By Lamin Turay
Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption commissioner has called on traditional leaders in Koinadugu District to strengthen their support for the country’s fight against corruption, describing them as key partners in promoting accountability at the community level.
Francis Ben Kaifala, commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), delivered the message during an engagement with all ten Paramount Chiefs of Koinadugu District at the district council hall on March 10 as part of his nationwide “Meet the People Tour.”
The initiative aims to involve traditional authorities in the government’s anti-corruption campaign by promoting integrity and transparency at the grassroots.
“You are at the frontiers of governance in our communities,” Kaifala told the chiefs, according to a statement released by the ACC. “You hold the trust of the people and embody the presence of government in your chiefdoms.”
He said traditional leaders play a crucial role in shaping community values and safeguarding customs and traditions, adding that their support was vital to sustaining the national anti-corruption drive.
Kaifala also used the meeting to explain provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act relating to gift-giving and asset declarations, citing sections that require public officials to declare their assets twice a year.
“There is no law anywhere that forbids public officers, including our chiefs, from receiving or giving gifts,” he said, noting that gift-giving forms part of traditional practices. “What the law seeks to prevent is the abuse of such gestures in ways that compromise public officers or create conflicts of interest.”
He said measures such as maintaining a gift register for substantial gifts and mandatory asset declarations were designed to promote transparency and protect public officials.
Paramount Chief Member of Parliament for Koinadugu District, PC Alie Bala Marah III, welcomed the ACC delegation and thanked the commission for engaging traditional authorities directly.
He said the chiefs appreciated what he described as respect shown to the institution of chieftaincy and commended the ACC’s leadership for its commitment to accountability and impartiality.
Marah reaffirmed the district’s support for the anti-corruption campaign, which he said was essential for Sierra Leone’s development.
The chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs, PC Foday Jalloh III, and other chiefs also pledged support for the initiative during an interactive session that concluded the meeting.
The ACC said the discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the commission and traditional leaders in the fight against corruption.
