The Anti-Corruption Commission (Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone) has strengthened its partnership with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) in Kono District through an engagement aimed at improving institutional accountability, transparency, and public service delivery.
The Acting Regional Director of the ACC Kono Office, Andrew Demby, and his team held a customised meeting with NaSSIT staff on Thursday, 19 March 2026, at the institution’s office on Gbongbon Street in Koidu City.
The engagement focused on prevention mechanisms, systems strengthening, and institutional coordination, with emphasis on reinforcing integrity in public service delivery and safeguarding public trust.
Addressing staff, Mr. Demby described NaSSIT as “not only a financial institution, but also a trustee of the dignity and social security of Sierra Leonean workers.”
While acknowledging the longstanding collaboration between both institutions, he highlighted key risk areas identified by the Commission, including benefit administration, claims processing, compliance, and remittances.
He noted that the ACC has observed instances where some employers under-declare employee salaries, thereby affecting statutory contributions and depriving government of revenue. He called for stronger collaboration to address such practices.
Mr. Demby also reminded staff of their statutory obligation to declare assets and liabilities in accordance with Section 119 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended in 2019, warning that failure to comply attracts penalties.
He further briefed staff on the Whistle-Blower and Witness Protection Regulations 2025, outlining measures such as confidentiality, security, relocation, identity protection, and compensation for whistle-blowers and witnesses.
He also highlighted provisions of the 2019 amendment to the Act, including stronger sanctions for corruption offences, asset recovery mechanisms, powers to suspend public contracts deemed not in the national interest, and provisions for trials in absentia.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, Public Education Officer for Kono, Patricia J. Sannoh, urged cooperation between the ACC and all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), stressing that corruption undermines national development.
She encouraged staff to “resist, reject, and report corruption,” adding that the public can use the Commission’s toll-free lines 077-985985 and 986986 to report suspected cases.
In response, NaSSIT Kono Manager, Jaka Jim Lappia, thanked the Commission for the engagement, describing it as timely and impactful. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting the ACC’s work and promoting accountability within its operations.
Mr. Lappia also revealed that NaSSIT is considering expanding its coverage to include workers in the informal sector, such as petty traders and commercial bike riders, as part of efforts to broaden social protection and reduce unemployment vulnerability.
