By Kadijatu Bangura,D.S Reporter
FREETOWN – The Anti-Corruption Commission has announced 81 percent compliance in the 2026 public officers’ asset declaration exercise and says it will enforce sanctions against those who fail to meet the deadline.
ACC Coordinator of Operations, Patrick Sandi, disclosed the figures on Tuesday, 18th August 2026, during the Government’s Weekly Press Conference at the Miatta Civic Centre.
According to Sandi, 13,036 out of 16,144 targeted public officers have completed their declarations so far. The asset declaration portal is scheduled to close on Friday, 21st August 2026.
He said defaulters will first receive a 14-day default notice. If they still do not comply, their salaries will be withheld for one month. Continued non-compliance could lead to three months’ suspension and eventual dismissal in line with the Anti-Corruption Act.
Sandi noted that the previous declaration cycle recorded 17,173 out of 17,253 targeted officers, representing 99.54 percent compliance. Those who defaulted were subsequently subjected to administrative sanctions.
He attributed improvements in the process to reforms under the 2019 amendment to the Anti-Corruption Act and to the digital platform developed with support from the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation. Sandi said the system has made declarations faster and more accessible, and that the Commission is considering mobile-based services to further streamline the process.
On enforcement, Sandi said the ACC investigated 107 corruption-related cases during the period, concluded 23, and secured six successful prosecutions. The Commission also recorded approximately Le 1.305 million in recoveries from completed investigations.
As part of its preventive approach, the ACC has established Integrity Management Committees across public institutions to strengthen accountability and internal controls.
Sandi urged citizens to remain active partners in the fight against corruption by providing credible information on suspected practices. He assured that reporting channels and witness protection mechanisms remain available.
“The fight against corruption is still very robust. We are at the very top,” Sandi said, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to promoting integrity in public service.
For more information contact
Daily Scope Newspaper at
dailyscopemedia@gmail.com
