AYV News, December 15, 2025
Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Sierra Leone, Francis Ben Kaifala has made a public all for an improved conditions of service across the public sector to reduce vulnerabilities to corruption and strengthen ethical behavior.
He was speaking at the National Summit on the Fight Against Corruption, marking a major milestone in the Commission’s Silver Jubilee celebrations and the commemoration of the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day.
The high-level event brought together international experts, civil society leaders, government representatives, and citizens to reflect on the country’s 25-year anti-corruption journey and examine the future of integrity systems in Sierra Leone.
Commissioner Kaifala underscored the significance of the summit as a platform to assess progress, share global lessons, and reinforce collective responsibility in tackling corruption. He paid tribute to the contributions of past Commissioners and Deputies, noting that the institution’s strength is a result of decades of collective effort.
He emphasised that Sierra Leone is now entering a new phase of its anti-corruption fight—one that requires citizens to internalize integrity and take greater ownership of the national reform agenda.
“For 25 years we have prosecuted, prevented, educated, and reformed,” he stated. “We must now reach a point where people do not need to be reminded to act with integrity. When entrusted with public office, the interest of others must come first.”
Commissioner Kaifala also called attention to the need for improved conditions of service across the public sector to reduce vulnerabilities to corruption and strengthen ethical behavior. He urged citizens to play an active role in transforming the ACC into the transitional institution it is intended to be—one that guides society toward a culture of integrity.
Head of Investigations at Restitution Impact Sierra Leone, Deborah LaPrevotte, and a veteran FBI anti-corruption investigator, commended the ACC for its outstanding performance in strengthening accountability and returning recovered public funds to the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the benefit of citizens.
She emphasised that evil thrives where good people do not speak up, and that everyone has a responsibility to report corruption, noting that the fight begins in communities, workplaces, and institutions, by following the money.
A high-level panel discussion followed focusing on the theme “The Future of the ACC: Innovation, Partnership, and Building Resilient Systems.”
Panellists explored key challenges and opportunities for strengthening Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption architecture, particularly around public awareness, the assets declaration regime, and legislative reforms. Safeguarding whistleblowers, and enhancing staff welfare to build a robust and resistant anti-corruption workforce.
As the ACC celebrates 25 years, speakers also emphasized that the future of the Commission—and the wider fight against corruption—relies on stronger partnerships, technological innovation, and, above all, active citizen participation.
