Freetown: The Advisory Board of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) convened with the leadership of the Finance Ministry, seeking enhanced operational resources and sustainable institutional backing.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Chairman Mr. Prince Goba led the ACC delegation, which included Deputy Commissioner Mr. Augustine Foday Ngobie and several Advisory Board members, to the office of the Minister of Finance, Mr. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura. The Finance Ministry team present included Financial Secretary Mr. Matthew Dingie, Principal Deputy Financial Secretary Mr. Samuel E.B. Momoh, Budget Bureau Director Mr. Tasima Jah, and Technical Adviser Dr. Franklin Sisabu Bendu.
During the meeting, Minister Bangura acknowledged the ACC’s role in safeguarding public resources through the prevention of corruption. He emphasized that strong inter-institutional collaboration is crucial for effective financial governance and pledged continued support from the Ministry to minimize the risks of fiscal impropriety across government systems.
Chairman Goba commended the Minister’s economic stewardship while highlighting the pressing institutional constraints faced by the ACC. He pointed out logistical deficiencies affecting office operations, the urgent need for regional infrastructure refurbishment, staff welfare concerns, and issues regarding Board member emoluments as major challenges needing resolution. He stressed that strengthened institutional capacity is directly linked to enhanced anti-corruption effectiveness.
Financial Secretary Dingie assured the delegation that their concerns would be given careful consideration to ensure the Commission’s optimal functionality. A significant development during the meeting was the disclosure of the ACC’s prospective inclusion in the forthcoming Public Financial Management Project’s capacity-building components.