By: Marian Magdalene Bangura
Strategic Communications Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Freetown, Sierra Leone, Tuesday, 2 September 2025 – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating corruption and strengthening transparency and accountability across Sierra Leone’s public institutions.
Speaking at the government’s weekly press briefing held at the Miatta Conference Centre, the ACC’s Public Relations Coordinator, Mr. Patrick Sandi, emphasized that corruption continues to pose a serious threat to good governance and national development. He noted, however, that the Commission has been implementing bold reforms, backed by the Anti-Corruption Act of 2018 as amended in 2019. “Since the amendment of the Act, the Commission has been empowered with stronger tools to prevent, investigate, and prosecute corruption,” he said, further highlighting that the ACC’s work aligns with the Government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and broader reforms to improve public service delivery.
Mr. Sandi explained that over the past six years the ACC has conducted more than 20 corruption risk assessments across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). These reviews examined institutional practices and procedures to identify corruption risks and recommend reforms. Out of 461 recommendations made, 336, representing 73%, have already been successfully implemented by MDAs. The institutions reviewed include the Sierra Leone Ports Authority, Sierra Leone Produce Monitoring Board, Rokel Commercial Bank, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, schools, and community agencies.
He also underscored the introduction of an Ethics and Integrity Scorecard, a checklist tool that measures performance in financial management, ethical governance, and institutional leadership. The scorecard helps determine whether institutions require deeper systems reviews or targeted interventions.
Mr. Sandi recalled that Sierra Leone had successfully implemented its fourth-generation National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2019–2023) and, in December 2023, launched the fifth generation (2024–2028). The new strategy prioritizes strengthening Integrity Management Committees across the public sector, with over 80% of MDAs already having these committees in place.
On asset declaration compliance, he reported a 96.5% compliance rate among public officers. Out of 17,253 staff across 182 MDAs, 16,650 declared their assets, leaving only 605 officers, about 3.6%, in default. Notably, 103 MDAs achieved 100% compliance, while 51 reached between 90 and 99%. He added that the ACC has partnered with DSTI to make the online asset declaration portal more user-friendly, and that non-compliance is being tackled through sanctions, including salary withholdings.
While stressing that prevention remains a priority, Mr. Sandi confirmed that the Commission continues to investigate and prosecute corruption cases. Recent investigations have focused on the National Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Health, and the University of Sierra Leone. An investigation into allegations against the Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Melrose Karminty, concluded with a full clearance, confirming she was not involved in the matter. Meanwhile, the case involving the former Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Vandy Konneh, remains under investigation.
Mr. Sandi assured the public that the ACC remains resolute in its mission to minimize corruption opportunities, enforce accountability, and uphold integrity across all sectors of government. “We are encouraged by the progress made so far, but we are even more determined to strengthen the fight. With prevention, enforcement, and public support, we will continue to safeguard the integrity of Sierra Leone’s governance system,” he concluded.
