In a strong affirmation of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) dedication to transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala has reiterated the Commission’s unwavering commitment to the tenets of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). This pledge was made during a meeting held on March 11, 2025, at the Integrity House, Tower Hill Office, where the Commissioner welcomed the OGP Coordinator, Mrs. Hannah Hamida Jimmy, and the Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), who also serves as the OGP Point of Contact.
Chairman Joseph Bindi and his delegation visited to serve as a courtesy call and follow up on the implementation of the recommendations from the Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) Report concerning Sierra Leone’s National Action Plan 5 (2024–2028). The midterm IRM report highlights that Commitment 1 of the National Action Plan aims to strengthen anti-corruption measures, foster government and civil society collaboration, and reinforce Integrity Management Committees (IMCs) within government institutions.
The report recommends that the ACC systematically collect, publish, and analyse IMC monitoring reports and other pertinent documents to aid internal and civil society organisations (CSOs) in tracking progress. It also emphasises the need for a review of the 2024–2028 Anti-Corruption Strategy to enhance the role of IMCs and to ensure broader commitments by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Councils. Additionally, it suggests that MDAs incorporate budgetary provisions to support IMC activities.
Chairman Bindi commended the ACC for its steadfast dedication to the OGP process, citing its invaluable contributions to Sierra Leone’s impressive ranking in completing National Action Plans. He also underscored the Council’s civic education initiatives, which aim to promote responsible citizenship through awareness campaigns. Encouraging the Commission to integrate CSOs into the IMC monitoring process, he affirmed NaCCED’s commitment to ongoing engagement with MDAs. “Our mission is to educate the public, and we will continue collaborating with all stakeholders,” he remarked.
Commissioner Ben Kaifala, reflecting on his longstanding association with OGP—including his prior role as legal counsel—expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts between his team and the OGP unit. He highlighted the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure a seamless exchange of information with the OGP team, reinforcing the shared goal of fostering good governance and integrity.
In her remarks, OGP Coordinator Mrs. Hannah Hamida Jimmy acknowledged the ACC’s pivotal role in advancing OGP-related activities. She lauded the institution’s consistent participation and unwavering commitment and described its efforts as invaluable in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
The meeting underscored the ACC, NaCCED, and OGP's collective resolve to advance anti-corruption initiatives, foster civic engagement, and strengthen governance structures in Sierra Leone.
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