By Politico Staff Writer
The new US Ambassador to Sierra Leone David Reimer has encouraged The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) boss, Francis Ben Kaifala not to relent in fighting corruption in Sierra Leone and said his action has generated positive results for the country.
The ambassador made the statement during a visit to Kaifala’s Gloucester Street office in Freetown on Wednesday 21st April 2021. The ambassador praised the commissioner and his staff for the fight against graft for which he was not long ago recognized by the US State Department as “International Anti- Corruption Champion”. Ambassador Reimer affirmed his government’s continued support to the fight by the ACC which he said was of mutual benefit to the interests of the United States and Sierra Leone.
Kaifala in his reaction briefed the ambassador and his entourage on the activities and existing investigations being undertaken by the commission. He also outlined some of the challenges faced by the commission such as the “toxic socio-political environment” and lack of enough resources. He however asserted the commission’s resolve to continue its pursuit of its mandate by producing results.
The Commissioner thanked the United States Government for its selection of Sierra Leone for the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact which qualifies the country as possible candidate for a $400 Million grant from the United States government. On his award for fighting corruption, Kaifala said it would only fuel his desire to do more in combating graft. He thanked the US for its support to the commission and called for more cooperation and assistance so that corruption could be tackled in the country. The Commissioner expressed appreciation for the visit by the ambassador and team. Kaifala was appointed by President Julius Maada Bio in 2018 as head of the ACC. A very sensitive and demanding position, Kaifala has produced remarkable results as Commissioner by convicting suspected corrupt individuals and recovering from indicted persons, stolen public funds.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online 23/04/21
