Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has presided over the swearing-in ceremony of Augustine Foday Ngobie, whom he recently reappointed for his final five-year term as Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, ACC, urging the integrity house to intensify their efforts.
His reappointment, effective 10 April 2024, was initially announced on 5 April 2024, marking a renewed commitment to tackling corruption in the country. During the swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Ngobie expressed profound gratitude and honour at being reappointed and lauded President Bio for the trust placed in him to continue serving in that pivotal role.
He pledged to work diligently and collaboratively to fulfil the Commission’s objectives, emphasising his dedication to fighting the scourge and promoting transparency within the government and public sector.
President Bio, in his remarks, commended Mr. Ngobie for his unwavering service and acknowledged the significant challenges inherent in the role of the Deputy Commissioner.
He praised the ACC’s achievements under Ngobie’s leadership as deputy commissioner and urged the Commission to intensify its efforts. Highlighting the detrimental effects of corruption, the President stressed that it could erode trust, hamper democratic processes, stifle economic growth, and exacerbate inequality, poverty, social divisions, and environmental degradation.
The President underscored the critical importance of exposing corrupt practices and holding perpetrators accountable.
He emphasised the necessity of understanding the mechanisms and systems that facilitate corruption, advocating for comprehensive strategies to combat it effectively. President Bio’s remarks reflected his administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of integrity and accountability in Sierra Leone.
He extended his best wishes to Mr. Ngobie for a successful tenure, expressing confidence in his ability to help lead the ACC with distinction. The reappointment and swearing-in of Augustine Foday Ngobie signal a continued and strengthened focus on anti-corruption measures in Sierra Leone, as the nation strives towards greater transparency and accountability in its institutions.
