By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC
In a thrilling and inspiring keynote speech delivered at the 180th Anniversary Speech Day and Prize-Giving Ceremony of the Sierra Leone Grammar School, the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., has urged pupils of the school to embrace education, tenacity and leadership in the pursuit of their goals. The event took place on the schools grounds on Thursday, 20th March, 2025.
Commissioner Kaifala commenced his speech by reflecting on his journey from his humble beginning as a pupil from a humble background to a national leader, emphasizing that success is built on hard work, resilience, and an unrelenting commitment to the pursuit of education. "You see the glamour and the glitter, but who feels it knows", he said, quoting Buju Banton to illustrate the challenges he overcame.
He recounted how his education-driven mindset helped him navigate a difficult childhood marked by war - primarily fuelled by corruption and economic hardship -reinforcing the transformative power of learning.
He shared personal stories of his time at the school, including the date he was admitted. "My uncle was so nervous about my admission interview that he forgot to take me along. He got dressed and the excitement of the morning made him leave the house at Andrew Street, Murray Town, walk all the way to the School compound, waited for Mr. Lasite to call him and only when Mr. Lasite asked and where is the boy? that he realised I was not with him at all," he humorously recounted.
He said his eventual success at his cherished alma mater laid the foundation for his achievements as he represented the school severally, and was part of various clubs including the ACCs Integrity Club set up in the school.
The Commissioner also reflected on national issues, highlighting the critical role of education in combating corruption and fostering good governance. "The drive to solve Sierra Leones problems calls for a generation of highly educated people," he asserted. Commissioner Kaifala also spoke about integrity in education, recalling his efforts to expose examination malpractice in schools, an issue he described as a major threat to the future of young leaders.
He also spoke about the importance of perseverance, education, and leadership, noting that "to be dangerously educated requires an unrelenting commitment to knowledge," and urged Regentonians to apply themselves diligently despite the privileges or challenges.
He summed up his address with calls for the pupils of the school to be wide readers as knowledge wills enormous power. He added that they should love learning with passion and curiosity but also be prayerful, resilient and tenacious in the face of adversity. "In your hands, not with presidents or leaders, is the future of your world,” he quoted Robert F. Kennedy.
He also encouraged them to leverage the use of technology whilst emphatically endearing them to nurture meaningful friendships beyond ethnic limitations.
The event celebrated the institutions prestigious legacy of academic excellence and leadership in shaping the nations future as the first high school established in Sierra Leone in 1845. Pupils, alumni, and dignitaries graced the event.
