State House, Freetown, Wednesday 27 June 2018 – Newly approved Commissioner of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben-Kaifala, has today subscribed to the oath of office before His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio in accordance with Section 3(1)a of the ACC Act.
Shortly after the ceremony at State House, the anti-corruption boss thanked President Bio for the opportunity to serve the country. He said the confidence reposed in him was something he would take very seriously, adding that one of the main causes of suffering in the country was corruption. He said if were to be eradicated there should be an immediate change of mindset of society.
“Your Excellency, it is indeed an honour to be given such an opportunity to help in the transformation of our country under your New Direction. Our corruption record is an abysmal one that needs urgent attention. As head of the commission, I will do my best to ensure that we reduce corruption in the country and use my appointment to see how we can reduce the impact of corruption in our society. Our position in the index is unacceptable. The commission under my leadership will work hard to reposition ourselves in the indices that will take us off embarrassment,” he assured.
President Bio congratulated the commissioner on the assumption of his new role. He said corruption was not only a governance problem but a national security concern that should be dealt with seriously.
He added that: “Your task ahead is a tough one and I hope you are ready to face it. There is a huge reputational problem for being where we are in the corruption index which even scares away investment from the country. You must show all your expertise in combating this menace. As you start the journey, let me assure you of my support and wish you the very best,” he ended.
Kaifala, who recently graduated with a Masters of Law Degree from the Queen Mary University brings into his new office a wealth of academic and professional experience. Prior to his appointment, he had also served as managing partner of Kaifala, Kanneh and Associates Law firm, after practicing law for over ten years.
A bilingual Lawyer, who writes and speaks both English and French fluently, Kaifala has vast experience in Corporate or Commercial Litigation and practices in the Superior Courts of Judicature of Sierra Leone and has appeared in Several High Profile Cases in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court where he left excellent records of performance.
