Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has emerged as one of the standout performers in the country’s ongoing fight against corruption, achieving an impressive 87% compliance rate in the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028.
The authority shares the top spot with the Sierra Leone Airport Authority, according to the NACS Secretariat’s First Quarter Monitoring Report submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The assessment reviewed 95 public institutions against 23 key action points. SLPHA successfully completed 20 of them, leaving only three outstanding. This strong showing significantly outpaces the national average compliance rate of 42%, positioning the Ports Authority as a benchmark for other government agencies.
Key Drivers of Success
SLPHA’s achievement stems from several targeted reforms under the leadership of Director General Yankuba Askia Bio. These include:
– Strengthened internal controls and enhanced oversight mechanisms.
– The establishment and active operation of Integrity Management Committees.
– The rollout of digital financial management systems.
– Greater administrative and financial transparency.
These measures align with broader national efforts to institutionalize integrity, improve procurement and audit systems, and foster ethical leadership across public institutions.
Director General Bio welcomed the recognition, describing it as validation of the authority’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
“This achievement demonstrates our unwavering dedication to ethical leadership and public accountability,” he stated.
Context and Broader Impact
The NACS 2024-2028, launched in late 2024 as the fifth generation of Sierra Leone’s national anti-corruption framework, builds on previous strategies and emphasizes prevention, constructive engagement, and systemic reforms. It is coordinated by the ACC, which was established in 2000 to lead the country’s anti-corruption efforts.
SLPHA, established by Act No. 29 of 2023, plays a critical role in Sierra Leone’s economy as the manager and regulator of the country’s ports. Its operations are vital for trade, revenue generation, and economic development. Recent initiatives under Bio’s leadership, including improvements in port security and operational efficiency, have complemented its anti-corruption drive.
Nationwide, the NACS Secretariat has reported substantial progress, with hundreds of action points implemented across ministries, departments, and agencies. SLPHA’s performance is seen as a model that could accelerate compliance elsewhere and contribute to improved public trust in government institutions.
