By Aminata Kargbo
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has unveiled a new user-friendly online asset declaration portal aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and compliance among public officials in Sierra Leone.
In a public notice issued on April 28, 2026, the ACC announced that the portal was developed in collaboration with the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) as part of ongoing efforts to digitise governance systems and strengthen accountability mechanisms.
The Commission reminded all public officers that, in accordance with Section 119(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, they are required to declare their income, assets, and liabilities within a specified period.
However, due to the development and rollout of the new portal, the traditional declaration window of January 1 to March 31 has been revised. The ACC stated that the 2026 declaration period will now run from April 20 to July 20, 2026.
The requirement applies to a broad category of public officials, including elected office holders, presidential appointees, public servants in Grade 7 and above, and those below Grade 7 with fiduciary responsibilities. The Commission also emphasised that certain categories of education sector workers, such as principals, vice principals, head teachers, deputy head teachers, and bursars in government and government-assisted schools, are mandated to comply.
Additionally, newly elected or appointed public officials are expected to submit their declarations within the stipulated timeframe.
The ACC warned that failure to submit asset declaration forms, or the submission of false, inaccurate, or misleading information, will attract administrative sanctions in line with the law.
The introduction of the digital portal is seen as a significant step toward enhancing public sector integrity and ensuring greater accountability in Sierra Leone’s governance system.
