By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Freetown, Wednesday, 16 September 2026 — The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Wednesday presented its 2025 Annual Report to President Julius Maada Bio at State House, reporting a 90 percent conviction rate and an improved global ranking in the fight against corruption.
Presenting the report on behalf of Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala, Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie said the presentation was in compliance with Section 19 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008.
The report details the Commission’s performance across prosecution, prevention, investigations and intelligence, audits, public education, human resource, and its five regional offices in Bo, Makeni, Port Loko, Kenema and Kono.
Ngobie disclosed that Sierra Leone improved from 114th in 2024 to 109th in 2025 on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index.
He highlighted major reforms during the year, including the development and operationalisation of the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations 2025 in collaboration with the Attorney-General’s Office and Parliament.
“The regulations reinforce our commitment to protecting individuals who report corruption in the public interest, while establishing mechanisms against retaliation,” Ngobie said.
The report also covers the work of the Project Coordination Office handling the grievance redress component of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) Scheme and the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Secretariat.
According to the ACC, public engagement was intensified in 2025 through expanded digital outreach, public education and new partnerships with the media and civil society organisations through formal Memoranda of Understanding.
Receiving the report, President Bio commended the Commission for strengthening the country’s anti-corruption credentials.
President Bio described corruption as “an enemy of the state and a natural risk to the development of a nation,” warning that the fight requires sustained commitment because corruption itself remains persistent.
He urged the ACC to remain relentless and to pay particular attention to protecting vulnerable citizens and safeguarding public resources.
While revenue collection is the responsibility of institutions like the National Revenue Authority, protecting public resources and ensuring they are used for their intended purpose remains critical, the President noted.
He described the Commission’s mandate as a “hard task” and challenged it to remain vigilant against emerging technological risks, including the abuse of artificial intelligence to undermine institutions and facilitate corruption.
President Bio formally received the report and encouraged the ACC leadership not to relent.
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