1 Comment 
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has stated that disbursing public funds to the office of Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, does not violate the law.
The clarification came from ACC spokesman Sylvanus during a recent appearance on AYV Sunday, amid public debate over the financial operations of the First Lady’s office.
Sylvanus outlined the ACC’s investigation, which focused on three key concerns:
Legality of Funding – Whether allocating funds to the non-statutory office of the First Lady is lawful.
Use of Funds – How disbursed public money was utilized.
Corruption Assessment – Whether the allocations involved corrupt practices.
The ACC found that public funding for the First Lady’s office is not a new practice and has occurred for an extended period. Sylvanus cited Section 39 of the Financial Regulation Act (2016), which allows the Minister of Finance to allocate up to 1% of Sierra Leone’s annual budget for initiatives deemed in the public interest. This provision supports funding for the First Lady’s programs, including her malaria campaign and “Hands Off Our Girls” initiative.
While the ACC confirmed no wrongdoing in the fund allocation, it identified structural risks in the office’s financial management. The commission has recommended appointing a qualified project and finance professional to improve oversight.
Responding to concerns about ACC Commissioner Ben Kaifala’s perceived closeness to the First Lady, Sylvanus acknowledged the potential impact on public trust but reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The truth will never come out,as long as they are in Power.