The Anti Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom (UK) Government on Thursday 5th May 2011 signed an anti-corruption Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The purpose of the MOU is to provide a framework for ongoing dialogue between ACC and UK on matters of common interest in Sierra Leone.

It underscores Sierra Leone’s shared commitment to good governance and transparency and recognizes the need to reinforce joint collaboration aimed at reducing poverty in Sierra Leone.

Signing the MOU on behalf of the Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commission, the Commissioner Joseph F. Kamara said building on the Department for International Development’s (DFID) support for the ACC, the agreement will provide support to building the capacity of the Sierra Leone ACC to undertake preventative programmes and carry out investigations, detect, freeze and recover assets stolen from Sierra Leone which are held in the UK; improve cooperation on corruption investigations which have a UK dimension; and where relevant and possible, the UK Government will assist the ACC in facilitating contacts with third countries if investigations requires such.

ACC’s Kamara said the agreement will further cement the growing relationship between the UK Government and the ACC in the campaign against corruption, and usher in a new dawn of rigorous pursuit of the proceeds of corrupt acts at the international level.

He furthered that the MOU will be valid for an indefinite period, on the understanding that each participant is at liberty to terminate it at any time by giving a thirty-day notice in writing to the other party. He said in an instance where a particular party requires the termination of the MOU, steps would be taken to ensure that the termination is not prejudicial to any programme or activity being carried within the framework of the MOU.

On behalf of the UK Government, the British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone Mr. Ian Hughes said the agreement will put at Sierra Leone’s disposal international expertise and anti-corruption networks in the UK and the wider EU. This, he said, will extend the ACC’s reach beyond Sierra Leone’s shores and make it much harder for the corrupt to hide their ill-gotten gains.

Signing on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Joseph B. Dauda thanked the British Government for their support in the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone. He described the signing of the MOU as a step in the right direction. The foreign minister encourages the ACC to continue their good work, while assuring his Government’s continuing support towards the fight against graft.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Inspector General of Police Francis Munu, civil society organizations, government officials and a host of other dignitaries including journalists.