By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has recovered public resources in the total sum of Le2,036,665,607.6 (Two billion, thirty-six million, six hundred and sixty-five thousand, six hundred and seven Old Leones and six cents) that were unaccounted for in the Auditor General’s Report of 2021 by various Ministries Departments and Agencies.
The commission in a Fourth serialized Media Release it issued on the 7th of March 2023 stated that after a thorough review, and analysis of the report, it initiated actions; with a view to investigating, prosecuting, or recovering public funds, public revenue, and public property.
The audit report noted that the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) did not pay withholding tax of Le 40,401, 365 (forty million, four hundred and one thousand, three hundred and sixty-five old Leones), to the National Revenue Authority (NRA), as monies were not deducted from payments made to suppliers in 2019 and 2020.
The commission’s report noted that following its investigations, it was discovered that the ministry only paid Le 32,300,840 (thirty-two million, three hundred thousand, eight hundred and forty old Leones) to NRA in respect of the 5.5% Withholding Tax for 2019.
The commission resorted to instructing MWR to pay the balance of Le8, 100,525 (eight million, one hundred thousand, five hundred and twenty-five old Leones) into the NRA Account and that the matter will be accordingly recommended for closure.
The report further revealed that the National Conservation Trust Fund paid Le72, 900,000 (seventy-two million, nine hundred thousand old Leones) to Board Members in 2017, but that the board’s activities and payment of allowances were not provided for audit.
Also, evidence in the form of minutes of meetings and a list of members to justify that an audit Sub-committee of the board was established during the period under review, was not submitted for audit.
The auditors, therefore, recommended that the Executive Chairman and board ensure that the basis for the payment of the stated allowances is submitted to the audit service together with the minutes of meetings, and a list of members to justify the establishment of the board’s sub-committee, for verification.
The 2021 audit report also captured that the Karene District Council did not deduct or pay the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) contributions for staff of the council, amounting to Le6,156,000 (six million, one hundred and fifty-six thousand old Leones).
There was no performance or supply as per contract, regarding the payment made for a Sign Board that was not erected, and which amounted to Le3, 000, 000 (three million old Leones).
However, the ACC investigations confirmed that the Finance Officer of the council submitted receipts in respect of NASSIT payment on behalf of staff which has been verified and that the pictures of an erected sign board have been presented to the ACC, which are yet to be verified.
One staff working at the Central Intelligence and Security Unit (CISU) who was on study leave during the period 2020 continued to receive a salary of Le15,640,876.00 (fifteen million, six hundred and forty thousand, eight hundred and seventy-six thousand old Leones) contrary to sections of CISUs Terms and Conditions of Service.
The commission noted that verified documents presented to them have proven that the staff found wanting to have refunded the said money through salary deductions. As such, the commission has recommended a closure, since the matter has been resolved.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (09/03/23)
