The Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone (ACC) has issued a public notice calling on all newly appointed and former public officers to declare their income, assets, and liabilities in accordance with the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended by the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2019.
Under Section 119 (1) of the Act, individuals who assume public office are required to submit a declaration of their income, assets, and liabilities to the ACC within three months of taking office. Additionally, every two years thereafter, public officers must submit further declarations by no later than 31st March of the second year. Furthermore, the Act states that public officers must also submit a declaration of their income, assets, and liabilities upon leaving office.
Failure to comply with these requirements constitutes an offense under Section 122 (a) of the Anti-Corruption Act. Convicted individuals may face a fine of not less than Twenty Million Leones (Le20,000,000), imprisonment for a minimum of one year, or both.
The ACC emphasizes the importance of timely and accurate declarations, as they play a crucial role in combating corruption and ensuring transparency in public office.
Therefore, the Commission urges all serving public officers and former public officers who have not yet submitted their Assets Declaration Forms to do so immediately. Failure to comply within the specified deadlines may result in the enforcement of penal provisions or other measures to ensure full compliance, including the withholding of salaries, benefits, and potential criminal prosecution.
The ACC remains committed to upholding the principles of integrity and accountability within the public sector, and it encourages all public officers to fulfill their obligations under the law.