Following a successful engagement with the Tankoro Police Division on 1st April 2026, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Regional Office in Kono continued its anti-corruption outreach with a similar meeting at the Motema Police Divisional Headquarters, Nimikoro Chiefdom, Kono District.
The engagement was aimed at formally welcoming the newly transferred Local Unit Commander (LUC), Chief Superintendent Alimamy Gibril Sesay, to the Division and Kono District, while reinforcing the principles of collaboration and integrity as essential to effective policing.
Welcoming the LUC, the Acting Regional Director of the ACC in Kono, Andrew Demby, highlighted the natural and strategic relationship between the ACC and the Sierra Leone Police. He noted that this partnership has been pivotal to the successes recorded by both institutions in their respective but complementary mandates to combat crime in Kono District.
Director Demby emphasized that collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing and joint investigations, has significantly strengthened the Commission’s work, resulting in successful investigations and prosecutions. He cited the ongoing High Court case in Kono involving the alleged misappropriation of Free Health Care drugs as a product of such collaboration. He expressed optimism that the partnership would be further strengthened to reduce corruption and crime to the barest minimum.
While commending the efforts of the police, Director Demby urged officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, transparency, and accountability in the discharge of their duties. He stressed that public trust is the cornerstone of effective policing, noting that when confidence in the police is low, law enforcement ceases to be a solution and instead becomes a burden to citizens. This, he cautioned, undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the police. He therefore called on all officers to strictly adhere to established procedures, policies, regulations, and laws governing their work.
He further provided a brief overview of selected offences under the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 (as amended in 2019), encouraging officers to familiarize themselves with its provisions. He also referenced the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, stressing the need for officers to understand the scope and limits of their powers in order to avoid acting ultra vires.
Additionally, the Commission informed officers about the Whistle Blower and Witness Protection Regulations 2025, highlighting provisions aimed at protecting individuals who report corruption and, where applicable, providing incentives for credible information. Officers were also reminded of the forthcoming Asset Declaration exercise and urged to ensure full compliance to avoid sanctions.
In his closing remarks, the LUC, Chief Superintendent Alimamy Gibril Sesay, expressed appreciation to the ACC for the engagement. He noted that such interactions are vital in guiding officers to remain vigilant and professional in the execution of their duties. He assured the Commission of his commitment to strengthening collaboration and upholding the principles shared.
