By Donald George
Paramount Chiefs and Traditional Authorities in Kenema District have expressed appreciation for the Anti-Corruption
Commission (ACC) following a public education session clarifying their legal responsibilities under the Anti-Corruption Act.
The engagement, held on Wednesday, 4 February, at the Kenema District Council Hall, was part of the ACC’s Eastern Region outreach program. Traditional leaders described it as a timely initiative that strengthened their understanding of the law, particularly regarding the receipt and declaration of gifts, and reinforced their role as custodians of integrity within their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chiefs, PC Sandy Forwai of Dama Chiefdom said the session was “enlightening and empowering,” noting that clear guidance on lawful gifts addressed long-standing uncertainties. “It is important for us to know exactly what the law says,” he added, commending the ACC for prioritising education and dialogue.
ACC Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie highlighted the practical importance of such engagements. “We cannot simply enforce the law and assume understanding, especially considering how central your role is. As much as we enforce, we also advocate,” he said.
ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala reassured traditional leaders that the Anti-Corruption Act is not intended to criminalise culture but to protect leadership from conflicts of interest and reputational risk. Gifts valued above Le5,000 must be declared, he noted, to ensure transparency and safeguard public trust. “Many corruption issues arise from misunderstanding. Corruption is often the symptom; the deeper ailment lies beneath,” he added.
Deputy Chairman of the Kenema District Council, Councillor Umaru Daboh, welcomed the session, noting that the presence of the ACC leadership underscored the national importance of integrity-driven governance.
The engagement concluded with Paramount Chiefs and Traditional Authorities reaffirming their support for the ACC and their commitment to transparency and accountability in their chiefdoms. The ACC will continue its Eastern Region outreach in Kono District, building a unified front of clarity, trust, and leadership responsibility.
