ACC Welcomes IMF Mission to Sierra Leone
On November 6, 2024, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone, represented by Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie, hosted David Robinson, Senior Counsel from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Legal Department. This visit marks a significant step toward strengthening governance and tackling corruption in Sierra Leone as part of preparations for a broader IMF mission in May 2025.
Robinson outlined the IMF’s goals for the visit, which include assessing governance and identifying vulnerabilities in government institutions. In February 2025, the IMF will send questionnaires to the ACC to gather insights on its operational challenges and needs, providing an opportunity for the ACC to suggest areas for targeted improvement. Robinson praised the ACC’s progress while acknowledging the challenges faced along the way.
The visit is part of the IMF’s Governance Diagnostic Scoping Mission, supporting the Government of Sierra Leone’s efforts toward a new Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program.
Speaking on behalf of ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala, Ngobie assured the IMF of the ACC’s commitment to transparency and cooperation. He highlighted the government’s support for the ACC, including the construction of the Integrity House, which serves as the Commission’s headquarters. Ngobie noted the Commission’s operational independence and the positive recognition it has received from national and international corruption indices.
Ngobie also discussed the Commission’s current needs, particularly around upgrading its fleet of vehicles, which he emphasized would further enhance ACC’s effectiveness.
Directors from the ACC’s Prevention, Operations, and Public Education and Outreach departments—Rashid B. Turay, Emmanuel K. Amara Esq., and Patrick Sandi—contributed to the discussion, underlining the importance of collaboration with the IMF.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of pleasantries, signaling continued partnership between the ACC and IMF in advancing good governance in Sierra Leone.
