By: Sylvanus Blake, Deputy Director, PEOD, ACC
The People’s Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Sierra Leone Francis Ben Kiafala Esq., in his weekly inspirational message published on Wednesday, 15th April 2026, issued a compelling clarion call to all public officers mandated by law, specifically those in Grades 7 and above, as well as individuals with fiduciary and pecuniary responsibilities, to declare their Income, Assets, and Liabilities.
This obligation is grounded in Section 119 of the Anti-Corruption Act, Act No. 12 of 2008 (as amended in 2019). The 2026 bi-annual asset declaration exercise has officially commenced and will run until 31st July 2026.
Commissioner Kaifala emphasized that compliance within the stipulated period is not merely a legal duty but a conscious and honorable decision to stand on the just, right, and patriotic side of INTEGRITY. This powerful message resonated deeply with many, including myself, serving not only as a reminder of legal obligation but as a moral and civic imperative. Motivated by this call, I promptly completed my declaration. Beyond compliance, it reinforced a deeper commitment to transparency, accountability, and national service, values that define true patriotism in any progressive society.
It is worth highlighting that the newly recalibrated 100% digitized Asset Declaration platform, developed by the Government’s Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), is a remarkable technological advancement. My personal experience with the platform was exceptional, smooth, efficient, and user-friendly.
The process is now significantly simplified: with stable internet access and the necessary personal and financial information, including biodata, asset details (both movable and immovable), bank accounts, investments, and liabilities, completion takes no more than 30 minutes. Whether accessed via mobile phone, tablet, or computer, the system is swift, convenient, confidential, and seamless.
This innovation is more than a technological upgrade, it is a bold demonstration of the ACC’s unwavering commitment to promoting integrity through modern, preventive mechanisms. It reflects a progressive institutional posture that embraces digital transformation as a key strategy in the fight against corruption.
In 2024, the ACC Czar strongly advocated for increased investment in technology-driven governance, emphasizing the need to minimize human interface in public service delivery. He noted: “To entrench and sustain the fight against corruption, especially prevention, which is cheaper, easier, and more sustainable, we must deliberately invest in making public sector service delivery cashless and paperless. This will significantly reduce corruption opportunities and enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency.”
The successful digitization of the asset declaration system stands as a clear testament to this vision. It eliminates the burdens of paper-based systems, such as document storage, manual analysis, printing costs, and administrative inefficiencies, while making compliance far easier for public officers.
As the 2026 declaration period progresses, I strongly encourage all required public officers to visit www.anticorruption.gov.sl and complete their declarations promptly. The system is self-guided, straightforward, and accessible. A passport or National Identity Card should be available to register and commence the declaration process, including the creation of new login credentials.
It is important to note that failure to comply carries serious administrative consequences, including salary suspension, withholding of benefits, and possible termination of service. In 2025, several senior public officials faced such sanctions, enduring months of inconvenience before being reinstated after eventual compliance. The lesson is clear: compliance is far easier than default. Declare your assets, uphold integrity and be counted on the right side of history.
