ACC Deputy Urges Citizen Oversight in Resource Governance
The Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Mr. Augustine Foday Ngobie, delivered a powerful message on citizen empowerment and participatory governance during a high-level policy panel hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) on Friday, 11th July 2025. The panel discussion, themed “Governing Natural Resources Outflows for Enhanced Economic Resilience in Fragile and Transnational Countries,” took place at The Place Resort in Tokeh, Sierra Leone.
This high-level dialogue marked the conclusion of a five-day regional training and engagement programme spearheaded by the AfDB, focusing on the fight against Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and the promotion of sustainable natural resource management. The initiative seeks to strengthen economic resilience among fragile and transnational African states by enhancing transparency, accountability, and governance in the extractive sectors.
The panel brought together a distinguished array of government officials, policymakers, civil society leaders, and private sector actors. Key participants included Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura; Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay; and Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Mines. Their combined perspectives highlighted the multidimensional nature of resource governance and the need for inclusive approaches.
In his contribution, Deputy Commissioner Ngobie emphasized the critical role of public engagement in curbing corruption and safeguarding national wealth. He outlined the ACC’s strategic focus on activating political will by empowering citizens at the grassroots level.
We believe in turning up the volume of public scrutiny,” Mr. Ngobie asserted.
“By involving the media, civil society organisations, and development partners, we push politicians through the people who put them in office.” He elaborated that this bottom-up model, anchored in civic vigilance, has proven instrumental in promoting transparency and deterring misuse of public resources. According to Mr. Ngobie, genuine accountability arises not only from institutions but also from a mobilised citizenry that demands integrity from its leaders. The ACC’s approach
built on partnerships with communities, watchdog groups, and international agencies
was highlighted as a replicable framework for other nations confronting similar governance deficits. As countries across Africa continue to lose billions annually to illicit outflows and opaque contracts, the call for homegrown, participatory anti-corruption models has grown louder.
The panel concluded with a unified call for deeper collaboration across borders and sectors. Participants stressed the importance of aligning political, financial, and civic actors to ensure that natural resource wealth translates into equitable development, especially in fragile contexts.
This event represents a broader regional push to move transparency from theory to practice one where empowered citizens, informed institutions, and accountable leaders work in tandem to protect and maximize national resources for the public good.
