By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC
The Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. on Thursday, 15th May 2025, delivered a thrilling public lecture in Kabala, Koinadugu District, Northern Sierra Leone, as part of his nationwide integrity engagement and social accountability sessions.
The event, held at the Kabala District Council Hall, attracted a wide cross-section of the district, including traditional leaders, civil society activists, students, and residents. The lecture, which was premised on the theme ‘Citizens’ Ownership of the Fight Against Corruption’, was organized by Corruption Watch Sierra Leone, a partner organisation to the Commission.
The ACC Commissioner emphasized that the responsibility to combat corruption must be shared by all Sierra Leoneans not just the ACC alone. He urged citizens to be active participants in reporting corrupt practices, cultivating integrity, and setting positive examples in their communities.
The Commissioner encouraged his audience to inculcate the habit of rejecting and reporting corruption, coining an adage in the Krio language: “Wae u see something, na for say something”.
Mr Kaifala explained some of the corruption offences outlined in the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 (as amended in 2019), during the question-and-answer session, and warned that the Commission will take firm action against any individual or institution suspected of breaching the provisions of the Act. “Fighting corruption is a collective duty. The law is clear, and no one is above it,” he emphasized.
Earlier, while welcoming the Commissioner, Paramount Chief Gbawuru Mansaray III of Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdom lauded the Commissioner’s outreach and described him as a trailblazer. He said the Commissioner’s presence in Kabala was an honour and a clear demonstration of his people-centered leadership. “Justice and integrity must be the standards for all leaders, and I fully support the Commissioner’s work,” he affirmed.
Chairman of the Koinadugu District Council, Lawrence Teteh Kargbo, highlighted the importance of the lecture in educating the public on what is required of citizens in the fight against corruption and the critical work of the ACC. “The people need to know the rules so they can play their part in upholding integrity,” he said.
The lecture concluded with performances and songs by local artistes, who paid tribute to the Commissioner for his continued commitment to the national fight against corruption and the massive gains made in the last seven years.
© Public Relations Unit, ACC.
