By Ibrahim Sesay
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has on January 5, 2026 announced the full operationalization of the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations, 2025, marking a major step in strengthening safeguards for individuals who disclose corruption or provide evidence in matters of public interest.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the Commission said the Regulations introduce clear, enforceable and time-bound mechanisms to protect whistleblowers and witnesses who face threats, intimidation or retaliation as a result of their cooperation with anti-corruption investigations. Under the framework, eligible persons may formally apply to the ACC for protection, with the Commission required to take decisions within defined timelines. Where life or property is at immediate risk, the ACC is empowered to grant urgent interim protection.
Once protection is approved, beneficiaries enter into binding protection agreements with the Commission. These agreements provide access to a range of safeguards, including physical security, relocation, concealment or change of identity. The Regulations also make special provision for the protection of children, subject to High Court oversight and guided strictly by the best interests of the child.
A key innovation under the new framework is the introduction of a reward and compensation regime. Whistleblowers whose information leads to the successful exposure of corruption may receive monetary or non-monetary rewards. In addition, whistleblowers and witnesses who suffer retaliation, such as unlawful dismissal, demotion or discrimination, are entitled to compensation. Individuals found culpable of retaliatory actions face stiff sanctions, including mandatory removal from office upon conviction.
To reinforce integrity and public trust, the Regulations criminalize attempts to obstruct protection measures, intimidate protected persons or suppress protected disclosures. All information relating to whistleblowers and witnesses is subject to strict confidentiality safeguards, with disclosure permitted only under narrowly defined legal circumstances.
The ACC said the Regulations align Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption framework with international best practices, including obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC). These instruments call on state parties to provide effective protection for reporting persons and witnesses and to criminalize acts that obstruct justice.
According to the Commission, the coming into force of the Regulations sends a strong national message: Sierra Leone will protect those who speak up, reward integrity and punish retaliation. The ACC said this approach will further strengthen the country’s anti-corruption architecture and reinforce public confidence in accountability institutions across Sierra Leone.
The Commission expressed appreciation to the Government of Julius Maada Bio, Parliament and the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice for their support in ensuring the Regulations were finalized and brought into effect.
Reaffirming its mandate, the ACC assured the public of its unwavering commitment to intensifying the fight against corruption and encouraging citizens to report wrongdoing without fear, confident that the law now provides robust protection for those who choose integrity over silence.
