Rebutting Abdulai Sahid Jalloh: Why Ben Kaifala Must Go

By Samuel Alie Kowa, Public Policy Analyst and Advocate for Institutional Reform

In a recent article, Abdulai Sahid Jalloh hails Francis Ben Kaifala as a national hero and tireless corruption fighter. But the truth behind the glowing tribute reveals a different reality—one that many Sierra Leoneans see with increasing concern. Kaifala’s tenure at the Anti-Corruption Commission has not strengthened national integrity. It has weakened public trust through selective prosecution, political bias, and a well-oiled PR machine designed to protect the powerful rather than confront them.

Mr Jalloh’s piece appears less like independent analysis and more like a calculated lobby for political favor. Credible sources suggest he is angling for a diplomatic appointment in Washington DC, especially in the wake of U.S. travel sanctions affecting top Sierra Leonean officials. What better way to polish the administration’s image abroad than to paint Ben Kaifala as a corruption crusader? Unfortunately, the facts tell another story.

The reality is that Ben Kaifala’s Anti-Corruption Commission applies justice unevenly. The powerful are protected, especially those within the President’s inner circle. The First Lady, Fatima Bio, has presided over millions in donor funding under the Hands Off Our Girls initiative with little to no transparency or public accounting. Where is the ACC on this? Why has there been no investigation into the alleged illegal subletting of government properties connected to her office? Why has the ACC remained mute on procurement scandals and contract awards benefiting allies of State House?

Whistleblowers are intimidated. Investigative journalists are silenced. Genuine patriots like former Auditor General Lara Taylor-Pearce, who uncovered rampant financial mismanagement, were disgracefully suspended while Kaifala watched in silence. If he truly stood for accountability, he would have spoken out or resigned in protest. Instead, he remained loyal to power.

Kaifala’s much-touted title of “Cash Collector” means little when there are no real consequences for corruption. Most recoveries are quietly settled out of court, with the accused returning only a portion of what they stole. No jail time. No admissions of guilt. Just a gentle slap on the wrist. That is not fighting corruption. That is managing public outrage.

Francis Ben Kaifala’s role is more political than professional. He is a loyalist, not a neutral public servant. His ties to the presidency and especially to the First Lady have rendered the ACC toothless where it matters most. The big fish remain untouched. The smaller ones are used as scapegoats to sell a narrative of justice and reform to international donors and institutions.

Sierra Leoneans are not fooled. Trust in the ACC has declined. Many see the Commission as a shield for the government, not a sword against corruption. While Kaifala collects awards abroad and speaks at international events, the rot at home deepens. Ministries continue to siphon billions. State funds are misused with impunity. Ordinary citizens bear the brunt of bad governance while those in power are protected by institutional enablers like Kaifala.

Mr Jalloh’s article tries to rebrand Kaifala as the face of clean governance. But Sierra Leone does not need branding. It needs action. It needs honesty. It needs fearless leadership unafraid to hold everyone accountable, regardless of party, position, or proximity to the President.

Francis Ben Kaifala has failed to be that leader. His continued presence at the ACC undermines public trust, emboldens corruption, and insulates the most powerful from scrutiny. If President Bio is serious about good governance, he must begin by removing Kaifala and appointing someone with the independence, courage, and credibility to do the job without fear or favor.

Sierra Leone deserves better. It is time for Ben Kaifala to go.