By Abdul M. Jalloh
The Northeast Regional Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Madam Fatu Florence Kamara, has called on citizens to not only report corruption but also comply by serving as witnesses to strengthen prosecution efforts.
Her appeal follows what she described as a growing challenge of non-compliance by individuals who initially report or provide intelligence on corruption cases but later fail to testify. The Northeast Region—comprising Bombali District, Tonkolili District, Koinadugu District and Falaba District—falls under her jurisdiction.
Director Kamara explained that the reluctance of witnesses to come forward significantly undermines investigations and prosecutions, making it difficult to secure convictions. To address this concern, she disclosed that a Witness Protection Policy has been enacted by Parliament and approved by President Julius Maada Bio. The policy, she said, provides comprehensive safeguards for whistleblowers and witnesses, including relocation within the country or, where necessary, support for movement abroad to ensure their safety.
She warned that low witness participation perpetuates underdevelopment, damages the country’s image and allows public resources and donor funds to be diverted by a few selfish individuals. According to her, corruption deprives millions of citizens of essential services and weakens public trust in governance.
“If people fail to report cases or refuse to testify, workplaces become hostile environments and national development suffers. We will continue to pursue and prosecute those who exploit public resources meant for the people of Sierra Leone,” she stated.
Established by an Act of Parliament in 2000, the ACC is an independent institution mandated to prevent, investigate and prosecute corruption, while also conducting public education. Over the past 25 years, key reforms—including the 2008 ACC Act and the 2019 Amendment Act—have strengthened its enforcement powers.
Director Kamara highlighted achievements in 2025, including robust monitoring, community outreach, convictions, recoveries, non-prosecutorial settlements and full asset declaration compliance by MDAs. She further revealed the establishment of a Case Review Committee, expressing optimism that 2026 will intensify enforcement and public education efforts to dispel misconceptions about the Commission and deepen the fight against corruption.
