Freetown – The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has strongly criticized the government’s handling of the recent suspension of the Youth Envoy, who was accused of defrauding Sierra Leoneans with fake travel opportunities, as well as the recall of the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Guinea.
In a social media statement, Hon. Kargbo described these actions as insufficient in addressing corruption and restoring public trust.
“The recent suspension of the Youth Envoy for allegedly defrauding Sierra Leoneans with fake travel opportunities, as well as the recall of the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Guinea, are steps that demonstrate action, but they are far from sufficient in tackling the deep-seated issues of corruption and accountability in our country,” he stated.
Hon. Kargbo argued that corruption has long been a major challenge in Sierra Leone, undermining public institutions and damaging the country’s international reputation.
He expressed particular concern about the alleged misconduct of the Youth Envoy, warning that a mere suspension does not send a strong enough message.
“If the government is truly committed to fighting corruption, there should be a thorough and transparent investigation, with legal consequences for anyone found guilty. Without real accountability, suspensions and dismissals will remain empty gestures rather than effective deterrents,” he emphasized.
Regarding the recall of the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Guinea, Hon. Kargbo insisted that the move alone does little to address potential misconduct in the diplomatic service.
“Recalling an ambassador may be a necessary first step, but it does not clarify whether wrongdoing occurred, nor does it ensure that similar incidents will be prevented in the future. The government must communicate clearly to the public about the reasons for the recall and ensure that proper investigations are conducted,” he stated.
The opposition leader also criticized the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), suggesting that its enforcement has been inconsistent.
“The ACC should not need reminders to do its job effectively. However, there has been a troubling pattern in which the ACC appears to act more aggressively against opposition figures while showing leniency toward those within the ruling establishment,” he claimed.
Hon. Kargbo called for stronger measures to fight corruption, urging the government to move beyond suspensions and recalls to ensure transparency, accountability, and equal enforcement of the law.
