The Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. has on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, been confirmed by the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments at Committee Room No.1, in the House of Parliament, following his thorough interview by the Honorable Members of Parliament.
At the interview session, the Commissioner outlined the many gains and successes the Commission has scored over the five-year period, noting that, as promised the Country’s image has been laundered and is no longer referred to as the most corrupt country in the World. Mr. Kaifala also highlighted the achievements made in the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, as Sierra Leone NOW (in 2022) is at 110, with a score of 34 above the Sub-Saharan average, unlike when he took over as Commissioner, when the country was at 129 with a score of 29. Commissioner Kaifala further said, the prevalence in the country has reduced from 70% in 2017 to 40% in 2020 according to the Afro-barometer survey report. Even in the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Scorecard, Sierra Leone has made tremendous gains, with an excellent score of 79% on the control of corruption indicator, he added.
Responding to questions from the Hon Members of Parliament, Commissioner Kaifala furthered that, he believes efforts must be made jointly by the ACC and Parliament, to look at the whistle-blowing provisions in 2008 Act as Amended, so that it becomes more robust and all-embracing, and also, the aspect of the law that speaks to Anti-Corruption cases tried by Judge alone or Judge and Jury, which powers rest with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
The ACC Chief underscored that manpower is an issue that the Commission is mindful of, as there is every need to increase the work force when it relates to anti-corruption fight in the country.
On the definition of corruption, Francis Ben Kaifala said, corruption can best be described in summary, as the abuse of entrusted power and resources for private gain or benefit.
All the Members of Parliament present lauded the Commissioner for the achievements and trailblazing work he has recorded which every Sierra Leonean is proud of. He was encouraged together with his team to do more.
Hon. Mohamed Bangura of the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party, in his contribution expressed beautiful sentiments about the Commissioner and the Commission, and stressed that under the leadership of Francis Ben Kaifala, the ACC is indeed a strong institution, working in the interest of the people of Sierra Leone.
The interview session was chaired by Hon. Bashiru Sidikie who serves as the Deputy Leader of Government Business in the House of Parliament.
The Parliamentary interview is necessitated on the reappointment of Francis Ben Kaifala as Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission-Sierra Leone, by His Excellency, President Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, in a letter dated 19th June, 2023.
