By Emma Black

A high-level delegation from the Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), led by Mr. Patrick Sandy, Coordinator of Operations, has paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police (IGP), Mr. William Fayia Sellu, to gain firsthand insights into Sierra Leone’s model of collaboration between law enforcement and anti-graft institutions.

On July 31, 2025 , The primary aim of the visit was to understand the successful partnership between the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC-SL) with a view to adopting a similar framework to enhance Liberia’s fight against corruption.

The visiting Liberian team comprised, Mr. Ernest Hughes  Vice Executive Chairman, LACC Madam Vivian S. Akoto Executive Assistant & Programme Manager, office of the Executive Chairman Mr. John E. Tommy Programme Manager, Education and Prevention office

During the meeting, Mr. Sandy praised the effectiveness of the ACC-SLP collaboration in Sierra Leone, particularly through joint training initiatives and institutional integrity-building. He noted that these cooperative efforts could serve as a template for Liberia’s reform agenda.

In response, IGP William Fayia Sellu emphasized the importance of institutional synergy in combating corruption. He highlighted that the SLP has long played a proactive role in supporting the ACC’s mandate:

Our collaboration is built on transparency and mutual accountability, when SLP personnel are implicated in corruption, we investigate internally and apply disciplinary action where warranted. At the same time, we never interfere with the ACC’s independent investigations, said the IGP.

He also revealed that senior police investigators have historically been seconded to the ACC to support complex criminal investigations. In addition, the police provide logistical support such as detention facilities and operational backup during high-profile arrests.

IGP Sellu also cited the Integrity Management Committee (IMC) an internal accountability structure developed in coordination with the ACC to promote transparency and ethical conduct within the police force.

On a broader scale, he referenced Sierra Leone’s active involvement in the West African Police Information System (WAPIS), which facilitates the secure exchange of information on criminal suspects and corruption cases across ECOWAS member states.

Looking ahead, the IGP mentioned that discussions are underway for a West African Police Chiefs’ Summit, where a regional anti-corruption and security cooperation framework will be on the agenda.

Closing the visit, Mr. Ernest Hughes of the LACC expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and in-depth knowledge shared by the SLP leadership. He noted that the Liberian delegation had gained crucial insights that would inform their ongoing reforms and cooperation with the Liberia National Police.

We leave here with a better understanding of what a functional and transparent partnership looks like. This exchange has been invaluable, Hughes remarked.

 Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,4th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)