By Lamin Turay
Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commission said it has
concluded a tour of the country’s Eastern Region with an engagement of traditional leaders in Kono District, aimed at clarifying how customary practices align with national anti-corruption laws.
The meeting, held on Tuesday at the Fillie Faboe Hall in Kono, brought together Paramount Chiefs and other traditional authorities to discuss issues including asset declaration and the handling of gifts under Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Act.
Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie said the Commission opted for direct dialogue following reports of recurring misunderstandings between traditional practices and statutory obligations.
“There are powers the law gives us, but the reports we receive at times prompt us to engage directly,” Ngobie said, adding that enforcement without understanding could create tension. “Public education builds cooperation.”
Paramount Chief Abu D. B. Soloko V, chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs in Kono, welcomed the visit, describing it as necessary to prevent unintended conflicts between long-standing customs and modern legislation.
“This visit is welcome because it helps us understand the national laws clearly, so that we do not find ourselves unintentionally in conflict with them,” he said.
Kono District Council Chairman Augustine Sheku said leadership carried a moral responsibility to uphold order and tradition, particularly during periods of social strain. He commended recent anti-corruption reforms, saying they had improved Sierra Leone’s international standing.
In a keynote address, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala said reforms undertaken by the Commission had led to measurable improvements in governance indicators.
“President Bio appointed us to bring change, and with his support we have transformed how Sierra Leone performs on key governance indexes,” Kaifala said.
He said asset declaration requirements were intended to protect public officials as well as citizens.
“Asset declaration simply means declaring what you have, your businesses and other interests, before and during service,” he said. “Declaring assets is not a bad thing; it protects both you and the public.”
On the issue of gifts, Kaifala said the law was focused on preventing conflicts of interest rather than banning traditional tokens of appreciation.
“The law is not against gifts. It is against conflict of interest,” he said.
Senior District Officer William B. Ngegai called for continued dialogue, noting that areas of overlap between customary authority and statutory provisions, including the 2009 Chieftaincy Act, sometimes create confusion.
The engagement concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which chiefs sought clarification on practical scenarios and reiterated their commitment to upholding integrity.
With the Kono meeting, the Commission said it has completed its Eastern Region outreach, which also covered Kailahun and Kenema districts, as part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between customary institutions and constitutional governance.
