ACC Hands Over Second Tranche of Recovered Funds to Freetown City Council

In another major stride toward promoting transparency and accountability in public financial management, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has presented a second tranche of recovered funds to the Freetown City Council (FCC).

On Monday, 20th October 2025, the Commissioner of the ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., officially handed over a cheque valued at One Million New Leones (Le 1,000,000) — equivalent to One Billion Old Leones (Le 1,000,000,000) — to the Chief Administrator of the FCC, Rahman Tom Farmar, at a brief but significant ceremony held at Integrity House, Tower Hill, Freetown.

The recovered amount represents part of the proceeds misappropriated from the Council’s revenue accounts domiciled at a commercial bank. According to the ACC, the funds were diverted through the FCC Football Club account, which was allegedly used as a conduit to siphon public money meant for municipal development and service delivery.

Speaking at the presentation, Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala reaffirmed the ACC’s determination to ensure that every cent of public funds lost to corruption is fully recovered and returned to the rightful public institutions. He emphasized that the Commission’s work goes beyond investigations and prosecutions — it is equally about restoration, deterrence, and rebuilding public trust in governance.

“Today’s handover is another clear demonstration of our commitment to not only holding the corrupt accountable but also restoring the people’s resources to where they belong — the public,” Commissioner Kaifala stated. “The Commission remains resolute in ensuring that integrity and accountability are not just words, but principles that guide the management of public institutions across Sierra Leone.”

Receiving the cheque, Chief Administrator Rahman Tom Farmar expressed deep appreciation to the ACC for its diligent work and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s finances. He noted that the timely recovery would support the Council in fulfilling its obligations to citizens and strengthening its service delivery mechanisms.

“This payment could not have come at a better time,” Farmar remarked. “The Council continues to face pressing financial challenges, and this recovery will help us improve efficiency and rebuild public confidence in the integrity of our operations.”

Also present at the event were key officials from the ACC, including the Director of Finance, Sheku Kanu, and the Deputy Director of Investigation, Joseph Noah, who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in the management of recovered assets.

This presentation follows an earlier recovery made on July 9, 2025, when the Commission handed over the first cheque of One Million New Leones (equivalent to One Billion Old Leones) to the Mayor of Freetown, Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, marking the initial phase of restitution from the same corruption case.

The total amount under recovery — Three Million New Leones (Three Billion Old Leones) — stemmed from an investigation into the alleged diversion of municipal revenues intended for community development, waste management, and other essential services within the Freetown City Council.

The ACC’s recovery and restitution exercise forms part of its broader strategy under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028, which focuses on deterrence, prevention, education, and enforcement as key pillars of the national fight against corruption.

Through sustained investigations and public accountability measures, the Commission has continued to strengthen citizens’ confidence in state institutions, ensuring that stolen funds are not only recovered but also reinvested into critical sectors that benefit the people of Sierra Leone.

As the Commission continues to intensify its recovery drive, Commissioner Kaifala reiterated that no public official or entity will be above the law, urging all institutions to maintain strict compliance with financial management procedures and ethical standards in public service.