The law says two things: register the gift and do not accept it where there is a conflict of interest,” he stressed.
On Assets Declaration, Kaifala described the process as a protective measure for honest public officials. “Assets Declaration is like a shield,” he said, explaining that declaration records often provide credible evidence of ownership and can protect public officers in future disputes involving assets and property.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Paramount Chiefs in Moyamba District, PC John Jibao Russell Nyama II of Lower Banta Chiefdom thanked the ACC for the engagement and welcomed the clarification on gifts. “As traditional leaders, gift-giving forms part of our tradition, so we are very pleased with the clarifications provided today,” he said.
The engagement included interactive discussions on corruption prevention, conflict of interest, ethical leadership, gifts, and assets declaration, and gave participants the opportunity to seek clarification on provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act and share perspectives on strengthening accountability within their chiefdoms and communities.
According to the ACC, the Southern Region Meet the People Tour will continue in Bonthe, Pujehun, and Bo Districts in the coming days, following similar engagements in the Eastern and North-Eastern Regions.
