By: Sylvanus Blake

Since his appointment on the 18th June 2018 to lead Sierra Leone’s Anti-Graft Agency by His Excellency, Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Wonnie Bio, the youthful, but highly competent and experienced Francis Ben Kaifala Esq, has without mincing words, sent the clearest of messages to the corrupt and the world at large that Sierra Leone has repositioned herself unrepentantly to redeem her people from the shackles and indignity of corruption.

His leadership has seen Sierra Leone deploying with startling and alluring accomplishments, unorthodox stratagems and techniques in the fight against corruption never seen before. These efforts as affirmed in the Holy Bible; in 2 Chronicles 15:7 “..be ye strong and let not your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded”, have culminated in inestimable gains, awards and recognitions for Sierra Leone, Sierra Leoneans and the young People’s Commissioner himself. Prominent among such awards are the 2020 United States Recognition as “International Anti-Corruption Champion” for instance, and hundreds of others. 

It seems the local and international accolades and acclamations cannot just stop rolling-in for this undeterred and valiant young man. The latest breaking news for Sierra Leone and our compatriots is this; Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. has been meritoriously named as one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) for 2021, in the Politics and Governance category, Under 40, picking him out as one of the High Achievers of African Descent, during this year’s UN General Assembly. The other categories covered by the award are; Business & Entrepreneurship, Media & Culture, Religious & Humanitarian and Complete Publication.

Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) is a global civil society initiative in support of the International Decade for People of African Descent, proclaimed by United Nation's General Assembly resolution 68/237 and to be observed from 2015 to 2024 (the International Decade). MIPAD is a unique global list that identifies high achievers across the world that are of African descent in the public and private sectors, from all around the world as a progressive network of relevant actors to join together in the spirit of recognition, justice and development of Africa, it's people on the continent and across the diaspora.

There are around 200 million people identifying themselves as being of African descent just in the Americas. Many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent. Studies and findings by international and national bodies demonstrate that, whether as descendants of the victims of the obnoxious transatlantic slave trade or as more recent migrants, they (people of African descent) constitute some of the poorest and most marginalized groups. They still have limited access to quality education, health services, housing and social security to name but a few.This has been given rise to the efforts of people of African descent to seek redress for their present condition.

The declaration of the International Decade (2015 to 2024) in that regard, aims to celebrate the important contributions of people of African descent worldwide, advance social justice and inclusion policies, eradicate racism and intolerance, promote human rights, and assist in creating better, more prosperous communities, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals spearheaded by the United Nations.

Francis Ben Kaifala’s honor by UN/MIPAD, a highly prestigious and credible UN accredited body, is without doubt, approbation yet again for him and Sierra Leone. Without gainsaying, this is another meritorious recognition for not only the ACC Czar but Sierra Leone.The leadership of Francis Ben Kaifala, with the support of his President who was recently recognized by the MCC as the true “Anti-Corruption Champion”, has continued to distinguish ACC and Sierra Leone again, again and again, as the list of global recognitions and acclaim continue to pour in.

Congratulations FBK and Sierra Leone!!!

Public Education and Outreach Department,ACC