The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone has formally engaged the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen collaboration on transformative anti-corruption reforms, on 24 September 2025 , the high-level courtesy meeting took place at the UNDP Conference Room on Old Main Motor Road, Wilberforce, and explored strategic avenues to enhance compliance, whistleblower protections, and accountability systems nationwide.

In his opening remarks, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala emphasized the critical role of compliance and reform in Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption agenda. He particularly highlighted the absence of a standalone Whistleblower Regulation as a factor affecting the country’s performance in international anti-corruption rankings.

While the Anti-Corruption Act provides adequate protections for whistleblowers, the lack of a dedicated policy has not reflected well internationally. That is why we developed the Regulation, now placed before the House of Parliament,” Commissioner Kaifala explained. He added that UNDP naturally emerged as a partner for implementing the policy, aligning with both organizations’ shared vision for integrity reforms.

The Commissioner further stressed the ACC’s intent to formalize the partnership with UNDP through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a structured framework for collaboration, prioritization, and delivery of impactful anti-corruption initiatives.

UNDP Resident Representative, Fredrick Hans Ampiah, commended the ACC’s achievements in building systems of integrity since 2018. He underscored the timeliness of the engagement and highlighted the potential for “something bold, big, and transformative in Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption efforts. Mr. Ampiah emphasized strengthening whistleblowing systems, ensuring compliance, and embedding sustainable accountability reforms as key areas of focus.

The meeting also included contributions from ACC Coordinator of Operations, Patrick Sandi, and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Kevin Petrini. Both parties discussed practical next steps, including assessments under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) to identify opportunities for additional resource mobilization and long-term reforms with tangible impact.

The engagement concluded with Commissioner Kaifala presenting the ACC’s key priorities for the year. Both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to a corruption-free Sierra Leone, guided by integrity, compliance, and bold reform initiatives.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 26th September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)