By Saidu Jalloh, D.S.
In a rare, sweeping move to sharpen Sierra Leone’s war on graft, 35 staff of the Anti-Corruption Commission touched down en route to China Sunday for a two-week immersion in anti-corruption strategy and enforcement.
The delegation drawn from every level of the Commission, from senior executives to drivers, office assistants, and security personnel departed Freetown International Airport on 21 June 2026. Their destination: an intensive training programme running from 23 June to 6 July, fully sponsored by China’s Ministry of Commerce through the International Cooperation Centre of the National Development and Reform Commission.
Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie, who is leading the mission, called the opportunity a “significant milestone” during a pre-departure briefing at the Chinese Embassy on 18 June. “This is a visible mark of the enduring partnership between Sierra Leone and China,” Ngobie said, pointing to Beijing’s longstanding support in infrastructure, health, agriculture, and education. “China’s institutional discipline and effective anti-corruption strategies offer practical lessons we intend to bring home.”
The ACC’s decision to include support staff marks a first in the Commission’s 24-year history. Salieu Mallo Sesay, Head of Office Assistants and a member of the ACC since its establishment in 2000, described the moment as historic. “I’ve served this Commission from day one, and this is the first time staff in my category are getting this kind of opportunity,” Sesay said. “We’re grateful to our leadership and to the Government of China.”
Beyond classroom sessions on identifying and monitoring corrupt practices, the programme will expose participants to Chinese institutions and cultural landmarks, blending technical training with broader institutional exchange.
Officials say the initiative will boost the ACC’s capacity across all ranks while reinforcing bilateral cooperation between Freetown and Beijing in the fight against corruption.
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