In a significant revelation, the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala, has disclosed the successful recovery of Le4.3 billion old leones in liquid cash linked to the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA)/Finance Corruption Saga.
Kaifala asserted the end of impunity in Sierra Leone, stating, “I made this very clear during the Ministry of Information’s press conference on accountability, where we laid bare all we have done and the immediate recovery of Le4.3 Billion Old Leones Cash from those who were involved in the SLRA/Finance corruption saga while we continue investigating and holding all accountable.”
This underscores the ACC’s commitment to transparency and accountability in tackling corruption within the nation.
Also, during yesterday’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s Press Conference, the ACC Commissioner l updated the public on ACC’s operations.
According to the ACC commissioner, they currently have 36 cases in court and 12 are reserved for judgment. He disclosed that officials of the current government are amongst those 12 awaiting judgment. He was saying this to respond to claims that the ACC only prioritized recovery when it involved government officials.
On the alleged conflict of Interest matter of the Clerk of Parliament and his wife, the commissioner revealed that, during the investigation, the commission was told by the Clerk that, the wife worked for 10 months but the records at the Accountant General’s office showed she worked for 19 months. As a bailed condition, Mr. Paran Tarawallie and his Wife returned Nle131,000. He however said the payment does not absorb anyone with liability and responsibility. He said the matter is still under investigation.
He noted that the ACC has no power to remove anyone from office that the commission is investigating. It is only when the matter is charged to the court that the individual can be asked to vacate the office.
Great