By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Officer, ACC
Sierra Leone has once again captured international attention in Vienna, Austria, after the Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Augustine Foday Ngobie has today 20th May, 2026 unveiled the country’s groundbreaking Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations 2025 before delegates at the 17th Session of the UNCAC Implementation Review Group Meeting.
In a bold presentation that drew admiration from anti-corruption stakeholders and delegates across the globe, Mr. Ngobie described the Regulations as a “landmark achievement” designed to reinforce integrity, strengthen public trust, protect courageous citizens who speak up against corruption, and punish retaliation against whistleblowers and witnesses.
Addressing the high-level gathering, the ACC Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the Regulations align Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption framework with international best practices under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC).
He disclosed that the new Regulations provide clear and enforceable protection mechanisms for whistleblowers and witnesses facing threats, intimidation or retaliation, including urgent interim protection where life or property is at risk.
Mr. Ngobie further revealed that beneficiaries may receive physical security, relocation, concealment or change of identity under binding protection agreements with the ACC, while children under protection arrangements would be safeguarded under High Court oversight and the Child Rights Act.
In another major highlight, the Deputy Commissioner informed delegates that the Regulations also introduce a reward and compensation regime where whistleblowers whose disclosures successfully expose corruption may receive monetary or non-monetary rewards, while victims of retaliation may be compensated.
He stressed that Sierra Leone has now sent a strong national and international message that the country “will protect those who speak up, reward integrity, and punish retaliation,” thereby strengthening accountability institutions and the broader anti-corruption architecture.
The Regulations also criminalize attempts to obstruct protection measures, intimidate protected persons or suppress protected disclosures, while imposing strict confidentiality safeguards over all whistleblower and witness information.
Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to the global anti-corruption fight, Mr. Ngobie assured delegates and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) of the country’s unflinching determination to implement robust anti-corruption measures and advance the effective implementation of UNCAC.
