By Mabinty M. Kamara
President Julius Maada Bio has ordered an Administrative Inquiry into the activities of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA).
Eight top officials, including the Deputy Executive Director, Festus Crosbie, have been suspended to pave way for the investigation, according to a letter from the presidency last week ordering the move. The letter dated May 19 and signed by Secretary to the President, Julius Sandy, was addressed to the Board Chairman of the Authority.
"The terms of reference of the administrative inquiry will include, but not limited to the administrative, Technical and Financial Management of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, as well as any other matter (s) that may have impeded the proper and productive management of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration," the letter reads in part.
SLMA has over the last few weeks been on the spotlight, characterized by power struggle occasioned by the suspension of its substantive Executive Director by its supervising ministry.
Early this month, Ken Philip Sondai was controversially suspended by the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon, amidst allegation of insubordination. But that move was rejected by the Board Chairman, Alhaji Umaru Dumbuya, citing the powers vested on the board.
About a week later, the presidency announced the appointment of a new Executive Director in the person of Paul Sobba Massaquoi.
Massaquoi became the third appointed Executive Director of the agency since April 2018, when Bio assumed office.
Sondai's predecessor, Sarah Finda Bendu, was sacked amidst allegations of corruption and insubordination.
In the same week Sondai was suspended, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), filed an indictment against Sahr Kemokai, a former procurement chief at the institution. He was slammed with nine counts charges of corruption offences, including abuse of office and failure to comply with applicable procedures and guidelines relating to procurement.
SLMA has been engulfed in controversies for the last two years.
The agency which regulates the country’s maritime, was established by an act of parliament as an autonomous body for the registration of ships and other vessels, and to ensure the licensing and safety of maritime personnel.
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