The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) presented its 2025 Annual Report to President Julius Maada Bio at State House in Freetown on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie and other senior officials, made the presentation, fulfilling the Commission's statutory obligation under Section 19(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act No. 12 of 2008, as amended in 2019. The report details the ACC's activities, achievements, progress, and challenges during the 2025 reporting period. President Bio formally received the document, acknowledging the significant efforts involved. He described corruption as "an enemy of the state and a natural risk to the development of a nation." President Bio further characterized the fight against corruption as a "hard task" for the ACC. The presentation of the annual report shows the ACC's commitment to transparency and accountability in its ongoing efforts to combat corruption across Sierra Leone.
Key Achievements and Statistics
The Anti-Corruption Commission strengthened its enforcement of asset declaration requirements during the 2025 reporting period, a critical measure in preventing illicit enrichment and promoting public sector integrity. This intensified focus resulted in a significant number of sanctions. A total of 1,541 public officers faced sanctions for defaulting on their 2024 asset declarations, demonstrating the ACC's resolve in ensuring compliance with anti-corruption regulations. Despite these sanctions, the report indicated a high overall asset declaration compliance rate of 99.54 percent among public officials, reflecting a broad adherence to these vital transparency measures.
Regarding judicial proceedings, the ACC achieved notable success in its legal battles against corruption. Out of 13 persons tried for corruption before the High Court during the reporting period, 12 were convicted. This impressive outcome translated into a conviction rate of 92 percent for the ACC's High Court cases, noting the Commission's effective investigative and prosecutorial capabilities. These convictions send a strong message about the consequences of corrupt practices.
Enforcement actions led to substantial financial recoveries for the state. The ACC successfully recovered NLe23,556,597 through various enforcement measures. Additionally, NLe1,394,491 was paid in restitution, demonstrating the commission's efforts not only to prosecute but also to recover illicit gains from corrupt individuals. Persons convicted of corruption paid NLe1,460,000 in fines as part of their penalties, contributing to the financial disincentive against corruption. These financial recoveries show the tangible impact of the ACC's work on national resources.
Sierra Leone's international standing in anti-corruption efforts also showed improvement, reflecting the positive impact of the ACC's initiatives. The nation's ranking on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index improved from 114th in 2024 to 109th in 2025, indicating a positive perception of the country's anti-corruption drive on a global scale. Sierra Leone met the Millennium Challenge Corporation scorecard excellence threshold for the eighth consecutive year, a consistent achievement that signals sustained progress in governance and anti-corruption measures, and reinforces the country's commitment to good governance.
Strategic Initiatives and Legal Framework
The Anti-Corruption Commission implemented several strategic initiatives and legal enhancements during the reporting period to strengthen its institutional framework and operational effectiveness. A key development was the rollout of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028. This full strategy outlines the ACC's framework for combating corruption over the next five years, providing a clear roadmap for future actions. The NACS aims to guide the ACC's efforts and coordinate national anti-corruption activities across various sectors, ensuring a unified approach to tackling corruption.
Concurrently, the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations 2025 were developed and subsequently operationalized. These regulations are designed to provide strong legal safeguards for individuals who report corruption and for witnesses participating in corruption cases. By protecting these key individuals, the ACC aims to encourage greater public cooperation with anti-corruption efforts, fostering an environment where reporting corruption is safer and more accessible. The implementation of these regulations marks a significant step towards enhancing public trust and participation in the fight against corruption. The Commission also expanded its public engagement through intensified public education and sensitization programmes. These initiatives focused on raising awareness about corruption, its detrimental impact on society, and the ACC's vital role in combating it, aiming to foster a more informed and vigilant citizenry capable of identifying and resisting corrupt practices. These educational efforts are key for building a culture of integrity from the ground up.
Presidential Commendation and Future Focus
President Julius Maada Bio commended the Anti-Corruption Commission for its significant contribution to Sierra Leone’s development and its ongoing fight against corruption. The President acknowledged the ACC's dedication and hard work in navigating the complex challenges inherent in anti-corruption efforts. President Bio reiterated his strong stance on corruption, describing it as "an enemy of the state and a natural risk to the development of a nation." He emphasized that the eradication of corruption is critical for the nation's progress and prosperity. He urged the ACC to remain vigilant in addressing emerging technological risks, specifically calling attention to the growing use of advanced technology and artificial intelligence in illicit activities. The President acknowledged the anti-corruption effort as a "hard task" for the Commission, but showed the critical importance of their continued resolve and adaptation to new challenges. His commendation serves as a powerful endorsement of the ACC's work and its strategic direction for the coming years.