Anti-Corruption Act, 2000
The Act that established the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone and defined the principal corruption offences.
Summary
The Anti-Corruption Act, 2000 created Sierra Leone's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and laid the first comprehensive statutory foundation for the fight against corruption in the country. It established the Commission, provided for its powers of investigation, and defined a range of corruption offences.
The Act covered conduct such as bribery of and by public officers, corrupt acquisition of wealth, abuse of office and related offences, and set out penalties. It gave the Commission powers to investigate corruption and to work with the prosecuting authorities.
It was later repealed and replaced by the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008, which strengthened the Commission's independence and gave it its own powers of prosecution.
Main provisions
- Establishes the Anti-Corruption Commission and provides for its composition and functions.
- Confers powers of investigation into corruption.
- Defines corruption offences, including bribery, corrupt acquisition of wealth and abuse of office.
- Prescribes penalties for corruption offences.
- Provides for cooperation with the prosecuting authorities (later superseded by the 2008 Act).