2025

ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION OF SIERRA LEONE

An independent institution established for the prevention, investigation, prosecution and punishment of corruption, corrupt practices and to provide for other related matters. 

Contact us on: +23278832131 or info@anticorruption.gov.sl
Address:  Integrity House, Tower Hill, Freetown Sierra Leone, West Africa.

Newsletter Isue 3 Volume 24 8-16 December 2025

Public Education / Newsletters

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2. Page 2 Head of Investigations at Resti- tution Impact, Deborah Laprevotte, delivering a compli- mentary speech at the Summit The Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday, 9th December 2025, convened a National Summit on the Fight against Corruption marking a major milestone in the Commission ’ s Silver Jubilee celebrations and the commemoration of the 2025 International Anti - Corruption Day. The high - level event, held at the Bintumani International Conference Center, brought together international experts, civil society leaders, government representatives, and citizens to reflect on the country ’ s 25 - year anti - corruption journey and examine the future of integrity systems in Sierra Leone. In his Keynote address, Commissioner of ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. underscored the significance of the summit as a platform to assess progress, share global lessons, and reinforce collective responsibility in tackling corruption. He paid tribute to the contributions of past Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, noting that the institution ’ s strength is a result of decades of collective efforts. He emphasized that Sierra Leone was entering a new phase of its anti - corruption fight — one that requires citizens to internalize integrity and take greater ownership of the national reform agenda. “ For 25 years we have prosecuted, prevented, educated, and reformed, ” The Commissioner stated. “ We must now reach a point where people do not need to be reminded to act with integrity. When entrusted with public office, the interest of others must come first. ” Commissioner Kaifala also called attention to the need for improved conditions of service across the public sector to reduce vulnerabilities to corruption and strengthen ethical behavior. He urged citizens to play an active role in transformin g the ACC into the transitional institution it is intended to be — one that guides society toward a culture of integrity. Head of Investigations at Restitution Impact Sierra Leone, Deborah LaPrevotte, a veteran FBI anti - corruption investigator, commended the ACC for its outstanding performance in strengthening accountability and returning recovered public funds to the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the benefit of citizens. She emphasized that evil thrives where good people do not speak up, and that everyone has a responsibility to report corruption, noting that the fight begins in communities, workplaces, and institutions, by following the money. A high - level panel discussion followed, focusing on the theme “ The Future of the ACC: Innovation, Partnership, and Building Resilient Systems. ” Panelists explored key challenges and opportunities for strengthening Sierra Leone ’ s anti - corruption architecture, particularly around public awareness, the assets declaration regime, and legislative reforms. Safeguarding whistleblowers, and enhancing staff welfare to build a robust and resistant anti - corruption workforce. As the ACC celebrates 25 years, speakers also emphasized that the future of the Commission — and the wider fight against corruption — relies on stronger partnerships, technological innovation, and, above all, active citizen participation. Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala delivering a statement at the Summit Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon Chernor Bah, delivering his opening statement as Chairman of the Summit Cross section of attendees at the ACC Summi

3. Page 3 By Sylvanus Blake, Deputy Director, Public Education & Outreach Dept, ACC The Anti - Corruption Commission Sierra Leone (ACC - SL) has bagged the NATIONAL SERVICE DELIVERY AWARD for outstanding leadership and gains achieved in the national fight against corruption. The Awards Ceremony took place on the 13th December 2025 at the District Council Hall in Portloko City, North - Western Region. The ceremony was organized by the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation (BBHF) to recognize insti- tutions and individuals, who in 2025 contributed significantly to national development and service delivery. Accompanied by his wife and staff of the ACC North - West Regional Office, the astute Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, while receiving the 2025 SERVICE DELIVERY AWARD on behalf of the People ’ s Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala, and the hardworking staff of the ACC, appreciated the Foundation for the award. He stated: ‘ The ACC feels appreciated and encouraged to do more anytime its good work is recognized and appreciated. ’ Mr Ngobie assured the audience that the Commission would continue to discharge her duties to the best of her abilities in an unbiased, transparent, and patriotic manner. ‘ This award, ACC Deputy Commissioner Augus- tine Foday Ngobie and his Wife at the ceremony like many others we have bagged, is received graciously. We remain steadfast, unrelenting, and robust in leading the nation's righteous war against corruption and helping to re - engineer Sierra Leone ’ s development aspirations. Your recognition gives us that additional tap on the shoulder to continue doing our very best. We assure you." the ACC Deputy Head stated. He ended his brief statement by noting, "We can win the fight against corruption if we continue to be patriotic. At the ACC, Sierra Leone comes first. We will continue to do our very best at all times. Thank you Port Loko, thank you Sierra Leone." The Anti - Corruption Commission Sierra Leone has continued to receive several prestigious awards for its efforts in fighting corruption. The ACC Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala, has also been recognized countlessly for his outstanding leadership in the fight against corruption He has received awards such as the "Outstanding Achiever of the Year" award at the National Heroes Awards and the "Transformative Leadership in the Fight against Corruption" award from the Global Leadership Summit in 2022. The Commissioner and staff of the ACC have jointly received awards from the Sierra Ovation and National Professionals Awards for their contributions to national development, in 2023. Besides, the Commissioner and the ACC won the Education Champion Awards for their efforts in injecting integrity and addressing academic malpractices in the education sector, to name but a few. ACC's work has also been acknowledged internationally, with Sierra Leone's ranking improving in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, MCC's control of corruption etc. The Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation is a community - based, youth - led initiative established in 2019, with its headquarters in Port Loko District, Sierra Leone. The foundation's primary objective is to promote national development through charitable activities and recognition programs. One of its flagship initiatives is the Bai Bureh Service Delivery Awards, which aims to celebrate individuals and institutions making significant contributions to public service and community development.

