By Thaimu T Kamara
In a bold and timely appeal for stronger political leadership in the fight against corruption, Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Mr. Augustine Foday Ngobie, delivered a compelling keynote address at a high-level GONAT Policy Dialogue Session held at The Place Resort, Tokeh Beach, today, Friday 11 July 2025.
The policy session, hosted under the Governing Natural Resource Outflows for Enhanced Economic Resilience in Fragile and Transitional Countries (GONAT) project, brought together government officials, civil society leaders, international partners, and development experts. Its goal: to promote the transparent and accountable management of natural resources in fragile states like Sierra Leone.
In his address, Deputy Commissioner Ngobie did not mince words as he pointed to corruption especially illicit financial flows from the natural resource sector as a significant barrier to sustainable development.
For too long, the wealth from our natural resources has failed to transform into meaningful improvements in the lives of our people. This failure is rooted in weak accountability systems, under-enforced anti-corruption laws, and complicity among public officials, he said.
He stressed that reversing this trend requires more than legal frameworks it requires political will, Ngobie declared that political will is the engine that powers all anti-corruption strategies. Without it, institutional reforms lack traction, and oversight mechanisms remain toothless.
He outlined key approaches to mobilize political commitment to raise citizens’ demands for accountable governance in political party manifestos and national development plans, among elected officials, with public leaders setting personal examples to actively scrutinize natural resource contracts and government spending.
Deputy Commissioner Ngobie laid out a set of practical reforms to close loopholes and enforce public sector integrity
Mandatory asset declarations must be verified and made public to deter illicit enrichment citizens should feel safe and encouraged to report corruption, supported by strong legislation guaranteeing anonymity and legal protection.
Introduction of digital systems to track payments and contracts in the extractives sector to prevent tampering or misappropriation The ACC must work closely with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), National Revenue Authority (NRA), Ministry of Finance, and other key agencies to close systemic corruption gaps.
Local communities, the media, and civil society should be empowered to monitor projects and demand accountability at the grassroots level. The GONAT project, backed by international development partners, supports fragile and transitional countries in managing natural resource outflows responsibly. Through forums like this, GONAT aims to foster transparency, curb revenue leakages, and build economic resilience.
In closing, Deputy Commissioner Ngobie issued a strong national call, The fight against corruption is not for the ACC alone. It is a fight for every Sierra Leonean. But most importantly, our political leaders must lead from the front. They must set the tone for transparency, for justice, and for national progress.”
His speech drew widespread praise and sparked lively discussions among participants, many of whom acknowledged the urgent need for political actors to walk the talk on anti-corruption.
As Sierra Leone continues its quest for economic transformation and resilience, today’s message was clear: the time for political courage and accountability is now. And in the fight for Sierra Leone’s future, every citizen and every leader must play their part.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,14th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
