By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is committed to enhancing ethical standards and implementing measures in public sector institutions to protect public resources. As part of this mission, the ACC’s Bo regional office engaged with officials from the Bo City Council (BCC) and devolved sectors on corruption-related issues identified in the 2024 Auditor General’s Report during a meeting held on November 20, 2025.
The session, convened in the Council’s conference room, addressed financial and administrative irregularities affecting service delivery in the municipality. Mohamed A. Kabba, ACC Public Education Officer, emphasized that such illegal activities undermine access to essential services for citizens, exacerbating social inequalities and hindering revenue mobilization. He warned that these practices could jeopardize the Council’s operational integrity and erode public trust.
Kabba outlined several specific concerns raised in the audit report, including breaches of procurement procedures, mismanagement of devolved funds, and failure to remit statutory contributions such as National Security and Social Insurance Trust (NASSIT) and Pay as You Earn (PAYE) payments. He highlighted that these issues not only weaken internal control systems but also limit job opportunities for the youth.
ACC Principal Investigator Ishmael Kamara urged local officials to refrain from financial and administrative irregularities, stating that such misconduct could deter citizens from complying with local tax and rate obligations. He warned that misappropriation of revenues could diminish the council’s legitimate revenue base and is punishable under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 (amended in 2019).
Kamara clarified that anti-corruption measures are not aimed at punishing public institutions but are intended to reduce illegal practices, strengthen internal controls, and enhance transparency in public operations.
Henry Powell, Chief Administrator of Bo City Council, praised the ACC for its ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Sierra Leone, emphasizing that such initiatives are vital for improving the country’s reputation. He confirmed that the Council is actively implementing recommendations from the 2024 Auditor General’s Report.
David Garrick, Public Education Officer, noted that this engagement reflects the ACC’s commitment to fostering integrity, transparency, and accountability. He called on public officials to work diligently to address the systemic weaknesses identified in the audit, asserting that adherence to the Report’s recommendations is essential for unlocking the Council’s full potential for development in the regional capital.
The meeting concluded with an interactive session addressing questions and concerns from participants, reinforcing the collective responsibility to uphold ethical practices in public service.
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