By: Augustine Prosperity

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio met with a team of specialists organized by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to discuss strategies and perspectives in the ongoing battle against corruption in Sierra Leone.

This initiative signifies a strong public-private partnership aimed at addressing corruption, a major obstacle to the country's development. The strategy seeks to establish an ethical and accountable nation with zero tolerance for corruption, fostering integrity, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., while introducing the team, stressed the significance of the President’s insights for shaping the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2023-2027.

"We are here to converse with His Excellency about his views on combating corruption in the country. His guidance will be invaluable to the expert consultants," said Commissioner Kaifala. He emphasized the team's commitment to creating a strategy that reflects the views and contributions of all citizens on effectively combating corruption.

Umaru Fofana, chairman of the team of experts, informed President Bio that they had been active since 2023, traveling extensively across the country and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including ordinary citizens, political parties, and state institutions.

Fofana mentioned that their discussions focused on the government's five major priorities and public opinions on corruption. "We are here to hear your perspectives on how we can fight corruption more effectively as a nation," Fofana stated, acknowledging the persistent nature of corruption despite numerous efforts to curb it.

In response, President Bio expressed gratitude for the team’s dedication and recognized the complexities of combating corruption. He pointed out that human tendencies to exploit public funds make the fight challenging and highlighted the importance of legal constraints to curb such tendencies.

President Bio underscored the risks corruption poses to national security and development sectors like health, education, and agriculture. He emphasized the need for national support in the anti-corruption fight and called for more proactive measures, including punitive actions, effective institutional arrangements, audits, and preventive strategies.

He also encouraged the ACC and expert consultants to consider technological solutions like blockchain and a cashless society to minimize human interference and enhance transparency in the fight against corruption.