By Mohamed Kamara
A striking press conference held by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) at its Tower Hill headquarters on Thursday, January 9, 2025, revealed troubling insights from the 2023 Audit Report. Despite government efforts to curb corruption, the report indicates a disturbing escalation, with over 80% of institutions implicated. This dire situation has led some to conclude that only divine intervention can rescue Sierra Leone from corruption’s pervasive grip.
Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala emphasized that the fight against corruption must be a collaborative effort between the ACC and the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC), with both entities playing crucial roles. However, he highlighted procedural challenges that hinder their synergy and called for urgent reforms. While commending PAC’s new approach to recovering stolen funds, the Commissioner pointed out constitutional ambiguities that need clarification to ensure the independence and effectiveness of both institutions.
Commissioner Kaifala also presented evidence demonstrating that corruption continues to infiltrate every level of governance. He cited alarming examples, including the offices of the Vice President and Chief Minister, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture, which has faced scrutiny over the much-publicized Seed Multiplication Program (SMP). Other sectors such as the Health Ministry, local councils, and the judiciary have also been implicated.
A significant factor contributing to the persistence of corruption, according to Kaifala, is the refusal of heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to implement recommendations from anti-corruption officials. “Many letters and directives are simply ignored,” he noted, further complicating efforts to hold corrupt individuals accountable.
As corruption remains entrenched in Sierra Leone’s institutions, the Commissioner’s revelations serve as a call to action for systemic reforms and enhanced accountability. Without these, the fight against corruption will continue to face insurmountable challenges.
Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala
