Amie Massaquoi, Information Officer, ACC
The Advisory Board Committee of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has met with the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, His Lordship Honourable Komba Kamanda to discuss concerns over prolonged corruption cases in the courts.
The meeting, which took place at the Office of the Chief Justice in Freetown, was part of the ACC’s broader effort to enhance the efficiency of the justice system and ensure speedy resolution of ACC cases in the High Court.
The discussion emphasized the importance of timely and expeditious trials of ACC cases in reinforcing public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.
As the chairman of the meeting, Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Justice for his warm reception to the team to discuss such important issues. He commended the Judiciary for their role and support in ensuring corrupt persons are held accountable. “Without the Judiciary our job will not be complete as they are strategic partners in the fight against corruption,” Mr Ngobie stated.
Stating the purpose of the meeting, Chairman of the ACC Advisory Board, Prince Goba, said the meeting aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance judicial efficiency and uphold the rule of law in Sierra Leone. He appealed to the Chief Justice to review pending ACC cases and to take necessary steps to expedite their proceedings.
“Prolonged legal processes can undermine public confidence which will weaken the country’s anti-graft drive,” he said.
Responding, the Chief Justice, His Lordship Hon. Komba Kamanda, acknowledged the concerns raised by the ACC Advisory Board and assured them that the judiciary will look into them. He said the Judiciary remains committed to ensuring swift and fair justice in Sierra Leone and highlighted ongoing efforts to address the backlog of ACC cases and the strategies which will be put in place to enhance effective and efficient case management in the courts.
