Sylvanus Blake, Deputy Director PEOD, ACC
The People’s Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Sierra Leone, Francis Ben Kaifalahas called on Paramount Chiefs from Bombali and Karene districts to continue embedding integrity within their revered traditional values and leadership practices.
The Commissioner made the appeal during the Bombalileg of his ongoing “Meet the People Tour,” held at the Conference Hall of the Makeni City Council. The tour is part of a nationwide dialogue and public education engagement with Paramount Chiefs, local authorities, and traditional leaders aimed at strengthening collaboration in the fight against corruption.
The engagements also provide an opportunity for the Commissioner to account for his stewardship in leading the national anti-corruption campaign, update stakeholders on progress made, and discuss critical issues such as gift management, asset declaration, and other corruption-related matters affecting the work of Paramount Chiefs.
Although the meeting was originally intended for Paramount Chiefs of Bombali district, it also attracted all thirteen Paramount Chiefs from neighboring Karenedistrict.
The Karene Chiefs explained that after following the achievements of the ACC under Commissioner Kaifalawhom they proudly described as “their son” they decided to travel to Makeni to meet him personally, interact with him, offer counsel and prayers, and encourage him and his team in their anti-corruption efforts.
They further commended the Commissioner for what they described as his respectful and unprecedented outreach to traditional leaders across the country, noting that his visits to pay homage and hold open dialogues with Paramount Chiefs reflect humility and a deep appreciation for the institution of chieftaincy.
Reiterating the central theme of his engagements with traditional leaders nationwide, Commissioner Kaifalaclarified that no law prohibits public officers from giving or receiving gifts, emphasizing that the practice is deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of chieftaincy.
However, he explained that asset declaration and the registration of notable gifts serve as safeguards designed to protect public officials from allegations of impropriety and conflicts of interest.
“As leaders especially you Paramount Chiefs you take decisions and manage people and resources. At times, accusations may arise from misunderstandings, rivalry, disenchantment, or even ignorance. The systems of asset declaration and gift registration help protect your integrity and ensure transparency in public service,” the Commissioner stated.
He urged the Paramount Chiefs to comply fully with the legal requirements and continue serving as exemplary leaders and strong allies in the national fight against corruption.
Resident Minister of the North-East Region, Hon. Ibrahim Jalloh, commended Commissioner Kaifala for his people-centered leadership in advancing Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption agenda.
While acknowledging that gift-giving is deeply embedded in Sierra Leone’s customs and traditions, the Minister encouraged traditional leaders to guard their integrity and protect their thrones from compromise, conflicts of interest, and abuse.
He further noted that although corruption has long been perceived as a persistent challenge across societies, the work of the ACC under Commissioner Kaifala has demonstrated that corruption can indeed be confronted and reduced, pointing to the Commission’s progress as evidence.
Receiving the customary traditional gift “bora” a parcel of neatly tied kola nuts and a bottle of wine presented by the Commissioner, the North-East Regional Chairperson of the Council of Paramount Chiefs, Hon. PC Alimamy Dura of Safroko Limba Chiefdom, expressed deep appreciation for the Commissioner’s gesture.
“We have not seen this from many leaders before. You have distinguished yourself as a proud son of tradition. Your respect for our customs, demonstrated through this highly respected traditional gift, is admirable and deeply appreciated. We are pleased, and I believe even our ancestors are pleased. You and your team have done well keep it up,” he said.
The meeting concluded with an engaging and educative question-and-answer session between the Commissioner and the Paramount Chiefs.
The Commissioner’s next engagement under the Meet the People Tour will bring him to Tonkolili district, where he is expected to interact with Paramount Chiefs, local authorities, and traditional leaders.
