A high-level delegation from the Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), led by Mr Patrick Sandy, Coordinator of Operations, has paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police (IGP), Mr William Fayia Sellu, to learn from the successful partnership between the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The visit aimed to explore how Liberia could replicate the collaborative framework between the SLP and ACC in strengthening its own anti-corruption efforts.
The delegation included Mr Ernest Hughes, Vice Executive Chairman of the LACC; Madam Vivian S. Akoto, Executive Assistant and Programme Manager in the Office of the Executive Chairman; and Mr John E. Tommy, Programme Manager in the Education and Prevention Office.
During discussions, Mr Sandy highlighted the robust and long-standing collaboration between Sierra Leone’s ACC and the police, especially in joint integrity-building initiatives. He acknowledged recent training workshops organised for police and other law enforcement agencies as part of this ongoing partnership.
In his remarks, IGP Sellu emphasised that the police and ACC have enjoyed a mutually supportive relationship in the fight against corruption. He revealed that the SLP initially supported the ACC by assigning experienced criminal investigators to assist with complex investigations.
“The SLP takes a two-pronged approach when our officers are involved in corruption,” IGP Sellu said. “We apply our internal disciplinary regulations to investigate and, if necessary, take administrative action. If an officer is found guilty of corrupt practices, they are dismissed. We also ensure that we do not interfere with ACC investigations.”
He also outlined additional support the police provide to the ACC, including access to detention facilities for suspects and operational assistance during arrests. The IGP spoke of the establishment of the Integrity Management Committee (IMC), an initiative spearheaded by the ACC to help curb corruption within the police service.
IGP Sellu further elaborated on regional collaboration through the West African Police Information System (WAPIS), which facilitates the sharing of information on persons of interest across the subregion. He concluded by mentioning plans for a meeting of West African Police Chiefs to discuss a potential regional security framework to enhance cross-border cooperation.
In closing, Mr Ernest Hughes expressed appreciation for the warm reception and detailed insights shared by the Inspector General of Police. He noted that the Liberian delegation had gained valuable knowledge to strengthen their collaboration with the Liberia National Police.
