ACC Boss Kaifala Takes Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Message to Global Forum
Aaron Parker Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala has represented Sierra Leone at a major international gathering of information commissioners and experts, using the platform to highlight the country’s experience in promoting transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption.
Kaifala joined representatives and information leaders from 41 countries at the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) and UNESCO’s commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), held in Lungi from September 28–30, 2026.
The conference brought together global experts to examine emerging challenges surrounding access to information, information integrity, digital transformation and public accountability, particularly amid the growing spread of information disorder.
A key part of Kaifala’s participation was his contribution to a high-level panel examining the balance between the public’s right to information and the right to privacy and data protection in the context of beneficial ownership transparency.
The ACC Commissioner joined experts from Kenya, Ukraine, Ghana and India to discuss how access to reliable beneficial ownership information can help identify individuals behind corporate structures and strengthen efforts to prevent and combat corruption.
Drawing on Sierra Leone’s experience, Kaifala highlighted the importance of transparency and access to information in promoting accountability, while also recognising the need for appropriate safeguards to protect legitimate privacy and data-protection interests.
His participation placed Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption efforts within a broader international discussion on how access to information can be used to strengthen public accountability and address corruption in an increasingly digital environment.
The engagement further underscored the ACC’s commitment to transparency, accountability and access to information as key tools in Sierra Leone’s fight against corruption.