4. Page 4 conducting frequent sensitization exercises in schools, market places, and public and private sector institutions over the years. THE ACC ’ S REPORT CENTER The Commission ’ s Report Center Unit receives complaints via phone, email, and in - person visits, and coordinates with the various operational departments of the Commission, especially the Intelligence and Investigations Department, to assess and act on the reports received. Cases that fall under the purview of the Commission are referred to the appropriate department. Those that fall outside our mandate, are referred to the appropriate public institution. The Report Center Unit also follows up to the various departments of the Commission and government agencies to which cases are referred to know the action taken. CONCLUSION Sierra Leone's ACC has made laudable efforts to create a secure and responsive environment for reporting corruption. The country is empowering its citizens to speak up by establishing strong legislative frameworks, open reporting channels, and protective procedures. As global best practices evolve, Sierra Leone refines its processes, demonstrating that integrity is more than a policy; it is a shared national ideal. As I conclude this piece, my final thoughts are that Sierra Leoneans have the legal right and protection to report corruption, and the ACC has made efforts to simplify the reporting procedure. It is for this reason the Commission continues to educate citizens about these reporting channels and the protections accorded them. Contd. From Pg. 1 Over the years, the African Achievers Awards has grown into one of the continent ’ s most respected platforms for celebrating excellence in leadership, business, advocacy, and public service. The 2025 edition, held at the heart of British democracy, highlighted the increasing global focus on transparency and integrity as foundations for Africa ’ s development. ACC Czar ’ s award is a proud moment for Sierra Leone, symbolizing how bold, principled leadership can uplift a nation ’ s reputation and inspire a new generation of African reformers. Contd. From Pg. 3 By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC By: Bernard Abass Kargbo, Public Education Officer, ACC

2. L - R: Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina and ACC Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie Page 2 Cross - section of Participants at the event The Deputy Commissioner of the Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC), Augustine Foday Ngobie, on Friday, 11 th July 2025 took part in a high - level panel to discuss the topic “ Governing Natural Resources Outflows for Enhanced Economic Resilience in Fragile and Transnational Countries ” held at The Place Resort, Tokeh. The panel discussion climaxed a 5 - day training and policy dialogue convened under the auspices of the African Development Bank ’ s initiative to combat Illicit Financial Flows and bolster member countries ’ economic resilience through the effective and efficient use of their natural resources. It featured influential figures from both government and civil society. Among them were the Minister of Finance Hon. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, Chairman of the Committee on Mines in Parliament Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, civil society activists, and leading voices from the private sector. In his statement, Mr. Ngobie highlighted the ACC ’ s strategic method of catalyzing political will, which is empowering citizens and leveraging grassroots advocacy to hold elected officials accountable. “ We believe in turning up the volume of public scrutiny, ” Mr. Ngobie said. “ By involving the media, civil society organisations, and development partners, we push politicians through the people who put them in office .” This participatory approach, he noted, ensures that corruption and illicit financial flows are not just tackled institutionally but confronted through col- lective civic momentum. As it stands as a regional blueprint for economic reform, the dialogue aims to unite fragile and transnational countries around policy frameworks that prevent the hemorrhage of national wealth through corruption and mismanagement of natural resources. The ACC ’ s model, driven by citizen empowerment and cross - sector partnerships, is viewed as a potential blueprint for other countries grappling with similar challenges. The event concluded with calls for sustained collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and civil society organisations to transform transparency from principle to practice. By: Bernard Abass Kargbo – Public Education Officer, ACC.

