By Josephine Sesay

In every democratic society, transparency and accountability form the backbone of effective governance. These principles ensure that public officials act responsibly, manage public resources properly, and remain answerable to the citizens they serve. In Sierra Leone, a country that has endured decades of political instability, civil war, and economic challenges, the demand for transparent and accountable governance remains stronger than ever.

Over the past two decades, Sierra Leone has made notable progress in building democratic institutions and strengthening governance systems. However, persistent corruption, weak institutions, and limited enforcement of laws continue to undermine government transparency and accountability. These challenges affect not only political stability but also economic development and public trust in leadership.

Understanding Transparency and Accountability

Transparency refers to the openness of government operations. It means that citizens have access to information about government decisions, budgets, and policies. Accountability, on the other hand, means that government officials must answer for their actions and can be punished when they misuse power or public resources.

In Sierra Leone, both transparency and accountability are essential for promoting development. When public institutions operate transparently, citizens can monitor how their taxes and national resources are used. When leaders are accountable, corruption and abuse of power can be reduced.

However, achieving these ideals has been a long and difficult journey for the country.

The Legacy of Corruption

Corruption remains one of the most significant obstacles to transparency and accountability in Sierra Leone. According to reports, corruption in the country has historically drained enormous amounts of public funds that could have been used for development projects such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. (Sierra Leone Monitor)

For example, a governance diagnostic report by the International Monetary Fund estimated that corruption-related losses between 2016 and 2018 ranged between 10.45 trillion and 15.9 trillion old Leones, an amount that exceeded the government’s total revenue during the same period.

These losses demonstrate the scale of the problem. Funds that should be used to build roads, support hospitals, and improve education often disappear due to mismanagement or illegal practices.

Transparency International rankings also highlight the challenge. Sierra Leone’s score in the Corruption Perceptions Index fell to 33 out of 100, placing the country 114th out of 180 countries worldwide, indicating significant concerns about public sector corruption.

Such rankings reflect public perceptions that corruption continues to influence government operations.

Weak Institutional Oversight

One of the main reasons transparency struggles in Sierra Leone is the weakness of institutions responsible for monitoring government activities. Institutions such as auditing agencies, anti-corruption bodies, and the judiciary play a crucial role in enforcing accountability.

However, reports suggest that enforcement mechanisms remain limited. Weak regulatory systems and poor judicial independence often allow corruption to continue with few consequences.

In some cases, investigations into wrongdoing do not result in prosecutions or meaningful reforms. When this happens, citizens lose confidence in the government’s willingness to fight corruption.

For instance, investigations into illegal land allocations in protected areas revealed that senior officials facilitated construction projects that violated environmental laws. Yet despite recommendations for disciplinary action, little visible punishment has occurred.

Such incidents reinforce the perception that powerful individuals can escape accountability.

Public Perception and Citizen Trust

Transparency and accountability are not only about laws and institutions; they are also about public confidence. When citizens believe that leaders are honest and responsible, trust in government increases. When corruption appears widespread, trust declines.

Surveys show that many Sierra Leoneans believe corruption is widespread in public institutions. According to Afrobarometer findings, 73% of citizens believe that most or all police officials are corrupt, while significant numbers also perceive corruption among Members of Parliament and tax officials.

These perceptions highlight the importance of improving transparency in government operations.

Without trust, it becomes difficult for governments to implement policies or collect taxes effectively. Citizens may also feel discouraged from participating in democratic processes if they believe leaders are not accountable.

Efforts to Improve Transparency

Despite these challenges, Sierra Leone has made efforts to strengthen governance systems. Over the years, the government has introduced reforms aimed at increasing transparency in public finance and improving accountability mechanisms.

One of the most notable institutions in this effort is the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC investigates corruption cases, promotes ethical conduct in public service, and educates citizens about corruption risks.

Civil society organizations also play an important role. Groups such as transparency advocacy organizations monitor government activities, conduct research on corruption cases, and encourage public debate on governance issues.

Additionally, reforms in public financial management have improved budget transparency over the years. Reports show that Sierra Leone’s budget transparency score has gradually increased over the past decade.

These improvements demonstrate that progress is possible when political will and institutional support exist.

The Role of the Media and Civil Society

The media and civil society organizations are essential for promoting government accountability. Investigative journalism exposes corruption scandals and informs citizens about government activities.

In Sierra Leone, independent media outlets frequently report on governance issues, corruption investigations, and policy decisions. Civil society organizations also conduct advocacy campaigns that demand accountability from political leaders.

However, challenges remain. Declining press freedom and limited digital access can restrict the ability of journalists and citizens to hold government accountable.

Strengthening media independence and improving access to information are therefore essential steps toward greater transparency.

The Way Forward

For Sierra Leone to build a transparent and accountable government, several key actions are necessary.

First, institutions responsible for fighting corruption must be strengthened. Anti-corruption agencies, courts, and auditing bodies need sufficient resources and independence to perform their duties effectively.

Second, the government must enforce laws consistently. Officials who misuse public funds should face legal consequences regardless of their political status.

Third, citizen participation should be encouraged. When citizens are informed and actively involved in governance processes, they can hold leaders accountable and demand transparency.

Finally, technological innovation can help improve transparency. Digital platforms that publish government budgets, procurement contracts, and public spending records can make it easier for citizens to monitor government activities.

Conclusion

Government transparency and accountability remain critical challenges in Sierra Leone. While the country has made significant progress since the end of the civil war, corruption, weak institutions, and limited enforcement of laws continue to hinder good governance.

However, the growing awareness among citizens, the efforts of anti-corruption institutions, and the role of civil society offer hope for the future.

For Sierra Leone to achieve sustainable development and stronger democracy, transparency and accountability must remain at the center of governance reforms. Only when leaders are truly accountable to the people can the country build trust, promote economic growth, and create a better future for all citizens.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 11th March 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)