By Sallieu S. kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 17, 2026: The Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) has completed the full recovery of Three Million New Leones (Le 3,000,000), equivalent to Three Billion Old Leones, misappropriated from the coffers of the Freetown City Council (FCC). The final cheque, including accrued interest, was presented by ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. to Chief Administrator Rahman Tom Farma at Integrity House, Tower Hill.
The recovery follows investigations into the diversion of council revenues through the FCC Football Club account, which was unlawfully used by staff in collusion with banking officials. Through its asset recovery mechanisms, the ACC traced and restored the stolen funds, ensuring the Council suffered no financial loss.
This final payment concludes a phased restitution process that began in July 2025, when the first tranche of Le 1,000,000 was handed to Mayor Yvonne Aki‑Sawyerr, followed by a second tranche to the Chief Administrator in October 2025.
Commissioner Kaifala hailed the recovery as proof of the Commission’s resolve to make corruption “unsuccessful and unprofitable,” stressing that public institutions continue to benefit from the ACC’s robust asset recovery regime. “Gone are the days when the corrupt would enjoy their loot. Today, we take it from them and add consequences,” he declared.
The ACC emphasized that its mandate extends beyond investigations and prosecutions to securing meaningful restitution for affected institutions. By recovering stolen assets and returning them to rightful owners, the Commission continues to transform public losses into public gain, reinforcing accountability across Sierra Leone’s public sector.
The successful recovery of the entire amount, including interest, stands as a milestone in the ACC’s relentless pursuit of accountability and its commitment to ensuring that every Leone stolen through corruption is reclaimed for the benefit of the people.