ACC Clarifies Role in Public Examinations, Urges Systemic Reform

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has reiterated that its mandate regarding examination malpractice is strictly supportive, reinforcing that the direct administration and supervision of public tests remain the sole responsibility of designated educational authorities.

Speaking at the Government’s Special Civic Town Hall on quality education, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala addressed concerns surrounding the Commission’s involvement. He noted that while the ACC previously took an aggressive operational stance due to unheeded warnings, it has since shifted back to an oversight and intervention model driven by statutory mandate.

“To say we have to take charge of exams, no. That is not our role. We only provide support,” Kaifala stated, emphasizing the need for legally mandated institutions to take full ownership of exam integrity.

Addressing common justifications for misconduct, Kaifala rejected arguments linking exam malpractice to teacher salary dissatisfaction. Instead, he called for comprehensive structural reforms, focusing on recruitment criteria and professional standards across the education sector.

The Commissioner concluded that preserving assessment credibility in Sierra Leone requires collective accountability from all stakeholders, with the ACC continuing to investigate corruption and prosecute offenders where applicable.