By: Sylvanus Blake, Deputy Director, Public Education &Outreach Department, ACC
As he continues to distinguish himself as the People's Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone (ACC-SL), Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, played host to a cross-section of the leadership of the Kids' Parliament Sierra Leone (KPSL). It was an interactive session in the Commissioner’s office, Integrity House, Tower Hill, where he responded to questions posed by the kids centered on the background, functions, and importance of the national fight against corruption in Sierra Leone.
The delegation from the KPSL comprised Patnashia E. Koroma, the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission- KPSL, Hon Salamatu S. Kanu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation-KPSL, Hon Esther Sawi, Minister of Justice-KPSL, and Hon Divine Tewoh Bawoh, Member of Parliament-KPSL.
They were treated to a detailed, spirited, and inspiring explanation by the People's Commissioner on the reasons for the establishment of the ACC, the effects of corruption, the benefits of a corrupt-free Sierra Leone, and the role of all including children in the fight against corruption and national development.
Members of the KPSL delegation asked interesting and intriguing questions such as what motivated the Commissioner to take up such a job, how he has been able to manage the pressure and risks that come with such a position, how he feels that corruption was still present in society, the magic behind the recovery of stolen wealth and assets, his fears, if any, for himself and the country, what can be done to address corruption, how he has come to win hundreds of awards locally and globally, and his advice to young people, etc.
The Commissioner, in a display of his people-ship leadership qualities, carefully digested the questions of the Kids, who expressed satisfaction and admiration for the Commissioner, whom they called their mentor, leader, and champion. The Commissioner admonished them to take their studies seriously, spend quality time with their books, love their country, stay away from vices that can undermine their growth and development, be patriotic, and stay away from corruption.
The Kids Parliament of Sierra Leone is a platform that empowers children to advocate for their rights and address critical issues affecting their lives, fostering engagement in governance and education. The KPSL is an initiative designed to give children aged 10 to 16 a voice in governance and decision-making processes. It comprises representatives from over 40 schools across the nation, structured into a ruling government, opposition party, and independent party based on academic performance. This structure allows young scholars to discuss and address matters that directly impact them, such as education, child labor, and social welfare.
