The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has engaged a delegation from the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) from South Africa to discuss Sierra Leone’s Second-Generation Country Review Report, an assessment designed to identify gaps, strengthen systems, and support national development.
The engagement took place on Thursday, 27th November 2025, at the Commissioner’s Conference Room, Tower Hill, Freetown. It provided an opportunity for learning, experience sharing, and deeper understanding of the Commission’s work. The APRM team posed several questions relating to the ACC’s operations, legal frameworks, successes, and institutional structures.
Director of Country Reviews at APRM, Dr. Rachel Mukamunana, explained that the APRM is a self-monitoring initiative established by the African Union to promote good governance and socio-economic development among member states. She noted that Sierra Leone recently collaborated with the APRM to launch the Second-Generation Review Report, which focuses on institutional performance, transparency, accountability, fiscal and monetary policies, democratic governance, and other key national development indicators.
Dr. Mukamunana emphasized that engaging the ACC was a critical step in the review process. She added that the delegation was directed by His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio to better understand existing gaps and gather accurate findings for the report.
During the discussion, the APRM team raised concerns around institutional independence, conviction rates, corruption prevention in the mining sector, and the use of technology in combating corruption.
Responding, the ACC Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., welcomed the delegation and expressed delight at the productive engagement. He reflected on the state of the Commission prior to 2018, noting that it was previously considered a “toothless bulldog” with poor national and international standing. However, he highlighted that legislative and structural reforms- particularly the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 and its 2019 Amendment- greatly enhanced the ACC’s effectiveness and reputation.
Commissioner Kaifala further explained that although the ACC operates with limited staffing, the institution prioritizes prevention as a core pillar of its mandate. Through its Prevention Department, the ACC works with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen systems and reduce loopholes that may lead to corruption.
He underscored the need for strong laws, effective frameworks, presidential and political will, and citizen support to reduce corruption prevalence across Africa.
While acknowledging the Commission’s progress, Commissioner Ben-Kaifala highlighted ongoing challenges, including inadequate funds, limited vehicles, and the need for greater investment in institutional strengthening.
He also noted that the ACC has increasingly adopted digital tools to enhance its operations, including transitioning the assets declaration process from a predominantly paper-based system to a digital platform. However, he stressed that full implementation of digital systems requires additional resources.
Commissioner Ben Kaifala concluded by calling on government and development partners to invest more in the fight against corruption, emphasizing that sustained progress depends on adequate support and resourcing.
