The National Minerals Agency (NMA) collaborated with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for a one-day in-house training session held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The training took place at the NMA headquarters in New England Ville, Freetown. This joint initiative aimed to strengthen ethical practices within Sierra Leone's mining sector, bringing together key stakeholders from both organizations. The session focused on fostering greater transparency and accountability in mineral resource management. The collaboration between the NMA and ACC showed a commitment to addressing potential corruption risks and enhancing good governance across mining operations. This partnership is a proactive step in ensuring that the extraction and management of Sierra Leone's valuable mineral resources are conducted with the highest standards of integrity.
Addressing Fraudulent Activities
The National Minerals Agency (NMA) is currently addressing concerns regarding fraudulent activities within the mining sector. This proactive stance comes as the NMA deals with these significant concerns over fraud. Allegations have surfaced indicating that some NMA personnel have been involved in such practices. In response, the NMA has stated its intention to take firm action against any staff members found to be engaging in fraudulent activities, which could include referral to the police and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The agency's commitment to rooting out corruption is central to its mandate and the integrity of the mining sector.
A key objective of the recent training session was to enable participants to examine the concepts of ethics, integrity, and corruption. The session also aimed to help NMA personnel identify corruption risks prevalent in their workplace and explore strategies for mitigating those risks. This was particularly key given the sensitive nature of their duties. NMA staff frequently handle public revenue, manage resources, process sensitive information, and participate in critical decision-making processes. This involvement shows the importance of strong ethical conduct within the agency's operations, as any lapse in integrity can have significant repercussions for the nation's economy and reputation.
Training Content and Objectives
The training session focused on newly recruited Assistant Mining Engineers, Geologists, and Mines Compliance Officers within the National Minerals Agency (NMA). This initiative aimed to integrate ethical practices from the outset of their careers, ensuring that new personnel are well-versed in the standards expected by both the NMA and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The session was structured around the theme: “Upholding Ethics and Integrity in the Workplace,” emphasizing the foundational principles necessary for effective and transparent operations within Sierra Leone's mining sector. The selection of these specific roles for the training notes the NMA's focus on embedding ethical principles at critical operational levels.
The program was specifically designed to enhance staff understanding of applicable laws and compliance responsibilities pertinent to their roles. It also sought to strengthen their grasp of ethical conduct and equip them with practical corruption-prevention strategies. This full approach ensures that employees are not only aware of ethical standards but also possess the tools to uphold them. A key component of the training involved participants examining specific offenses outlined in the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended in 2019. This detailed review aimed to ensure that all attendees were fully aware of the legal frameworks governing their work and the potential consequences of non-compliance, thereby reinforcing the gravity of their responsibilities. The training would enable participants to examine the concepts of ethics, integrity, and corruption, identify corruption risks in the workplace, and explore strategies for mitigating those risks.
Broader Context and Previous Efforts
The recent training session represents a component of the National Minerals Agency (NMA) and the Anti-Corruption Commission's (ACC) ongoing initiatives to foster accountability, ethical conduct, and corruption prevention among personnel within Sierra Leone’s mining sector. This training forms part of the NMA and ACC’s broader efforts to promote accountability, ethical conduct, and corruption prevention among personnel working in Sierra Leone’s mining sector. The NMA considers integrity to be one of its most important organizational values. This core value guides the agency's approach to all its operations and personnel management. Prior to this event, similar training sessions were organized in Makeni, Bo, Kono, and Kenema, targeting newly recruited NMA personnel in those regions. These earlier sessions also aimed to instill ethical practices and strengthen understanding of anti-corruption measures from the outset of employees' careers. The consistent focus across these programs shows the commitment of both agencies to upholding high standards of conduct within the industry, ensuring a unified approach to ethical governance across all NMA offices.
Key Personnel and Statements
The annual engagement between the National Minerals Agency (NMA) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) aims to educate staff on practices that could constitute misconduct or corruption. Daphre C. A. Winnebah, the Compliance and Audit Manager, emphasized the importance of internal principles, stating, "Integrity is all about knowing what to do when nobody is watching you; when nobody is there for you to be honest, to be transparent in your dealings, to be accountable in whatever you are doing and to be professional in the conduct of your duties and responsibilities." Ms. Winnebah added, "Let us make integrity not just a subject for discussion. Let integrity be part of us." Her remarks noted the deeply personal responsibility each staff member holds in maintaining ethical standards.
Victoria Fumikeh Nicol serves as the Library and Research Manager and Focal Person for the NMA Integrity Management Committee. Her role is key in institutionalizing and promoting integrity within the agency. Bintu B. Abu, the Human Resources Manager for NMA, expressed optimism, saying, "It is possible for Sierra Leone to be corruption-free. It is our mindset. If we change our mindset, things could be possible for us." Ms. Abu also cautioned staff, "Don’t allow one-day issue to destroy your future," a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of unethical actions. Samuel Marah, the Deputy Director of the Prevention Department for the ACC, noted, "The Commissioner is very keen on prevention and one key strategy of prevention is ethics and integrity." These statements collectively reinforce the unwavering commitment of both the NMA and the ACC to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity throughout Sierra Leone's vital mining sector.