By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone on Monday hosted a high-powered delegation from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) at its headquarters, Integrity House, Tower Hill, Freetown, as part of a strategic study visit aimed at fostering cross-border collaboration in the fight against corruption.
The Liberian team, led by Vice Executive Chairman of LACC, Ernest Hughes, was warmly received during a welcome event held in the ACC’s conference room. The visit underscores the growing partnership between the two West African neighbors and reflects a shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional strengthening.
In his address, Mr. Hughes emphasized the historic and fraternal relationship between Sierra Leone and Liberia, noting that the recent reaffirmation of these ties by President Julius Maada Bio during Liberia’s independence celebration laid the foundation for such bilateral engagements.
Hughes highlighted the importance of learning from Sierra Leone’s experience before undertaking new reforms within the LACC. “Though our institution was founded in 2008, our new leadership, which came into office in 2023, has been dedicated to revitalizing our work,” he explained. “As we consulted with regional partners, Sierra Leone emerged as a model from which we could gain valuable insights.”
He also expressed interest in formalizing a twinning arrangement with the ACC to promote long-term collaboration. “Anti-corruption efforts are often complex and require technical cooperation and mutual support. We believe both institutions can benefit from deeper ties,” Hughes added.
ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala officially welcomed the Liberian delegation and affirmed the Commission’s full support for the study visit. “We will ensure that your visit is productive and meaningful,” he said. He directed ACC directors and senior officials to provide comprehensive briefings and access to operational tools and systems throughout the week-long engagement.
“We see this as an opportunity not only to share what we have done but also to learn from your perspective and experiences,” Commissioner Kaifala noted, underscoring the value of inter-institutional learning in enhancing anti-corruption outcomes across the region.
Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, echoed the Commissioner’s sentiments and reassured the delegation of the ACC’s commitment to open dialogue and mutual cooperation. “Our doors are open. We are prepared to revisit and strengthen our existing Memorandum of Understanding to reflect our evolving partnership,” Ngobie stated.
Following the opening engagements, the Liberian delegation was taken on a guided tour of the various departments of the ACC. There, they were introduced to Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption strategies, institutional frameworks, digital monitoring tools, and case management systems.
The study visit is expected to span several days, during which the LACC team will engage with ACC directors and technical staff to exchange experiences and best practices in areas such as investigations, public education, prevention, and policy reform.
The visit marks a significant milestone in regional cooperation and showcases a shared determination by both Sierra Leone and Liberia to combat corruption through stronger institutions and strategic partnerships.
