Thank you Madam Chair for the opportunity. Let me state from the outset that Sierra Leone has made significant progress in the implementation of the Prevention measures in the UN Convention against Corruption. Moreover, 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.
Important to state is that, the Anti-Corruption Commission, Sierra Leone (ACC-SL), recently (December 9, IAC Day) 2024, launched the 5th Generation National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, which is in tandem with Article 5(1) of the UNCAC. 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 undercsores the views, ideas and opinions of persons of all walks of life in the country. Innovation and Technology are the heart-beat of the Strategy and its implementation mechanisms.
Madam Chair, Sierra Leone continues to make monumental gains in its recovery of stolen public assets, resources and funds. To date, in 6 years, it 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 Landcruiser (Prado) vehicles valued at about USD $1M.
The declaration of Assets by public officers in 2024 was 100% digital. Out of 17, 253 staff across 182 institutions, 16,312 officials (94.5%) successfully declared their assets, while 941 (5.5%) defaulted. This strong compliance rate signals growing adherence to anti-corruption policies as the compliance rate of public officers is unprecedented and incremental comparatively from 2008 to 2024.
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.
Significantly also, Sierra Leone is working closely with Civil Society bodies and the media in the fight against corruption. It has escalated such partnerships into the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) where information on the fight against corruption are shared and deliberate efforts are mustered to advance the fight.
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. Now civic education has been integrated into the fight against corruption with Integrity Clubs now been referred to as, Integrity and Civic Education Clubs to sensitise their peers in schools and colleges on the benefits of integrity, and inculcate and disseminate the true values patriotism and nationalism.
Madam Chair and distinguished delegates, Sierra Leone is pleased to have provided the platform for benchmarking by other anti-corruption agencies in Africa-Banjul, The Gambia, Cameroon and Guinea. It will soon play host to its sister country of Liberia, which will engage in a twinning program on prevention measures in the fight against corruption.
Lastly, I will state 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.
Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, as highlighted already, Sierra Leone’s remains comitted to prevent, control and suppress corruption in the country, and assure you and UNODC of its resolve to implementing the recommendations made in the first cycle review process of the UNCAC, underpinned by the unflinching support of His Excellency, the President (Brig. Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone.
Thank you!!
