By: Bernard Abass Kargbo, Public Education Officer, ACC
The Advocacy Network for Girls Sierra Leone Parliament (ANGSLP) on Wednesday, 26 February 2025 presented an award to the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., for his “unwavering dedication to combating corruption and promoting integrity within the nation.”
Advocacy Network for Girls Sierra Leone Parliament is a girl-youth-led organization that seeks to empower and advocate for the rights of girls in Sierra Leone and to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities for girls in Sierra Leone.
Giving the objective of the award, Honourable Alice S. Bangura of the ANGSLP said “beyond the great anti-corruption wins that Mr. Kaifala has achieved, he has also shown a profound commitment to the advancement of women and girls in Sierra Leone.” She highlighted all the achievements the Commission has made since Mr. Kaifala was made Commissioner of the ACC, adding that his efforts have not only resulted in numerous successful investigations and prosecutions but have also inspired others to join the fight against corruption. She cited international benchmarks like the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, among others, as indicators of gains made in the anti-corruption campaign.
The girls also used the opportunity to present a partnership proposal to the Commissioner. Honourable Mujeh Joy Mohai of the ANGSLP highlighted the importance of collaboration between their organization and the ACC in establishing programs and initiatives to empower and protect girls, stating that “through joint public awareness campaigns, we aim educate communities on how corruption hinders girls’ development. We also propose conducting integrity training in schools, empowering girls to recognize and resist corrupt practices.”
Responding, Commissioner Kaifala expressed his gratitude for the recognition: “I am impressed that as young as you are, you are capable of organizing yourselves, as we all continue to work for a better Sierra Leone, where the younger ones can learn from good examples set, so that you can be the leaders that we want for the country.” The Commissioner informed them of the Commission's commitment to working with all stakeholders to combat corruption and create a conducive environment for the development and advancement of girls in the country and assured them that the Commission will look into their proposal for partnership.
