A claim concerning the legacy of Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption efforts has been brought to the fore by former Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Ady Macauley Esq. The All People’s Congress Flagbearer aspirant has stated that the notable 71% score in the Control of Corruption indicator awarded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation in 2018 rightfully belongs to his tenure, and not that of the current Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq.
To assess this claim, an examination of the MCC’s timeline is essential. The annual MCC scorecard relies on data from previous years. The 2018 publication was based on performance indicators measured throughout 2016 and 2017. Ady Macauley served as Commissioner of the ACC from 2014 until 2017, meaning the entire period under review for the 2018 score fell under his leadership. Francis Ben Kaifala was appointed to the role in June 2018, after the assessment period for that year’s score had concluded.
Therefore, the assertion that the 71% score is a reflection of Macauley’s administration is factually accurate. The score is an evaluation of the institutional progress, policies, and enforcement actions undertaken during his time in office. This achievement was significant, as it contributed to Sierra Leone passing the MCC scorecard for the first time.
The broader narrative of the ACC’s performance, however, shows a trajectory of continued improvement. While Commissioner Macauley is credited with stabilising the Commission and achieving the initial high score, the ACC under Commissioner Kaifala has built upon that foundation. Subsequent MCC scorecards have seen Sierra Leone’s rating in Control of Corruption rise even further, consistently reaching scores in the high 70s and achieving a record 81% in recent years.
The credit for the specific 71% score in the 2018 MCC report is correctly attributed to Ady Macauley’s tenure. The public record also shows that the fight against corruption has seen sustained gains under the current Commissioner, illustrating a longer-term strengthening of the institution across two successive leaderships.
