Francis Ben Kaifala
Commissioner Anti-Corruption Commission
Integrity House, Tower Hill
Freetown
Sierra Leone
Subject: Immediate Action Required to Salvage Public Trust in the Anti-Corruption Campaign
Dear Commissioner Kaifala,
I trust this letter finds you in good health. I write to you with profound respect and acknowledgement of the commendable strides you’ve taken in the fight against corruption since assuming the role of ACC Boss. Your relentless efforts in holding officials of the former APC government accountable have resonated with many as a testament to your commitment as an anti-corruption crusader.
However, it has become glaringly evident to a concerned citizenry that the vigour of the anti-corruption campaign has waned since the focus shifted away from past government officials.
Allow me to remind you of a specific case involving the Education Ministry, where 49,000 bags of rice designated for the school feeding program were shamelessly converted for personal gain. This incident not only raised eyebrows but also served as a litmus test for the Anti-Corruption Commission’s resolve.
While the public patiently awaits clarity on the outcome of this case, it appears that the once robust ACC has adopted a go-slow approach, enabling the matter to dissipate into obscurity.
Acknowledging the challenges and pressures inherent in your position, I must emphasize that, as a self-proclaimed corruption crusader, the principles of integrity and consistency must take precedence. The fight against corruption cannot afford to be selective, and it is imperative to demonstrate that the ACC’s commitment to this cause extends beyond mere rhetoric to decisive and unequivocal actions.
Putting past discrepancies behind us, I draw your attention to the most recent and pressing matter involving the Clerk of Parliament—an issue currently under your investigation. The allegations of using his office to secure employment for individuals, including his wife, coupled with the perceived kid-glove treatment by the ACC, have once again cast a shadow over the Commission’s integrity and consistency.
While it’s acknowledged that the Clerk’s wife has reportedly repaid a substantial amount of the ill-gotten gains, this should not overshadow the imperative for a thorough and transparent investigation. The public consensus is that the Clerk should be temporarily set aside to avert any potential obstruction of the ACC’s inquiry.
This case presents a pivotal moment to salvage the tarnished image of the Anti-Corruption Commission and reaffirm the commitment to a corruption-free Sierra Leone. By handling this matter with utmost diligence and impartiality, you have the opportunity to send a resounding message that no one, regardless of position or affiliation, is beyond scrutiny in the fight against corruption.
It is my earnest hope that you seize this opportunity to conclusively prove that the fight against corruption is not a façade and that the ACC remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding justice and accountability.
Meanwhile, Sierra Leoneans continue to look to the Anti-Corruption Commission as a beacon of hope, and your leadership can play a decisive role in restoring public trust in the institution.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I trust that you will handle it with the diligence and transparency it deserves.
With sincere regards,
Christian Conteh
Journalist