3. Page 3 INTRODUCTION It is no magic that if the fight against Corruption in any country is to succeed, the general citizenry should be brought on board in the fight. As the land space of countries is vast, the people tasked with fighting this menace in every country are limited in terms of staff members and available resources. It is, therefore, prudent to empower every citizen to serve as a whistle- blower or informant for their country's effort to combat graft. In Sierra Leone, fighting corruption is more than simply a government responsibility; it is a public duty. The Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC), established in 2000, serves as the country's impartial watchdog, tasked with investigating, prosecuting, and preventing corrupt practices while ensuring that citizens can expose corruption without fear of retaliation from corrupt individuals or institutions. Although a civic duty, most people in Sierra Leone still find it difficult to exercise, as they are unaware of the legal framework that protects every Sierra Leonean who reports instances of corruption or suspected corruption from persecution or harassment. This article aims to inform individuals who wish to report corrupt activities in the future but are still hesitant due to concerns about the potential consequences or their level of protection after exercising this civic duty. MEASURES TO PROTECT WHISTLEBLOWERS AND INFORMANTS Sierra Leone's legislative structure provides statutory protection for whistleblowers and informants. Section 81 the Anti - Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019 guarantees protection of informers, shielding whistleblowers from retaliation, and Section 82 extends protection to witnesses, ensuring their safety during investigations and trials, while also rewarding whistle- blowers, who may receive financial incentives for valid reports, reaffirming the importance of civic engagement. Furthermore, Section 50 of the Right to Access Information Act 2013 offers whistleblower protection, ensuring that individuals who reveal information exposing wrongdoing are not penalized. Section 51 of the same Act states that no le- gal action “ shall be taken against anyone who acts in good faith under the Act ”. These measures are critical to promote transparency and safeguard individuals who help expose corruption or malfeasance. Aside from the aforementioned legal instruments available, Sierra Leone is a signatory to some international treaties that emphasize the importance of protecting whistleblowers and informants, such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC), both of which advocate whistleblower protection. All the above are measures to protect and assure citizens of their safety before and after they have exposed corruption related to activities happening around them. There is no doubt that whistleblowers and informants are essential allies in the fight against corruption. CHANNELS AVAILABLE T O ANONYMOUSLY REPORT CORRUPTION The ACC has built a number of tools to make reporting more accessible and secure, including through the toll - free lines of 8515, 077 - 985985, or 077 - 986986 through which citizens can anonymously report to the ACC throughout the working hours of 8:30 a.m - 4:45pm Monday to Thursday, and Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is also an online reporting option on the ACC's official website, and users can make reports anonymously. All of the above are intended to make reporting corruption easier and highly confidential. To encourage public reporting, the ACC has been By: Bernard Abass Kargbo, Public Education Officer, ACC Contd. On Pg. 4

1. Contd. Page 4 11 Mobile No: 8515 on all Networks EDITORIAL TEA M EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Abubakarr Turay EDITORS Sylvanus Blake Alex A. Bah LAYOUT & GRAPHICS Philippa M Davies EDITORIAL ADVISERS Augustine Foday Ngobie Patrick Sandi 7th — 11 th July 2025 ISSUE 3, VOLUME 10 By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC Contd. Pg. 4 The Commissioner of Sierra Leone ’ s Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., has been awarded the distinguished Africa ’ s Voice for Accountability Award at the 15th African Achievers Awards ceremony, held on Friday, 11th July 2025 at the House of Lords, UK Parliament in London. This prestigious award honours the Commissioner ’ s uncompromising leadership, bold reforms, and his relentless pursuit of accountability and integrity in Sierra Leone ’ s public sector. It places him among a distinguished cadre of African leaders recognized for ethical governance, transformative Presentation of the Africa ’ s Voice for Accountability Award to Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala displaying the award impact, and visionary public service.. The awards ceremony formed part of a two - day high - level event hosted at the UK Parliament, which also included the Ease of Doing Business in Africa Conference on Thursday, 10th July at the House of Commons. At the conference, Commissioner Kaifala served as a panelist on Panel 2, addressing the theme: "Strengthening Integrity and Legal Confidence for Investment in Africa." Joining other global leaders and policy influencers, the Commissioner shared insights on the critical role of anti - corruption architecture, good governance, and legal certainty in attracting investment and promoting sustainable development across the continent. This international recognition not only reaffirms Commissioner Kaifala ’ s rising profile as one of Af- rica ’ s foremost voices for accountability, but also cements Sierra Leone ’ s standing as an emerging model for anti - corruption reforms on the continent.