Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala,
Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is gaining renewed trust and global recognition as a key player in fighting corruption and promoting transparency, one of its most recent achievements overseeing the effective implementation of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) Project has not only improved service delivery but has also encouraged deeper investment from the World Bank.
On the 1st of May, 2025, the ACC, under the leadership of Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala, has been praised for championing transparency, fairness, and accountability in public projects. This reputation paved the way for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ACC and the World Bank on 18th June 2024, making the Commission a direct implementing partner in the PSSNYE Project.
The PSSNYE Project targets poverty reduction, supports youth employment, and improves the country’s social welfare systems. As part of the agreement, the ACC has taken the lead in monitoring the fair distribution of funds and ensuring that resources reach the intended beneficiaries without delay or corruption.
Thanks to this initiative, Sierra Leone has secured millions of dollars from the World Bank to roll out large-scale social welfare programs across the country. The trust shown by international partners is a direct result of the ACC’s consistent oversight, strong systems, and open engagement with the public.
The second payment phase of the PSSNYE Project was recently completed successfully in multiple districts. The ACC closely supervised this process, ensuring funds were disbursed transparently and in line with the project’s guidelines. No major complaints of mismanagement or fraud were reported a major victory for a country still working to rebuild public trust after decades of misrule.
Commissioner Kaifala and his team including Deputy Commissioner, Project Manager Ren Patrick Morovia, regional officers, and community monitors have been recognized for their hands-on leadership throughout the implementation, their work has been instrumental in reinforcing donor confidence and motivating continued international support.
Beyond its traditional role of investigating corruption, the ACC is now playing an active part in Sierra Leone’s development agenda. By preventing corruption before it occurs and partnering with both local and international organizations, the Commission is demonstrating a new model of anti-corruption that prioritizes prevention and system strengthening.
As Sierra Leone works to lift more of its people out of poverty and improve the lives of young people through job creation and social support, the ACC’s role has become more relevant than ever. Its partnership with the World Bank signals a promising future one where good governance is not just an ideal but a working reality.
With sustained leadership, active public involvement, and continuous international backing, Sierra Leone is on track to make meaningful progress in its journey toward a more accountable and equitable society.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 5th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
