By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Campaign has taken a decisive turn with the introduction of new regulations that place the safety of whistleblowers and witnesses at the centre of enforcement efforts.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations, 2025 are designed not only to encourage citizens to report corruption but also to eliminate the fear that has long prevented potential informants from coming forward. By creating a structured, legally binding protection system, the Commission aims to address one of the biggest gaps in corruption investigations: the vulnerability of those who speak out.
Under the regulations, individuals who disclose corruption-related information can formally seek protection from the ACC. The framework sets clear timelines for responses and grants the Commission emergency powers to act immediately in situations where lives, property, or livelihoods are at risk.
Protection measures are wide-ranging and flexible, reflecting the different risks whistleblowers may face. These include physical security arrangements, relocation, identity concealment, and other safeguards deemed necessary by the Commission. In cases involving minors, additional protections apply under the oversight of the High Court.
Beyond protection, the regulations introduce accountability measures aimed at deterring retaliation. Employers or officials who victimise whistleblowers through dismissal, intimidation, or other reprisals risk sanctions, while affected individuals may claim compensation. The rules also provide for rewards financial or otherwise where disclosures lead to successful corruption cases.
The ACC has further strengthened the framework by criminalising acts that obstruct protection efforts or intimidate protected persons, while reinforcing confidentiality obligations surrounding whistleblower information.
According to the Commission, the regulations bring Sierra Leone closer to international best practices and align with obligations under global and regional anti-corruption conventions. More significantly, they signal a shift toward a system where integrity is actively protected and retaliation is punished.
With the new rules now in force, the ACC expects increased public cooperation and more effective corruption investigations, as citizens gain confidence that the law now stands firmly on their side.