By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a significant demonstration of accountability and transparency, the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., on Monday, 3rd November 2025, presented the Commission’s 2024 Annual Report to His Excellency, President Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, at a brief but formal ceremony held at State House in Freetown.

The event marked the seventh consecutive year that the ACC has submitted its Annual Report to the President, in line with Section 19(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008 as amended in 2019, which mandates the Commission to provide an annual account of its activities, progress and challenges.

Presenting the report, Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala outlined significant accomplishments during the year under review. These include the crafting of a new National Anti-Corruption Strategy, achieving a 91 percent compliance rate in asset declarations and recovering over Twenty-Two Million (New) Leones (Le 22,000,000.00) from corruption-related cases.

He commended President Bio for his unwavering leadership and political will in supporting the anti-corruption drive, noting that such commitment has yielded tangible progress in restoring integrity and public confidence in governance.

“Your Excellency, I must commend you for your steadfast support and leadership in the fight against corruption. The progress we have achieved under your administration is unprecedented and we remain determined to sustain these gains,” Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala stated.

Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie emphasized that the presentation of the Annual Report is not just a statutory requirement but a demonstration of transparency and accountability in governance.

“We are here again, as required by law, to present our annual report, a reflection of the progress, challenges and resilience of the ACC over the years. This is evidence of our continued dedication to building a corruption-free Sierra Leone,” Augustine Foday Ngobie noted.

He explained that the 2024 Report provides a comprehensive overview of the Commission’s work, including investigations, prosecutions, preventive actions, public education, and institutional reforms.

Receiving the report, President Julius Maada Bio congratulated the ACC leadership and staff for their diligence, professionalism, and integrity in the execution of their duties. He described the fight against corruption as one of Sierra Leone’s strongest governance achievements, noting that the country continues to receive international recognition for its steady progress.

“Let me express my deep appreciation to the Commissioner and the entire ACC team for your remarkable work. You have made corruption in Sierra Leone not only unfashionable but also risky and dangerous. That is a major victory for good governance,” President Bio stated.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the ACC and other accountability institutions to strengthen the country’s governance systems.

“It is a difficult task, but I am proud of your resilience and results. My Government will continue to provide the necessary political and financial support to ensure that the fight against corruption remains strong and uncompromising,” he pledged.

Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala highlighted that the year 2024 marked the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission; a period that symbolizes Sierra Leone’s collective journey toward integrity and justice.

“As we commemorate 25 years of the ACC, this report reflects how far we have come as a nation in making corruption a high-risk and unrewarding enterprise. Sierra Leone will never again be defined by corruption,” Francis Ben Kaifala reaffirmed.

The 2024 Annual Report, which is publicly accessible on the ACC’s website, showcases Sierra Leone’s continued progress in governance and institutional accountability, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to transparency, integrity and reform.

The full 2024 Annual Report of the Anti-Corruption Commission is available for public access on the Commission’s official website via the link: https://www.anticorruption.gov.sl/slides/slide/annual-report-2024-acc-508. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/acc-marks-25-years-of-integrity-presents-2024-report-to-president-bio/