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ACC spot-checks Mano Junction checkpoint in Kenema over corruption allegations

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 Patrick Hinga George, Public Education Officer, ACC

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Eastern Regional Office in Kenema carried out an unannounced integrity enforcement visit at the Mano Junction checkpoint in Kenema district. The operation was initiated in response to mounting complaints from the public regarding alleged acts of bribery, extortion, and other corrupt practices being perpetrated by personnel stationed at the checkpoint, many of whom represent various revenue-generating and law enforcement institutions.

Leading the operation was the Regional Director, Hawanatu O. Kamara, who underscored the seriousness of the intervention. In her address to the officers on duty, she made it clear that the ACC’s visit was not only a follow-up to public outcries but a proactive measure to ensure accountability, deter malpractices, and reinforce the Commission’s core mandate of fighting corruption through a three-pronged approach – Public Education, Prevention, and Enforcement.

“This is not just an ordinary visit,” she cautioned. “It is a call to conscience, and if anyone among you is involved in these corrupt acts, this is your warning: desist now! The Commission will not hesitate to take decisive action. But more importantly, we are here to enlighten, prevent, and enforce because corruption, left unchecked, will destroy our country.”

Public Education Officer (PEO), Patrick Hinga George, amplified this message by explaining the devastating consequences of corruption on Sierra Leone’s development efforts. He reminded the officers that the ACC was established in 2000 out of a national need to confront and contain the threat of systemic corruption, which had crippled institutions and prolonged suffering among the citizenry.

“Corruption steals from all of us. Every bribe taken at this checkpoint either takes away a textbook from a school child, a medicine from a patient, a bag of rice from a hungry home or allows into the community drugs, arms and ammunition; exposing the lives of citizens to danger. That is why the public has spoken and the reason we are here to act,” he stated passionately.

Prevention Officer (PO), Abiebatu Abu-Mattia, also weighed in, emphasising that the visit should not be misconstrued as a witch-hunt. “We are simply here to do our job, and that job is to prevent corruption before it happens,” she said. “The best cure is prevention; so, take this as an opportunity to reflect and reform. Let integrity lead your daily duties.”

Closing the educational aspect of the visit, Investigation Officer (IO), Andrew Komeh, delivered a stern legal reminder by referencing the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019. He detailed several key corruption offences and their associated penalties, including imprisonment, fines, ban from holding public office for a minimum period of three or five years, depending on the threshold of the offence, and public shaming through publications.

“Therefore, see today’s visit as an opportunity, as you may not know the day, hour, or time the ACC will return. If we are given the chance to be here next time, it may not be with words; it may be with warrants,” he warned. “Take this warning seriously and allow integrity to be your guiding principle,” he emphasised.

In a show of appreciation and commitment, Administrative Officer 14432 PC Shemgbe, who represented the officer-in-charge at the checkpoint, welcomed the ACC’s initiative. Speaking on behalf of all deployed officers, including those from the Sierra Leone Police, Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, District Council and Forestry, he assured the Commission of their collective willingness to support the fight against corruption.

“This visit is a wake-up call, and we pledge to do the right thing, always. We thank the ACC for reminding us of the path we must follow,” he said.

The visit ended with the ACC team encouraging the officers to serve as champions of integrity, especially as frontliners who interact with the public daily. The Commission reiterated its readiness to conduct more surprise visits in the future and to act decisively where corruption is proven.

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