The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has disclosed a concerning investigation into the alleged diversion of public funds intended for Edward Davies and Associates Ltd, a Consultancy Firm engaged by the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA).
The payments, associated with the construction of the Kenema-Pendembu Road, were reportedly rerouted to a fictitious account at the Kabala Community Bank.
“In December 2023, a total of Le6.5 billion (Old Leones) meant for Edward Davies and Associates Ltd was processed at the Accountant General’s Department (AGD). Our investigation unearthed collusion among SLRA, MoF, and AGD staff, leading to the diversion of these funds to a fake account at the Kabala Community Bank, instead of the legitimate Rokel Commercial Bank,” states the MoF report.
On Monday, 8th January 2024, the Ministry officially reported the matter to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for a thorough investigation. A copy of the Internal Audit Report was submitted on 12th January 2024 to guide the ACC in their inquiry.
The implicated individuals in this alleged fund diversion scandal are:
1. Jacob Tenga Sessie- Deputy Director of Budget, MoF
2. Emmanuel Smart – Accounting Officer, SLRA
3. Starlyn Kemoh – Accountant, AGD
4. Ibrahim Bangura – Senior Accountant, AGD
5. John Ellie – Principal Accountant, AGD
6. Joseph Johnson – Accountant, AGD
7. Philip Yomba – Senior Accountant, AGD
As the investigation unfolds, these individuals face heightened scrutiny, raising serious questions about their roles in compromising financial transparency and accountability within government agencies.