By: Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
The Anti-Corruption Commission has pointed to expanded internal accountability structures and stronger public engagement as key drivers of Sierra Leone’s progress in open governance.
Speaking at the 15th Open Government Partnership Week celebration in Freetown on Wednesday, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala said the commission remained committed to transparency and citizen-centered governance, even as an independent institution.
Kaifala told the panel that the number of Integrity Management Committees embedded within Ministries, Departments and Agencies had risen from 79 in 2019 to 118 nationwide. Of those, 98 have been monitored and assessed by the commission. He described the committees as “small ACCs” that help identify institutional weaknesses before they develop into corruption cases.
The commissioner said the initiative had raised integrity standards across the public sector and encouraged competition among MDAs to improve transparency, ethical compliance and service delivery.
Kaifala also highlighted the commission’s approach to public access to information, noting that journalists, researchers and citizens frequently commend its responsiveness. He cited the ACC’s regularly updated website, information desk and close work with civil society and the media as evidence of its open-door policy.
“Unlike many anti-corruption bodies that have strained ties with the press, we treat the media as a strategic partner in building public trust,” he said.
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, delivering the keynote, reaffirmed government support for the OGP process and commended the ACC for strengthening accountability systems. He cited Sierra Leone’s improved ranking on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, moving from 130th in 2019 to 109th, as proof of institutional reform.
Other speakers included Emmanuel Gaima, Principal Adviser to the President and Head of the Public Sector Reform Unit; Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education Abdel Aziz Bawoh; Deputy Clerk of Parliament Gilbert N’habay; Right to Access Information Commissioner Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw; CARL Acting Executive Director Jeremy Ben Simbo; and Gender and Children’s Affairs Minister Isata Mahoi, who moderated the panel.
Sierra Leone joined the Open Government Partnership in 2013. The annual OGP Week marks efforts by member countries to promote transparency, accountability, citizen participation and inclusive governance.
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