State House, Freetown, Wednesday, 16 September 2026 – The Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Mr Francis Ben Kaifala, alongside Deputy Commissioner Mr Augustine Foday Ngobie and senior officials of the Commission, has presented the ACC’s 2025 Annual Report to His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio at State House, in fulfilment of the Commission’s statutory mandate under Section 19 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008.
Presenting the report, Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie described the occasion as the fulfilment of a statutory responsibility, noting that it provides a comprehensive account of the Commission’s performance during 2025, including its achievements, progress, and challenges.
He highlighted the work of the Commission across its core areas, including prosecution, prevention, audits, investigations and intelligence, public education and outreach, human resource and administration, as well as the Project Coordination Office responsible for the grievance redress component of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) Scheme. He also referenced the work of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Secretariat and the Commission’s five regional offices in Bo, Makeni, Port Loko, Kenema and Kono.
Mr Ngobie noted that, as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against corruption, the Commission, in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Parliament, developed and operationalised the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations 2025.
He said the regulations reinforce Sierra Leone’s commitment to protecting individuals who report corruption or provide evidence in corruption-related matters in the public interest, while establishing mechanisms against retaliation.
The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the Commission’s increased public engagement during the reporting period through intensified public education and sensitisation, expanded social media and digital outreach, and strengthened collaboration with the media and civil society organisations, including through formal partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding.
According to the report, the Commission recorded a 90 per cent conviction rate in 2025, while Sierra Leone’s position on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index improved from 114th in 2024 to 109th in 2025. He also highlighted the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy as another significant achievement during the reporting period.
Mr Ngobie expressed appreciation to President Bio for what he described as his sustained leadership and support for the national fight against corruption, adding that the opportunity to contribute to the country’s transformation was a responsibility the Commission had embraced with commitment.
In his response, President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the ACC leadership and team and commended the Commission for its contribution to Sierra Leone’s development and the fight against corruption.
The President expressed pride in the work of the Commission, noting that its efforts had contributed to strengthening the country’s position in the fight against corruption.
President Bio described corruption as “an enemy of the state and a natural risk to the development of a nation,” stressing that the fight against corruption requires sustained commitment because corruption itself remains persistent.
He encouraged the Commission to remain relentless in the discharge of its mandate and to pay particular attention to protecting vulnerable citizens from the effects of corruption.
The President also underscored the importance of safeguarding public resources, noting that while revenue collection is the responsibility of institutions such as the National Revenue Authority, protecting public resources and ensuring that they are used for their intended purposes remains a critical responsibility in the fight against corruption.
President Bio described the Commission’s mandate as a “hard task”, while encouraging its leadership and staff to remain vigilant in the face of emerging technological risks.
He specifically urged the Commission to pay attention to the growing use of advanced technology and artificial intelligence, noting that such technologies could also be exploited by individuals seeking to undermine institutions and facilitate corrupt practices.
President Bio concluded by commending the ACC for its work and encouraged the Commission to remain resolute and not relent in the fight against corruption, while formally receiving the 2025 Annual Report.
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