In a significant move towards combating corruption, Francis Ben Kaifala, the Commissioner of Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mouhamadou Diagneon, the Integrity Vice President of the World Bank Group.

The signing ceremony took place on June 15, following the Bank’s International Corruption Hunters Alliance summit held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, focusing on “Collective Action in an Era of Crises.”

The MoU signifies a collaborative effort between the ACC and the World Bank in the fight against corruption. As communicated by the ACC’s Public Relations Unit, the agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation and ensures mutual support in fulfilling the respective responsibilities of both parties.

The World Bank Group, known for its commitment to eradicating poverty and fostering prosperity, works closely with nations worldwide. It aims to stimulate sustainable economic growth, invest in human capital, and build resilience to mitigate the impact of various crises and threats that could undermine progress made over the years.

The ACC, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in leading Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption endeavors. Through its initiatives in public education, prevention, investigation, and prosecution, the commission actively targets individuals suspected of engaging in corrupt activities.

Notably, the ACC is currently involved in monitoring the implementation of the World Bank-supported Social Safety Net (SSN) program. This initiative aims to support the most impoverished communities in Sierra Leone and includes a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) component, overseen by the commission.

Furthermore, the ACC has contributed to the country’s efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic through its support to the Integrated Health Projects Administration Unit (IHPAU), funded by the World Bank.