Paramount Chiefs in Koinadugu District have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s national fight against corruption following an engagement with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) at the Koinadugu District Council Hall on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
The meeting, which brought together all ten Paramount Chiefs in the district, was led by the ACC Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala, as part of the Commission’s ongoing *“Meet the People Tour.” The initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration with traditional authorities across the country and promote integrity and accountability at the grassroots level.
Addressing the Chiefs, Commissioner Kaifala urged them to nurture and protect the values of integrity, patriotism, and accountability within their chiefdoms. He emphasized that traditional leaders play a vital role in shaping community values and promoting ethical leadership.
“You are at the frontlines of governance in our communities. You hold the trust of the people and represent the presence of government in your chiefdoms. You also safeguard the customs, cultures, traditions, and values that bind our communities together,” he said.
Commissioner Kaifala acknowledged the enormous responsibilities carried by Paramount Chiefs and expressed appreciation for their continuous service to the nation. He noted that the engagement with traditional leaders was a deliberate effort by the Commission to strengthen partnerships and deepen understanding of the anti-corruption legal framework.
According to him, the dialogue aimed to clarify the roles and responsibilities of traditional leaders while promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
During the engagement, the Commissioner used practical examples to explain key provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended. He highlighted the legal framework governing the receipt of gifts and the mandatory biannual asset declaration requirement under Sections 51, 52, and 119 of the Act.
He encouraged the Paramount Chiefs to fully comply with these provisions, noting that the laws are intended primarily to protect public officials who adhere to them.
“There is no law that forbids public officers, including Paramount Chiefs, from receiving or giving gifts. Gift-giving is deeply rooted in our chieftaincy traditions. However, the law seeks to prevent situations where such gestures could compromise public officers or create conflicts of interest. This is why safeguards such as the gift register for notable or substantial gifts are required,” he explained.
He further clarified that asset declaration does not restrict individuals from owning property or engaging in legitimate business activities but instead promotes transparency and enables public officials to account for their wealth when necessary.
Earlier, the Paramount Chief Member of Parliament representing Koinadugu District, Hon. PC Alie Bala Marah III, welcomed the ACC delegation and expressed appreciation on behalf of his fellow Chiefs for what he described as a strong demonstration of respect for the institution of traditional leadership.
He commended Commissioner Kaifala’s leadership, stating that the ACC has shown dedication, patriotism, accountability, and impartiality in its efforts to combat corruption in Sierra Leone.
Hon. PC Marah III also reaffirmed the commitment of the district’s Paramount Chiefs to supporting the anti-corruption campaign, which he described as essential for Sierra Leone’s development and prosperity.
Similar sentiments were expressed by the Chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs, Hon. PC Foday Jalloh III, and other Chiefs who attended the meeting.
The engagement concluded with an interactive session in which the Paramount Chiefs raised questions, shared views, and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the ACC and traditional leaders in promoting transparency and accountability at the community level.