FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) convened a National Summit on the Fight Against Corruption on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, highlighting 25 years of efforts to promote integrity and accountability across Sierra Leone. The event was part of the Commission’s Silver Jubilee celebrations and the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day observances.
Held at the Bintumani International Conference Center, the high-level summit brought together government officials, civil society leaders, international experts, and citizens to assess the country’s anti-corruption progress and chart a path forward.
In his keynote address, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in the fight against corruption. “For 25 years we have prosecuted, prevented, educated, and reformed,” he said. “We must now reach a point where people do not need to be reminded to act with integrity. When entrusted with public office, the interest of others must come first.”
Kaifala also called for improvements in public sector conditions of service to reduce corruption risks and strengthen ethical behavior. He urged citizens to take an active role in supporting the ACC as it transitions into a guiding institution promoting a culture of integrity.
International guests, including Deborah LaPrevotte, Head of Investigations at Restitution Impact Sierra Leone, and a veteran FBI anti-corruption investigator, commended the ACC for its work in recovering public funds and enhancing accountability. LaPrevotte highlighted the role of ordinary citizens in reporting corruption, stressing that the fight begins in communities, workplaces, and institutions.
The summit featured a panel discussion on “The Future of the ACC: Innovation, Partnership, and Building Resilient Systems,” which explored strategies to strengthen Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption architecture. Topics included public awareness, asset declaration regimes, legislative reforms, whistleblower protection, and staff welfare to build a robust anti-corruption workforce.
Speakers concluded that the ACC’s future—and the broader fight against corruption in Sierra Leone—depends on technological innovation, strong partnerships, and active citizen engagement.
As Sierra Leone celebrates 25 years of anti-corruption efforts, officials emphasized that maintaining momentum requires both institutional reforms and a national culture that prioritizes integrity and accountability.
