The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has announced that 81 percent of targeted public officers have so far declared their assets in the ongoing 2026 exercise, while stressing that the fight against corruption remains strong across investigations, prosecutions, recoveries and preventive measures.
Speaking at the Government’s Weekly Press Conference on Tuesday, 18 August 2026 at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, ACC Coordinator of Operations Patrick Sandi said 13,036 out of 16,144 public officers required to declare have complied so far.
The online asset declaration portal is set to close this Friday, 21 August 2026. After the deadline, the Commission will move against those who fail to comply. Defaulters will first receive a 14-day notice. Continued failure will lead to one month’s salary being withheld. Persistent non-compliance can result in three months’ suspension and eventual dismissal, in line with the law.
Sandi noted that the previous declaration cycle achieved an impressive 99.54 percent compliance rate, with 17,173 out of 17,253 officers filing their declarations. The few who defaulted faced administrative sanctions.
He credited the improved process to reforms under the 2019 amendment to the Anti-Corruption Act and the digital systems developed with support from the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). The online platform has made declarations faster and easier for public officials, and the ACC is exploring mobile-based options to make the process even more accessible.
On wider anti-corruption work, Sandi disclosed that the Commission investigated 107 corruption-related cases during the reporting period, concluded 23, and secured six successful prosecutions. Approximately Le 1.305 million was recovered from completed investigations.
The ACC has also continued rolling out Integrity Management Committees in public institutions as part of its preventive strategy to strengthen accountability and reduce opportunities for corruption.
Sandi called on Sierra Leoneans to play an active role by reporting credible information on suspected corrupt practices. He assured the public that channels for reporting and witness protection remain available.
“The fight against corruption is still very robust. We are at the very top,” Sandi stated, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to promoting integrity in public life.