1. 11 Mobile No: 8515 on all Networks EDITORIAL TEA M EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Aiah P. M. Sourie EDITORS Sylvanus Blake Alex A. Bah LAYOUT & GRAPHICS Philippa M Davies EDITORIAL ADVISERS Augustine Foday Ngobie Patrick Sandi Abubakarr Turay 8 - 16 December 2025 ISSUE 3, VOLUME 24 Martina George, Public Education Officer, ACC ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. signing the MoU Display of copies of the MoU by the ACC Commissioner (2 nd from right) and the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation (2 nd from left) The Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC) of the Republic of Sierra Leone has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation to strengthen cooperation in the fight against corruption. The signing took place on 16 th December 2025, on the sidelines of the Conference of State Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption which took place at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel, Doha, Qatar. The Commissioner of ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., signed on behalf of the Commission, while the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation, Alexander Gutsan, signed on behalf of his institution. The agreement was signed on the basis of equality and mutual respect that seeks to enhance collaboration between the two institutions in preventing, detecting, investigating, recovering assets, and suppressing corruption - related offences. It also emphasizes compliance with national laws and international obligations of both countries. According to the MoU, the partnership would focus on the exchange of experiences, best practices, information, and documents related to anti - corruption efforts, including national anti - corruption legislations. The two parties also agreed to jointly organize international events such as conferences, trainings, workshops, working meetings, and roundtable discussions. The agreement further provides for exchange visits and practical training for staff of both institutions to promote knowledge sharing and capacity building, particularly in the use of modern investigative methods and technical tools. Legal cooperation is another key component of the MoU. This includes consultations on legal matters, preparation and consideration of requests for legal assistance in criminal and non - criminal cases, and cooperation in conducting anti - corruption checks outside the criminal law sphere. Additionally, the MoU allows for the exchange of information between the two institutions.

4. Page 4 The Anti - Corruption Commission on Tuesday, 8 th December 2025, commenced its silver jubilee celebrations with an interfaith thanksgiving service held at the Commission ’ s grounds, Integrity House, Tower Hill, in Freetown. The event brought together government representatives, religious leaders, civil society organizations and community members in a shared call for integrity and national cohesion. Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, described the Commission ’ s 25 - year anniversary as a remarkable milestone. He reflected on the ACC ’ s establishment, rooted in the need to promote transparency, accountability, and national stability through the fight against corruption. He highlighted the Commissions notable achievements over the years in fulfilling its mandate. Mr. Ngobie further noted that the ACC has consistently engaged both Christian and Muslim communities in anti - corruption efforts, beyond the annual interfaith gatherings recognizing the moral and spiritual influence religious institutions have in shaping societal values. Both faiths, he emphasized, speak strongly against corruption and encourage integrity. He said such engagements serve as a powerful reminder that the fight against corruption demands moral conviction, civic responsibility, and sustained collaboration among citizens, institutions and religious leaders. “ With 25 years of praying and working together, Sierra Leone has demonstrated to the world that unity is our greatest strength, ” he stated . ‘ Let today renew our commitment to building a nation free from corruption. ’ The Deputy Commissioner also urged religious leaders to make use of their platforms to preach anti - corruption messages and to question suspicious donations from congregants, especially when such contributions exceed their known income capacity. Delivering his remarks, ACC Board Chairman, Prince Goba Esq. reaffirmed the nation ’ s commitment to combating corruption in public life. He emphasized that corruption remains one of the most significant barriers to sustainable development, equitable governance, and public trust. He added that the International Anti - Corruption Day reminds us that the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility of Sierra Leoneans. He said, “ Today, standing alongside our interfaith partners, we renew our promise to uphold integrity at all levels of society. ” Religious leaders offered Christian and Muslim prayers focusing on honesty, peace, and national cohesion. Sheikh Mufti Mohamed T. Thomas, delivering the Muslim sermon, centered his message on, “ Gratitude, Integrity, and National Renewal, ” highlighting the shared moral values upheld across all religious traditions in Sierra Leone. He concluded that money gained through corruption brings no blessings; and that when such funds are used for the development of mosques, they are regarded as impure and without spiritual value. On the Christian side, Bishop Dr. Archibald Cole led the sermon, drawing from Micah 6:8: ‘ He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? ” Bishop Cole emphasized that the spiritual and moral responsibility of every believer is to uphold justice, show mercy and live in humility before God. He concluded his message by emphasizing that systems and processes should not just be established, but they should also be followed in the fight against corruption. Distinguished persons at the ACC Interfaith Thanksgiving Service ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala attentively listening to sermons delivered at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service By Martina George, Public Education Officer

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