The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, held a high-level engagement with Paramount Chiefs and Chiefdom Authorities in Kailahun District as part of its nationwide anti-corruption campaign. The meeting aimed to strengthen integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership within traditional governance systems.
The event, held at the Kailahun District Council Hall under the theme “Strengthening Integrity in the Traditional Governance Architecture,” brought together traditional leaders, district officials, and governance actors to discuss accountability, gifts, inducements, and asset declaration obligations.
ACC Coordinator of Operations, Patrick Sandi, emphasized the importance of integrating traditional authorities into the national fight against corruption, noting their critical role as custodians of justice and community trust. ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala expressed appreciation for the Chiefs’ openness and highlighted their strategic position in Sierra Leone’s governance framework.
During the interactive session, Paramount Chiefs acknowledged that previous fears regarding the Assets Declaration Regime had been addressed and pledged their readiness to comply with asset declaration requirements. Foday Musa Nyadebo Gbogboto II of Jahn Chiefdom called for continuous engagement with traditional leaders to tackle corruption at the local level.
Chairman of the Kailahun District Council, Sahr Kekeh Lamin, described the engagement as key to demystifying ACC’s work, strengthening public confidence, and fostering cooperation between institutions and communities. Senior District Officer Alpha M. Sowa stressed that no district is too remote for scrutiny and reaffirmed Kailahun’s commitment to the national anti-corruption effort.
The ACC’s Kailahun engagement underscored that combating corruption requires collective national responsibility, with traditional leadership positioned as a frontline partner in safeguarding Sierra Leone’s integrity and promoting sustainable development.
