By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant – ACC
The Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., has urged young people to take an active role in the fight against corruption. He made this call during a one-day engagement organized by the Zero Corruption Campaign (ZCC) on 29th January 2025 at the Africell American Corner, Bathurst Street, Freetown.
Delivering his keynote address on "The Importance of Public Education in the Fight Against Corruption," Commissioner Kaifala emphasized that young people play a crucial role in shaping a corruption-free society. He noted that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to national development, and only through heightened public awareness, civic responsibility, and integrity-driven leadership can the country effectively combat this menace.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the ACC’s commitment to public education as a key pillar in the fight against corruption. He stressed that equipping young people with the right knowledge, messages, and values will foster a more enlightened, transparent, and accountable society. He urged them to reject corrupt practices, serve as whistleblowers, and champion ethical leadership in their communities.
"We are committed to addressing all forms of corruption - it is our approach that differs. Our investigations and prosecutions primarily focus on grand corruption, while we emphasize public education on petty corruption. However, we do not hesitate to set examples, even in cases of petty corruption," Commissioner Kaifala asserted during the interactive session.
Responding to questions, he further clarified that the ACC, as a public institution established by law, has the mandate to investigate corruption at all levels. He noted that audit reports highlighting suspected instances of corruption provide the Commission with the authority to act. "Any attempt to limit or undermine our work, especially in a disrespectful manner, is something we strongly reject. However, we have a good working relationship with Parliament, and we will continue to collaborate to strengthen accountability," he added.
The engagement, attended by students, youth groups, media representatives, and civil society activists, also featured statements from representatives of Audit Service Sierra Leone, Transparency International Sierra Leone Chapter, and other stakeholders. The conversations centred on anti-corruption strategies, legal frameworks, and the role of young people in advancing transparency and accountability.
The event concluded with a collective commitment from participants to support the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity in Sierra Leone.
