By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), in an effort to update the general public of the actions and steps it has taken to address critical issues raised in the Auditor General Audit Reports of Sierra Leone, has revealed that its interventions focused on aspects of possible or alleged corruption and conduct inconsistent with provision(s) in the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008.
The ACC stated that after a thorough review and analysis of the aforementioned Report a total of twenty-one (21) issues attracted the attention of the Commission with a view to investigate, prosecute or recover public funds, revenue, public property, as the case maybe in accordance with Sections 7 and 48 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 respectively.
Below are the issues and areas of ACC interventions, and the outcomes of same:
As of date the ACC has charged two (2) matters to Court. Furthermore, there are thirteen (13) ongoing active investigations. Two (2) matters have been accordingly closed for lack of evidence.
The Commission has recovered a total sum of Two Billion. Seven Hundred And Forty-Two Million. One And Eighty-Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Four Leones, Sixty-One Cents (Le: 2, 742, 185,304, 61).
1.Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) — The Audit Report alleged that EDSA made more than One Billion, Four Hundred and Eighty Nine Million, One Hundred and Sixteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty One Leones and Fifty to the Ministry of Energy and Power (MEP), without justification or supporting documents.
ACC established that the sum of One Billion, Seven Hundred And Fifty Seven Million Three Hundred And Sixty Four Thousand Two Hundred And Twenty Four Leone (Le: 1.757.364.224.00) was transferred by both EDSA and Electricity Generation and Transmission Authority (EGTC), to the Ministry of Energy and Power (MEP) to settle the liabilities of the then National Power Authority (NPA) following the unbundling process. MEP submitted verifiable supporting documents.
The matter was accordingly closed. Nonetheless, ACC investigations unveiled that the sum of Sixty-Two Million (Le: 62, 000. 000) was
dangling in the Ministry’s Account claimed by no one. Accordingly, the ACC wrote to the Permanent Secretary of the grid Ministry directing the transfer of same. The Ministry has implemented the
Seven Billion (Le: 7bn) to the various constituent Colleges without supporting documents.
The ACC has obtained the required financial and other supporting documents. The said documents have been analysed and found to be
consistent with the Statements made by the officials of the University. There was therefore no loss.
- National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) — The Technical Audit Report captured issues relating to alleged poor debt management, invalid pensioners among others. ACC investigations
established that the respective beneficiaries mentioned in the Technical Audit are genuine contributors, and beneficiaries to the NASSIT Scheme. They are therefore not ghost beneficiaries contrary to what was alleged.
- Emergency Operation Centre (EOC and National Ebola Response Centre (NERC) — The Audit Report captured alleged Mismanagement of Ebola Funds. On this issue, the blanket “NO Objection” issued by National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) to both EOC and NERC following the issuance of an Executive Clearance by State House undermined the procurement processes by apparently creating potential room for officials, and suppliers, to collude and steal from the provisions of goods and services during the WAR against Ebola. However, the availability of the blanket “NO Objection” from the NPPA to the NERC which made them not to be subject to established procurement rules and processes and records keeping made it difficult to apportion responsibility.
The Commission shall continue to promptly update the public through media releases on interventions made in regard to the Auditor General’s Audit Reports of Sierra Leone. Release No. 2 on Audit Reports will be out next week and subsequent Weeks.
Meanwhile, the ACC wishes to reassure the general public of its resolve to protecting public property and revenue across the country at all times.
