By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC
At the Sixteenth Session of the Implementation Review Group of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) held in Vienna, Austria, on the 17th – 21st February, 2025 Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone, Augustine Foday Ngobie, captivated a high-level panel with an insightful presentation on Sierra Leone’s impressive strides in combating corruption. His presentation highlighted the country’s progress in implementing the UNCAC, participation in review mechanisms, and the challenges faced.
Deputy Commissioner Ngobie traced Sierra Leone’s commitment to the UNCAC, which was signed on the 9th December, 2003, and ratified on the 30th September, 2004. Since then, Sierra Leone has adopted many UNCAC provisions through its Anti-Corruption Act 2008, further strengthened by amendments in 2019. This law, one of the most robust in Sub-Saharan Africa, criminalizes bribery, misappropriation of public funds, procurement malpractices, and false asset declarations. It also empowers the ACC to conduct public sector reviews and raise public awareness on corruption.
A major highlight of his presentation was Sierra Leone’s prosecutorial powers and the establishment of a dedicated Anti-Corruption Court. This unique initiative has allowed the country to expedite trials and recover stolen public assets through non-conviction-based mechanisms. Other legal frameworks supporting anti-corruption efforts include the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Financing of Terrorism Act of 2012, the Government Budgeting and Accountability Act of 2005, and the Right to Access Information Act of 2013.
Deputy Commissioner Ngobie emphasized Sierra Leone’s active participation in UNCAC’s review mechanisms, noting how interaction with other states enabled the ACC to adopt best practices. He highlighted the role of civil society and recommended expanding technical support for developing countries to strengthen their anti-corruption frameworks.
Looking ahead, Sierra Leone plans to launch the next phase of the UNCAC Implementation Review Mechanism in December 2025. Preparations are set to begin in June, with a coordinated effort involving the ACC, Ministry of Justice, Judiciary, Audit Service, and other stakeholders.
Ngobie also outlined key challenges, including limited staff training opportunities, outdated operational tools, and inadequate regional office facilities. Despite these hurdles, he reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the global fight against corruption.
For more details, click the attached link to access the full presentation.
Credit: Public Relations Unit, ACC
