By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a major move, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) delivered a cheque of Ten Billion (Old) Leones (Le10BN) and the 2022 Annual Report to President Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio on August 11, 2023. The ceremony took place at State House in Freetown.
Marking a step forward in their non-conviction based asset recovery approach, the ACC presented the cheque to President Bio. This strategic effort, which seeks to combat corruption beyond mere prosecution, emphasizes the retrieval of illicitly gained assets. ACC Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., underlined that their anti-corruption strategy extended beyond individuals to encompass assets, prevention measures, public education, and legal action.
“Setting a leading example for Africa in combating corruption, we take pride in being a model that other nations are adopting,” Commissioner Kaifala remarked.
Notably, the presented cheque forms a part of the ACC’s non-conviction-based asset recovery initiative, excluding funds recouped for Government bodies, court-imposed fines, and other confiscated assets like properties, laptops, and vehicles.
Expressing gratitude, President Bio commended the ACC Commissioner and his team for their exceptional efforts in waging a challenging battle against corruption. He stated, “Their remarkable dedication to this formidable fight is commendable.” He further lauded his administration’s anti-corruption endeavors, citing substantial recoveries and the nation’s unprecedented advancements in both local and international transparency assessments over the past five years. Encouraging the ACC Team to persist resolutely, President Bio urged them to remain steadfast as they confront corrupt practices within the country.
In a dual presentation during the event, the ACC Commissioner also handed over the Commission’s 2022 Annual Report to the President, adhering to the regulations outlined in Section 19(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008, as amended in 2019. The Annual Report extensively outlines the Commission’s undertakings, noteworthy accomplishments, and encountered challenges in the relentless struggle against corruption throughout 2022.
