By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S. Reporter
FREETOWN — A tense exchange over responsibility, pay and corruption marked the Government’s Special Civic Town Hall on Quality Education on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, as Anti-Corruption Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala clarified that the ACC cannot run public examinations, while SLTU President Ibrahim Bankapoma Kargbo challenged him over teachers’ welfare.
The session was hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education.
Commissioner Kaifala said the ACC remains committed to protecting the integrity of Sierra Leone’s education system, but supervising exams is not its mandate.
“We basically militarised the process because at the time nobody was willing to listen to us,” Kaifala said. “To say we have to take charge of exams, no. That is not our role. We only provide support.”
He explained that the ACC now takes a supportive approach and intervenes where its statutory mandate is triggered — to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable. He stressed that protecting the integrity of public examinations is a collective national responsibility.
The ACC continues to deploy its Elite Scorpion Squad against examination malpractice. Over the years the squad has apprehended pupils and school authorities. While some members of the public have praised the approach, others criticised the Commission’s 2019 parading of four teachers at the Cotton Tree as a human rights violation.
SLTU President Kargbo then linked poor remuneration and conditions of service to corruption and examination malpractice.
In a direct challenge to the Commissioner, he said: “The Anti-Corruption Commissioner, believe me, would not perform this kind of performance if it were him receiving the kind of salary I am receiving. I bet you. You wouldn’t perform on my salary.”
Kargbo however made clear he does not condone corrupt practices, and said poor pay should not be used as a justification for corruption.
According to the SLTU President, Government has a responsibility to create better working conditions for public servants, arguing that adequate remuneration and improved conditions can contribute to greater professionalism, commitment and integrity.
Kargbo further maintained that tackling corruption and examination malpractice requires a collective approach involving Government, public institutions and other stakeholders, alongside stronger institutional accountability.
The exchange has renewed national debate on the link between public-sector pay, working conditions and the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone’s education system.
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