The All People’s Congress (APC), Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, is urging the government to enact more decisive and robust legislation to tackle corruption in the country.
In an interview with Voice of Africa, the APC’s Deputy Leader in Parliament, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to address financial mismanagement and the misuse of state resources.
Koroma stressed that the fight against corruption must begin within Parliament, calling for collective support from both opposition and ruling party lawmakers to bring about meaningful reform.
Hon. Koroma criticized existing laws, stating they often serve the interests of those in power rather than the nation.
He advocated for legislation that is impartial and inclusive, arguing that laws favoring the ruling government undermine efforts to combat corruption effectively.
Koroma also expressed concerns about the upcoming constitutional review process. Despite receiving notifications, the opposition has yet to be included in the discussions, raising fears that without equitable laws, efforts to retrieve stolen assets and enforce penalties will be hampered.
He underscored the need for a solid legislative framework to guide the recovery of stolen funds and properties.
He further suggested that accountability bodies, whose leaders are appointed by the president, should have clear legal provisions for their removal if they fail to meet performance standards. This, he argued, would enhance accountability and ensure that these bodies uphold the highest standards in the fight against corruption.
