By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Freetown, September 17, 2025 — Augustine Foday Ngbobie, Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), reassured development partners and officials from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) of the ACC’s unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. He emphasized the importance of closely monitoring the use of public and donor funds allocated for Sierra Leone’s development efforts.
Speaking on September 16, 2025, at the Brookfields Hotel Conference Centre in Freetown, Ngbobie participated in the opening session of a two-day training workshop organized by UNICEF and other partners. The workshop focused on the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) process, bringing together representatives from various implementing partners to enhance their understanding and application of the global standards set by UN agencies, including UNDP, UNFPA, and UN Women.
The training aims to ensure that all implementing partners are compliant with HACT, a framework that outlines the procedures, processes, and best practices for applying for, accessing, utilizing, and accounting for funds.
Ngbobie expressed gratitude to the development partners for their ongoing contributions to Sierra Leone’s development. He cautioned that corruption poses significant risks that could undermine these positive efforts. “Witnessing this training event on the HACT process is a testament to your commitment to transparent and accountable development in Sierra Leone. We acknowledge these efforts and pledge our unwavering stance against corruption,” he stated.
The Deputy Commissioner urged participants to pay close attention to HACT procedures, warning that any breaches would not be tolerated. “There will be no excuses for procedural violations. You will be held accountable for any suspected mismanagement of resources intended for the development of Sierra Leoneans. The ACC will investigate and hold accountable anyone involved in the misuse of public and donor funds,” he warned.
Ngobie encouraged the public to report any suspected corruption to the ACC using the toll-free hotlines: 8515, 077-985985, and 077-986985. He assured citizens that they would not face targeting or victimization for reporting suspected corruption, highlighting the ACC’s robust witness and whistleblower protection measures.
The Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) is a framework utilized by UN agencies to manage cash transfers to implementing partners, streamlining processes and reducing transaction costs while promoting sustainable development. Research indicates that HACT enhances efficiency, simplifies procedures, and improves accountability, ultimately contributing to sustainable development outcomes.
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