Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director of Outreach and Education, Patrick Sandy, has addressed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) strides made in Sierra Leone in the fight against corruption.
According to Sandy, he said Sierra Leone registers its commitment to the UNCAC provisions as it has taken positive strides in addressing critical issues relating to preventive measures and asset recovery, adding that the ACC in 2024 launched the 5th Generation National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, which is in tandem with Article 5(1) of the UNCAC. He maintained that the Strategy is a five-year plan that underscores the key interventions and methods to be instituted to control and prevent corruption in the country-which underscores the views, ideas and opinions of persons of all walks of life in the country.
Director Sandy added that Sierra Leone continues to make monumental gains in its recovery of stolen public assets, resources and funds. ‘’In 6 years, ACC has recovered to the State over 6.5 Million Dollars and has also recovered one two-storey building valued at USD $1.5M and two Toyota Land Cruiser (Prado) vehicles valued at about USD $1M,’’ he disclosed.
Sandy informed the audience that Sierra Leone had established the Special Anti-Corruption Division within the High Court of Sierra Leone with dedicated Judges, who try anti-corruption matters expeditiously. ‘’Now, more than ever before, ACC cases are tried faster. Through this Division, the ACC has secured over 90% conviction rate, whilst it has also charged to the High Court high-profile matters, with the key signpost that the ACC has prosecutorial powers and mandate,’’ he stated.
He said the Commission has also partnered with key good governance institutions-including the Audit Service, the National Public Procurement Authority, the National Monitoring and Evaluation Agency, the Financial Intelligence Agency and recently with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, noting that civic education has been integrated into the fight against corruption with Integrity Clubs now being referred to as, Integrity and Civic Education Clubs to sensitize their peers in schools and colleges on the benefits of integrity, and inculcate and disseminate the true values patriotism and nationalism.
He concluded his statement by assuring the delegates that the government’s development priorities are in sync with the UN Sustainable Development Goals-2030, as contained in the 5 Big Game Changers of the Government-to which the fight against corruption is integral.
