ACC recovers over Le8billion from govt officials
By Iris Aminata Bangura
In a major breakthrough, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) announced the recovery of a staggering Le8.6 billion old leones, implicating both the Ministry of Finance and the Sierra Leone Road Authority (SLRA) officials. The disclosure was made by Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala during a press briefing held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
The physical cash was on display during the press briefing.
This recovery came about an internal audit review on several payments made in favour of Edward Davies and Associates Ltd, a consultancy firm hired by the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) for work done on the construction of the Kenema-Pendembu Road.
Investigations revealed that a one SLRA staff and six officials from the Ministry of Finance conspired to open the fictitious bank account at the Kabala Community Bank and diverted these funds to this account instead of Rokel Commercial Bank, where the consultancy firm has its account.
“They first created a fictitious account where they sent the money, with the then deputy Accounting officer of SLRA opening the account using his details. Subsequently, the money was withdrawn and approximately 2.3 billion old leones were shared among the staff of SLRA.” Said Kaifala
Commissioner Kaifala shared the significant details of the recovery through his X handle, stating, “It is indeed a sea of money recovered from the corrupt who had embezzled it in one of the cases we are investigating at the SLRA. Six individuals admitted to stealing it and have since paid it back to the state, having been detained for their crime pending investigations. This case alone accounts for the recovery of 8.6 billion leones.”
The commissioner shed light on the intricate details of the embezzlement, indicating that the funds were misappropriated between June and December 2023.
During the press briefing, Commissioner Kaifala highlighted the extensive efforts undertaken in the recovery process, underscoring the need for unwavering commitment in the fight against corruption.
Describing this recovery as a milestone, Commissioner Kaifala emphasized that such significant financial recuperations have never been achieved in the history of the Anti-Corruption Commission and the nation.
“The ACC’s success in recovering such a substantial amount sends a strong message about the commitment to root out corruption at all levels, showcasing the importance of transparency and accountability in government institutions.” Said Kaifala
The fight against corruption has been an endless battle, not only in Sierra Leone but across Africa as a whole. Until and unless it is treated with utmost priority and integrity, it will continue to eat into the fabric of our society.
