The Freetown City Council (FCC) is pleased to inform the public, particularly taxpayers, that today it received a cheque in the amount of One Million New Leones (NLe 1,000,000) from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). This payment represents the first installment of a total Three Million New Leones (NLe 3,000,000) recovered following investigations into allegations of financial misconduct involving the FCC’s accounts.
Presenting the cheque to Her Worship the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala praised the work of his investigative team. Their inquiry uncovered a fraudulent scheme involving FCC staff and employees of the Commerce and Mortgage Bank who colluded to siphon taxpayers’ funds meant for vital development services within the municipality.
Commissioner Kaifala noted that corruption undermines institutional integrity, erodes public confidence, and weakens the delivery of critical services. The FCC’s leadership was commended for initiating preliminary inquiries before transferring the matter to the ACC, whose legal mandate and expertise facilitated swift and effective action. He stated that recovered funds will not only support Council operations but also signal a serious deterrent to future corrupt behavior.
The Commissioner confirmed that administrative sanctions will be applied, and criminal prosecutions are underway.
In receiving the cheque, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr expressed sincere gratitude for the ACC’s professional conduct and unwavering support. She reaffirmed FCC’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and its zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
The Mayor emphasized that corruption threatens the very foundations of city development, depriving communities of essential services, damaging public morale, and diverting limited resources into private hands.
She further acknowledged that low public sector wages remain a challenge but insisted that financial hardship is no justification for betraying public trust.
The Mayor highlighted the broader implications of institutional fraud, pointing out that such acts cripple city operations such as the maintenance of FCC’s 16-storey complex, and delay progress on infrastructure, sanitation, and other critical municipal services.
Corruption, she noted, thrives in environments of weak accountability and institutional vulnerability. She called on financial institutions to fortify their internal controls to prevent staff collusion and protect the integrity of public accounts.
As the Council welcomes the return of public funds, the Mayor pledged that the money will be invested directly into tangible service delivery projects in Freetown. This restitution is a restorative act that reflects a strong partnership between FCC and the ACC which is anchored in justice, integrity, and service to the people.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both institutions and members of the press.
Issued by: Freetown City Council Communications Unit
