The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has emerged as one of the country’s best-performing public institutions in implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, with an 87 percent compliance rating and a joint first place among Agencies, Authorities, and Commissions with the Sierra Leone Airport Authority. The findings are included in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Secretariat’s First Quarter Monitoring Report on NACS implementation, which was prepared in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The assessment covered 95 public institutions across the country and looked at how well they followed 23 specific action points designed to improve anti-corruption safeguards, governance standards, accountability mechanisms, internal controls, and transparency. SLPHA completed 20 of the 23 action points assessed, leaving three outstanding, yielding an 87 percent compliance score.
According to the monitoring report, high-performing institutions have made measurable progress by improving internal control systems, establishing and operating Integrity Management Committees, strengthening oversight mechanisms, implementing digital financial management processes, and increasing transparency in administrative and financial operations. SLPHA’s performance reflects a sustained institutional push to integrate these reforms into a larger corporate governance and institutional strengthening agenda.
SLPHA’s success was attributed to coordinated efforts throughout the organisation. The report emphasised the “unwavering commitment of the Board, Management, and Staff” to keeping the port operating as a model public institution. By implementing key NACS recommendations, SLPHA has demonstrated that accountability and efficiency are essential for providing quality services and protecting public resources.
SLPHA Director General Yankuba Askia Bio welcomed the recognition, saying, “The recognition demonstrates the institution’s commitment to transparency and ethical leadership.” He added that the outcome not only boosts public trust in the Authority, but also strengthens SLPHA’s reputation as a responsible, accountable institution that contributes to national development.
However, the national picture continues to be challenging. The overall compliance rate across all assessed institutions was 42% in the first quarter report, prompting calls for increased efforts to strengthen governance systems throughout the public sector. In this context, SLPHA’s performance was cited as a model of excellence and a practical demonstration of the positive impact of strong anti-corruption policies.
Director General Bio emphasised the Authority’s determination to build on the successes achieved. “The Authority remains committed to maintaining and improving on these gains by continuing to strengthen internal controls, increase transparency, promote ethical behaviour, and support national efforts to prevent corruption and promote good governance,” he stated.
As Sierra Leone implements the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2028, the SLPHA example demonstrates how strong leadership, institutional commitment, and practical accountability mechanisms can produce measurable outcomes. The First Quarter Monitoring Report sends a strong message to other government agencies: targeted reforms, operationalised integrity structures, and modern financial practices can significantly improve compliance and public trust.
