Sierra Leone, September 6, 2023 – In a significant development for transparency and accountability in Sierra Leone, the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala, proudly announced that an astounding 95% of the country’s public officers successfully declared their assets in 2022.
This declaration process, carried out both online and via traditional paper methods, marks a remarkable achievement for the nation.
Notably, this impressive figure includes a staggering 99% compliance rate within the Presidency and Cabinet, showcasing an unprecedented commitment to accountability at the highest levels of government.
“95% of Sierra Leone’s Public Officers Declared their Assets in 2022 both online and via paper (including 99% in the PRESIDENCY and CABINET). This is probably the best in Africa and now sets us in a great frame to hold all the déclarants accountable while IN OFFICE and AFTER,” Commissioner Ben Kaifala stated.
According to him, this achievement stands in stark contrast to the situation just a few years ago when only around 30% of public officers complied with asset declaration requirements, resulting in a troubling lack of transparency and accountability.
The ACC boss noted that the transformation was made possible by a series of targeted legal, regulatory, and policy reforms introduced in 2019, with support from the World Bank.
He added that these reforms introduced a robust targeting framework, focusing on key public officers, elected and politically appointed leaders, individuals in fiduciary positions, and those responsible for revenue-related roles and decision-making. Administrative sanctions were also implemented for non-compliance, including the seizure of salaries and removal from office for defaulters, along with the possibility of criminal prosecution in the most egregious cases.
Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala expressed satisfaction with the initial success of these efforts, signaling that Sierra Leone is now poised to enter Phase 2 of the initiative. Phase 2 will involve comprehensive verifications and lifestyle audits of the asset declarations and declarants, further reinforcing the commitment to transparency and accountability in the nation’s public service.
He added that, “Below is the result of our initial SUCCESS as we now head to PHASE 2 – which includes robust verifications and lifestyle audits of the DECLARATIONS and DÉCLARANTS,”
Sierra Leone’s progress in enhancing asset declaration compliance sets a positive example not only for the African continent but also for nations worldwide striving to combat corruption and promote good governance.
