Corruption in Sierra Leone is of such concern to the United Kingdom that it was specifically highlighted during the pledging session at the United Nations in New York last week Friday. A chunk of the pledge will be dedicated towards helping the long-suffering people of Sierra Leone to combat corruption.

Under astute leadership of APC-led government of President Koroma, the previous wild spate of unabated corruption under the former SLPP government, has been significantly reduced with measures like strengthening the Audit Service and Anti Corruption Commission. However, the issue of corruption is still of grave concerns as there are people both within and outside of the government who are still deeply engaged in corrupt practices.

Meanwhile, other corruption-linked aspects that concern UK are strengthening public institutions and helping government to increase revenue which both also got highlighted.

“So the UK is further pledging up to 35 million pounds – approximately 54 million dollars – to support the Government’s capacity to raise tax revenue, to tackle corruption, and also more broadly to improve the capacities of public institutions,” stated the UK’s DFID Minister Rt. Hon. Justine Greening to the world last week even as she also highlighted her deep respect for the “political leadership” of President Koroma.