AYV News February 19, 2026
The Government of Sierra Leone has announced the development of new Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations aimed at strengthening the country’s fight against corruption and safeguarding citizens who come forward with critical information.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), is designed to provide enhanced legal and institutional protection for individuals who report corrupt practices or serve as witnesses in corruption-related cases.
Speaking on the development, Patrick Sandi, Coordinator of Operations at the ACC, assured the public that the new regulations will offer robust and uncompromising protection for whistleblowers and witnesses.
“Witness protection under these regulations cannot be compromised,” Sandi emphasised, encouraging citizens to report any incidents of corruption to the Commission without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
He noted that the regulations are part of broader reforms to reinforce public confidence in anti-corruption institutions and to create a secure environment for individuals willing to expose wrongdoing in both the public and private sectors.
Highlighting recent achievements, Sandi pointed to measurable progress in the country’s anti-corruption performance on the global stage. He referenced the latest report by Transparency International, noting that Sierra Leone improved its ranking on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), climbing five places from 114 in 2024 to 109 in 2025.
According to Sandi, the improvement reflects sustained institutional reforms, stronger enforcement actions, and increased public engagement in reporting corruption.
He further cited the country’s consistent performance in the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Control of Corruption Index, where Sierra Leone has maintained a score above 70 percent for seven consecutive years. The MCC scorecard is widely regarded as a key benchmark for governance performance and eligibility for development partnerships.
Observers say the introduction of the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations could mark a significant turning point in the nation’s anti-corruption architecture, particularly in addressing concerns about retaliation and the safety of informants.
With corruption remaining a major governance challenge across many developing democracies, the new regulatory framework is expected to enhance accountability, improve transparency, and encourage greater civic participation in holding public officials to account.
The ACC has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the regulations effectively and ensuring that those who stand against corruption are protected under the full weight of the law.
