By Josephine Sesay

A high-level delegation from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), led by Vice Executive Chairman Ernest Hughes, concluded a week-long study visit to Sierra Leone on August 7, 2025. Hosted by Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the delegation engaged with key stakeholders, including the Judiciary, Sierra Leone Police, and civil society organizations, to strengthen regional collaboration in combating corruption.

The visit featured interactive sessions and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at enhancing anti-graft systems in both nations. At the Judiciary, Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, alongside Supreme Court Justices Alusine Sesay and Fatmata Bintu Alhadi, welcomed the delegation. Justice Kamanda highlighted the role of the Judiciary’s specialized Anti-Corruption Division within the High Court, stating, “Corruption cases demand speed, integrity, and expertise. Our dedicated court ensures effective justice delivery.”

The delegation also met with Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu and his deputy at Sierra Leone Police Headquarters. IGP Sellu emphasized the Police’s commitment to transparency and collaboration with the ACC, citing Integrity Management Committees across all 28 Police Divisions and successful joint investigations. “Under Francis Ben Kaifala’s leadership, the ACC has excelled. Our robust sanctions regime and regional cooperation via platforms like WAPIS strengthen our efforts,” Sellu noted.

Engagements with civil society included a meeting with the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL). Jeremy Benjamin Simbo, Head of Programs, commended the ACC’s transparency and community outreach, emphasizing the value of joint research and public engagement.

LACC Vice Chairman Hughes praised Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption framework, particularly its specialized court system, and expressed intentions to adopt similar structures in Liberia, as neighbors, we face shared corruption challenges, collaborative efforts ensure ill-gotten wealth cannot evade accountability, Hughes said.

Patrick Sandi, ACC Sierra Leone’s Coordinator of Operations, facilitated the engagements and underscored the importance of cross-border partnerships. This visit highlights the power of regional solidarity in building robust anti-corruption frameworks, Sandi stated.

The initiative aligns with broader West African efforts to foster sustainable anti-corruption systems through regional cooperation, capacity building, and shared best practices.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,8th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)