Bribery A 'Cradle To Grave Problem' In Sierra Leone

Most people are forced to pay bribes in Sierra Leone Photo: AFP

In a video released as part of the Pay No Bribe campaign, Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission urges the public to call the toll-free number of 515 to report any case of a bribe being solicited.

BBC Africa Live report continues:

Sierra Leone is repeatedly at the top of the list of countries where bribery is most prevalent - the commission says some 5,000 bribes are paid a minute. 

A survey also reveals that that more than 80% of respondents admitted to paying for a service that should be provided for free.  

The country’s attorney-general, Joseph Kamara, says bribery is a cradle-to-grave problem, prevalent across Sierra Leonean society.

The Pay No Bribe campaign is funded by the British Department for International Development. The UK is the largest bilateral donor to Sierra Leone.
Civil society organizations have pledged to support the campaign. The police, perceived as being the most corrupt, have also pledged to deal with any officers caught soliciting or receiving a bribe.