AYV News, January 6, 2026
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has operationalised a comprehensive legal framework to safeguard whistleblowersand witnesses with the coming into force of the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations, 2025, made pursuant to the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008 (as amended in 2019).
The Regulations establish clear and enforceable protection mechanisms for individuals who disclose corruption or provide evidence in corruption-related matters in the public interest. Under the framework, whistleblowers and witnesses who face threats, intimidation, or retaliation may formally apply to the ACC for protection. The Commission is mandated to take decisions within defined timelines and is empowered to grant urgent interim protection where life or property is at risk.
Once approved, beneficiaries enter into binding protection agreements with the ACC. These agreements allow for a range of protection measures, including physical security, relocation, concealment or change of identity, among others. Special protection arrangements are also provided for children, subject to High Court oversight and guided by the best interest of the child.
Importantly, the Regulations introduce a reward and compensation regime. Whistleblowers whose information leads to the successful exposure of corruption may receive monetary or non-monetary rewards. In addition, whistleblowers and witnesses who suffer retaliation, such as unlawful dismissal, demotion, or discrimination, are entitled to compensation. Persons found culpable of retaliatory actions face sanctions, including mandatory removal from office upon conviction.
To reinforce integrity and public trust, the Regulations criminalize any attempt to obstruct protection measures, intimidate protected persons, or suppress protected disclosures. All information relating to whistleblowers and witnesses is subject to strict confidentiality safeguards, with disclosure permitted only under narrowly defined circumstances.
Collectively, the Regulations send a strong national message: Sierra Leone will protect those who speak up, reward integrity, and punish retaliation, thereby strengthening the country’s anti-corruption architecture and reinforcing public confidence in accountability institutions.
The Regulations further align Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption framework with international best practices, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC). Under the UNCAC, Articles 33 (Protection of reporting persons) and 32 (Protection of witnesses and experts) call for effective safeguards for whistleblowers and witnesses, protections which the Regulations now give practical effect.
Similarly, the Regulations give effect to the AUCPCC which provides for the protection of informants and witnesses under Article 5(5) and mandates the criminalisation of acts that obstruct justice under Article 7.
The Regulations can be accessed via this link: https://www.anticorruption.gov.sl/slides/slide/whistle-blower-and-witness-protection-regulation-521.
The Commission wishes to thank the Government of Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the House of Parliament, the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, for their various support in ensuring that the Regulations come to fruition.
In respect of the above, the Commission wishes to assure the general public of its unshaken commitment to strengthen the anti-corruption campaign.
