By Abdul Bero Kamara ( Chief)
The issue of corruption among public officials has become a growing concern and a serious threat to Mama Salone. Conversely, President Bio promised to fight corruption, but sadly his government has become a cartel to loot state resources with impunity
Public trust in government institutions can be severely eroded when those in positions of power are found to be engaging in corrupt practices. As a result, the Sledgehammer News is of the view that there should be greater accountability and consequences for public officials who are involved in corruption.
Since the ACC was founded 24 years ago only a few public officials found guilty of corruption have served jail terms and the majority strike a deal While some individuals are prosecuted and found guilty of corrupt activities, they are often asked by the court to repay the embezzled funds along with interest.
A recent ACC press release dated February 16, 2024, highlights that Emmanuel Smart, who previously held the role of Accounting Officer at the SLRSA, and Ibrahim Musa Bangura, the former Accountant at the Accountant General’s office, have reached a significant agreement with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). This agreement is known as a non-prosecutorial agreement.
The non-prosecutorial agreement is a voluntary alternative to adjudication in which a prosecutor agrees to grant amnesty in exchange for the defendant agreeing to fulfil certain requirements.
You can recall the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched an investigation several months ago into a case involving a staff member of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) and the Accountant General’s Department. The investigation revealed that an amount exceeding Eight Million Six Hundred Thousand Leones, intended for the completion of the Kenema-Pendembu Highway construction project, was unlawfully redirected by Mr Smart and others.
The Four Million, Six Hundred and Fifty-four Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-eight (New) Leones (Le 4,654,658) ( USD 215,000) represents the total amount that EMMANUEL SMART AND IBRAHIM MUSA BANGURA withdrew from the banking system through the Kabala Community Bank, where they had diverted the funds and shared it before the remaining amount was blocked jointly by Ministry of Finance and the ACC.
According to the ACC, the culprits have returned to the state the amount stolen plus a 10% interest, as a result, they have been banned from holding public office in Sierra Leone for a minimum of three years
Sledgehammer News is of the view that the kind of corruption that is deeply embedded in Sierra Leone requires a more robust and effective approach like a jail term
if the commission is serious about fighting corruption it should amend Section 7 (1) (b) of the ACC Act 2019 to add that public officials found guilty of corruption should not only pay back plus interest but also must face jail time as a consequence of their actions.
It is the view of the Sledgehammer News that jail term sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated and that those who abuse their power for personal gain will face serious repercussions.
Holding public officials accountable through the criminal justice system, is believed this can act as a deterrent for others who may be tempted to engage in corrupt activities. Jail time for corrupt public officials can also serve as a form of justice for the victims of their actions, as well as a way to restore public trust in the integrity of government institutions.
In conclusion, the call for public officials to face jail time for corruption reflects a growing demand for greater accountability and transparency in government. While this approach may be seen as a necessary step towards combating corruption and restoring public trust.
