Hawanatu Sankoh (Intern from Central University)
The Government of Sierra Leone has initiated plans to introduce a comprehensive Code of Conduct for presidential appointees, including ministers, deputy ministers, and heads of government agencies, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and integrity in public service.
The proposed framework was formally presented to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) by the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Amara Kallon, during a meeting held at the Commission’s conference room at Integrity House, Tower Hill, Freetown.
According to Minister Kallon, the draft code seeks to establish clear ethical and professional standards to guide the conduct of senior government officials in the discharge of their duties. He explained that the initiative forms part of broader governance and public service reforms aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible management of public resources.
The Minister noted that the proposed code is intended to serve as a benchmark for ethical leadership by defining acceptable standards of behaviour for ministers and other senior public officials. He added that the framework is expected to help strengthen public confidence in government institutions while improving institutional efficiency and performance.
Responding to the proposal, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala described the initiative as an important step towards reinforcing integrity systems within government. He stressed that clear ethical standards are essential for building public trust and ensuring that governance processes align with principles of accountability and transparency.
Commissioner Kaifala further stated that the proposed framework would enhance oversight in the utilization and management of public resources, while helping to promote responsible leadership across public institutions.
He commended the Ministry’s efforts and emphasised the need for extensive stakeholder consultations as well as clearly defined timelines to support effective implementation of the code.
The ACC Commissioner also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting reforms that promote good governance and accountability, assuring the Ministry of technical guidance and institutional support throughout the process.
Discussions during the meeting also explored the possibility of extending the code to cover other categories of political appointees, with participants advocating for broader application of ethical standards across the public sector. However, concerns were raised against adopting a rigid “one-size-fits-all” approach, with calls for flexibility in implementation.
Once finalised and adopted, the proposed Code of Conduct is expected to establish clear rules and ethical guidelines for presidential appointees and senior government officials nationwide.
