By Ibrahim Sesay
Orange Sierra Leone, one of the country’s leading telecommunications companies, has taken a bold step in reinforcing its commitment to integrity, transparency and responsible corporate governance by organizing a two-day Compliance and Ethics Forum. The event, themed: “Compliance and Ethics Days,” was held on October 1st and 2nd, 2025, with the official opening ceremony taking place at the company’s head office on Hill Station in Freetown.
The annual initiative is designed to foster an ethical work culture across all levels of the organization while engaging stakeholders, regulators and consumers in conversations about compliance and accountability. It provided a platform for staff to reflect on the values that drive corporate governance and the importance of individual responsibility in building an ethical business environment.
Delivering the keynote address, Orange Sierra Leone’s Chief Commercial Officer, Madam Haffie Haffner, emphasized that compliance must be woven into every aspect of the company’s operations. She pointed out that Orange has built a comprehensive Compliance and Ethics Program consisting of a strong Code of Conduct, routine risk assessments, continuous staff training, whistleblowing mechanisms and strict oversight by the Chief Compliance Officer and the Compliance Committee.
Madam Haffie Haffner reaffirmed Orange’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, bribery and unethical practices, stressing: “Ethical behavior must be the cornerstone of every employee’s daily operation.” She encouraged staff to take personal responsibility for upholding the company’s standards, noting that compliance is essential not only for legal protection but also for sustaining the company’s reputation as a trusted service provider.
The opening day featured interactive sessions and a compliance quiz competition, which generated enthusiasm among staff members. After a close contest, Mohamed Turay emerged as the winner, while Alpha Sesay secured second place. Both participants were recognized and applauded for their outstanding knowledge of compliance principles.
The second day of the forum, moderated by Alfie Barrie, brought together staff for leadership reflections, interactive discussions and a spirited debate competition. Introducing the program, Alfie Barrie welcomed participants and invited Orange Sierra Leone’s Chief Executive Officer, Sheku Momodu Bah, to share his perspectives on leadership and compliance.
In his address, Sheku Momodu Bah stressed that true compliance begins with leadership example. “There must be zero tolerance for corruption and as leaders, we must set the tone,” he said. “Compliance is not only for staff—it starts with Management.”
He further disclosed that Orange Sierra Leone currently ranks 5th out of 70 companies in compliance performance across the country, a recognition he attributed to the company’s strict adherence to corporate governance principles. He urged staff to go beyond policies and make compliance a daily practice: “Compliance should not just be a policy—it should be a culture and a behavior.”
The highlight of the second day was the staff debate competition on the motion: “Can Compliance Culture Exist Without Top Management’s Active Involvement?” Twelve employees took part, divided into two teams.
Team A, which argued in favor of the motion, maintained that compliance can thrive through strong systems, structured processes and ownership by employees at all levels. Team B, on the other hand, argued against the motion, insisting that without the active participation of top management, compliance systems would lack credibility and sustainability.
Following an engaging exchange of ideas, the panel of judges, led by Madam Haffie Haffner, announced Team B as the winner with 370 points, while Team A scored 340 points. Prizes of Le 5,000 New Leones and Le 3,000 New Leones were awarded to the winning and runner-up teams, respectively, presented by Ghina.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from moderator Alfie Barrie, who commended both the participants and organizers for their discipline, enthusiasm and commitment to reinforcing Orange’s compliance culture.
By hosting the forum, Orange Sierra Leone has once again positioned itself as a leading corporate entity championing transparency, accountability and ethical business practices in Sierra Leone. The company continues to demonstrate that compliance is not just a regulatory requirement but a value-driven culture that underpins sustainable business growth.
