The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated a review into the collection and management of revenue generated from Sierra Leone’s five percent rice import duty. This full inquiry by the ACC focuses on accountability concerns regarding the funds collected from the levy, concerns that were notably raised by the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN). The review aims to scrutinize how these revenues are gathered and subsequently managed by relevant government bodies in Sierra Leone, ensuring transparency and proper utilization. The ACC's action shows the importance of public trust in financial management and the government's commitment to tackling potential irregularities.
BAN's Report and Findings
The Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) released a policy report assessing the management of proceeds from Sierra Leone's five percent rice import levy. This report specifically examined whether these funds were effectively supporting the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF), a key mechanism for agricultural growth. Additionally, BAN's report investigated the extent to which resources allocated through the ADF could enhance agricultural opportunities for women, recognizing their vital role in the sector. This assessment was conducted in the context of the Government's Feed Salone programme, which aims to boost food security and agricultural development across the country through strategic interventions. The findings of this report provided significant impetus for the current ACC review, noting areas where greater scrutiny was needed regarding the rice import duty proceeds.
Government's Commitment and BAN's Goals
The Government of Sierra Leone's 2024 Budget Statement committed proceeds from the reintroduced five percent rice import duty directly to the Agricultural Development Fund. This allocation is intended to bolster agricultural initiatives within the country, providing a dedicated funding stream for development projects. The Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) is actively advocating for a specific portion of this funding to be directed towards women in agriculture, aiming to address historical disparities and empower female farmers. BAN seeks the allocation of at least 30 percent of the relevant funding to support initiatives that specifically benefit women involved in the agricultural sector, aligning with efforts to enhance their opportunities and contributions to national food security. This targeted allocation is seen as key for achieving inclusive growth within the agricultural landscape.
ACC's Next Steps and Commissioner's View
Accountability concerns prompted by the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) were a driving factor in the ongoing review by the Anti-Corruption Commission. BAN had previously engaged with multiple state institutions in 2025 to ascertain the total revenue collected from the rice import duty and to understand the specific management processes for these funds. This proactive outreach by BAN sought to clarify how the proceeds were being handled by government bodies, laying the groundwork for the current investigation. The Commissioner of the ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. Has emphasized the Commission's commitment to ensuring that public funds are managed transparently and accountably, stating that the review is a critical step in upholding good governance. He reiterated that the ACC would thoroughly investigate all aspects of the revenue collection and management to ensure compliance with established financial regulations and to address any identified lapses.
Collaboration for Transparency
Officials from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) convened at Integrity House on Tower Hill, Freetown, on Monday, 31 August 2026. This meeting served as a key platform for collaboration, with BAN formally submitting its policy report to the ACC. The policy report submitted to the ACC was based on full information received from key government entities, specifically the National Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Finance. This collaboration between a civil society organization and a state accountability institution notes a shared commitment to transparency and proper financial oversight in Sierra Leone. The ACC's review will now leverage BAN's detailed findings and data to inform its investigation, ensuring a thorough examination of the rice import duty revenue.
