Corruption has gone out of control in Sierra Leone. Not a day passes with banner newspaper headlines of massive corruption and grand theft within the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party ( SLPP ) Government of President Maada Bio.
There is no doubt that the Bio SLPP government is the most corrupt in the history of Sierra Leone. And what has made the SLPP to lose all restraints is the international criminal collaboration the goverment seems to be getting from the World Bank, IMF and the Millennium Challenge Corporation ( MCC ).
What is making representatives of these international financial corporations working in Sierra Leone to be seeing all this corruption and not highlighting it or taking action to correct them but rather continue to give money to this SLPP Government for it to continue embezzling it is beyond everybody’s understanding.
It is these international organizations that are making Maada Bio to feel that he can rob the nation blind and nothing will come out of it. Everyday on social media, supporters of Maada Bio and the SLPP gloat that with all the revelations and sensational exposures of corruption in their government they continue to receive loans and grants from the international community.
HERE ARE REPORTS OF TWO RECENT CASES :
CLERK OF PARLIAMENT AND WIFE IN SHAMEFUL CORRUPTION SCANDAL
The Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Paran Tarawally, and his wife, Abibatu Paran Tarawally are being investigated for alleged corruption and have both been put on bail by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
The wife has agreed to pay back the money she received as salary since she was hired as a Human Resources Officer at Parliament and the Commission confirmed that they have recovered about ninety percent of the money from her so far as they continue with their investigations.
Abibatu Paran Tarawally who was allegedly recruited by her husband and has never shown up for work according to reports has been receiving a gross salary of Le31,735,839 (Old Leone) with medical, rent, and utility allowances.
The Parliamentary Commission earlier this month set up a Committee to investigate the sacking of over one hundred staff which sparked an outcry that led to information being leaked about the recruitment of the wife of the Clerk, Hon. Paran Tarawally.
According to a Public Notice that was issued by his Office on January 5th, 2024, the Clerk clarified the question of his wife being on the payroll of Parliament and requested a special committee be set up to separately look into the matter and report to the Parliamentary Commission.
Mohamed Allieu
*Unveiling Financial Misconduct, Le12 Billion (Old Leones) Scandal Rocks SLPP/Bio Regime*
By: Andrew Kamara
APC Sweden District Secretary General
Saturday 13th January,
2023.
In a shocking revelation, the ongoing operation “PAY YOURSELF” within the SLPP/Bio regime has unearthed a staggering Le12 billion (Old Leones) scandal. Disturbingly, this financial malfeasance occurred in December 2023, bringing into question the integrity of the government’s financial operations. The gravity of the situation becomes even more apparent as Le4 billion (Old Leones) of this sum was reversed into the consolidated fund account, while the remaining Le8 billion (Old Leones) mysteriously vanished into private accounts held by individuals implicated in the alleged diversion of funds.
The accused individuals, purportedly strong PAOPA/SLPP stooges working at the Ministry of Finance, have been identified as follows:
1. Jacob Tenga Sessie – Deputy Director of Budget, MoF
2. Emmanuel Smart – Accounting Officer, SLRA
3. Starlyn Kemoh – Accountant, AGD
4. Ibrahim Bangura – Senior Accountant, AGD
5. John Ellie – Principal Accountant, AGD
6. Joseph Johnson – Accountant, AGD
7. Philip Yomba – Senior Accountant, AGD
Contrary to the figures stated in the MINISTRY OF FINANCE PRESS RELEASE, which reported Le6.5 billion (Old Leones) processed at the Accountant General’s Department (AGD) for payment to Edward Davies and Associates Ltd, investigations have unraveled a web of collusion among SLRA, MoF, and AGD staff. It was discovered that a fictitious bank account was established at the Kabala Community Bank, diverting funds away from Rokel Commercial Bank, where the legitimate account of the Consultancy Firm is held.
The alleged embezzlement and withdrawal of public funds by these implicated individuals not only raises serious concerns about the financial management practices within the SLPP/Bio regime but also underscores the urgency for a thorough and impartial investigation into this matter. Such financial misconduct not only undermines public trust but jeopardizes the credibility and integrity of the entire government.
This scandal demands accountability, transparency, and a swift response from relevant authorities to restore faith in the government’s ability to manage public funds responsibly. It also serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of robust oversight mechanisms to prevent and address corruption within the corridors of power. As this revelation unfolds, it is imperative that citizens, civil society, and international partners remain vigilant, demanding justice and accountability in the face of financial impropriety at the highest levels of government.
