By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope
FREETOWN, September 24, 2025 — The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated a strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to enhance anti-corruption efforts in Sierra Leone. This collaboration was discussed during a high-level meeting with UNDP Resident Representative Fredrick Hans Ampiah, held at the UNDP Conference Room in Wilberforce.
ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala, Esq. emphasized the critical need for compliance and reform in Sierra Leone’s fight against corruption. He pointed out the lack of a dedicated Whistleblower Regulation as a significant obstacle impacting the country’s standing in international anti-corruption rankings.
“While I have consistently stated at international forums that the Anti-Corruption Act includes sufficient provisions to protect whistleblowers, the absence of a standalone policy has adversely affected our global image. This is why we are proposing a Regulation for Parliament,” Commissioner Kaifala said. He noted that the UNDP was a natural partner in developing this policy, and coincidentally, the UNDP team had been considering similar initiatives.
The Commissioner expressed a desire to formalize the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which would outline a structured approach for ongoing collaboration, aligning priorities, and implementing impactful anti-corruption reforms.
In response, Mr. Ampiah praised the ACC for its significant advancements in establishing integrity systems since 2018. He underscored the importance of this collaboration, indicating UNDP’s readiness to support bold and transformative initiatives, particularly in strengthening whistleblowing mechanisms and ensuring compliance.
The meeting also included insights from ACC Operations Coordinator Patrick Sandi and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Kevin Petrini, who discussed practical next steps. They highlighted the importance of assessments under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) to identify additional resource mobilization opportunities and develop reforms that can have a lasting impact.
The engagement concluded with Commissioner Kaifala outlining the ACC’s key priorities, as both organizations reiterated their commitment to a corruption-free Sierra Leone grounded in integrity, compliance, and ambitious reforms.
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