By Mustapha Kamara Jnr
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has announced the institution of an Ebola response transparency monitoring body that`s aimed at tightening the noose over corrupt officials seeking to enrich themselves with funds dedicated to eradicating the Ebola epidemic.
The ACC said it has set up a task force to directly monitor the management of all Ebola funds that had been provided towards the Ebola fight in the country.
Deputy Director, Public Education and Outreach, ACC, Patrick Sandi, said they have started a robust monitoring exercise of all such funds so as to ensure accountability and transparency.
“The task force will ensure that all national and international non-governmental organization that are providing aid to Sierra Leone during the present crisis give a vivid account of all monies and pledges received for and on behalf of the country”, a press release issued by the commission last week partly reads.
According to the commission, the monitoring team will look into the procurement of logistics, disbursement of finance and payment of health officials. It will also investigate and pursue any complaint made by Ebola victims on assistance not reaching the desired beneficiaries.
“The commission would, in compliance with relevant laws, seize assets and bank account of any NGO (s) or Public officials for the act of dishonesty and fraud in relation to the management of Ebola funds”, it says.
The ACC`s move follows several concerns raised over misuse of Ebola funds.
President Ernest Bai Koroma captured these concerns in his New Year`s message and has reiterated it at almost every other public speech of his since then.
Last month, the ACC announced it had instituted investigation on the former Minister of Tourism and Culture on suspicion of personalizing funds solicited on behalf of Ebola victims. The commission is yet to fill in the public on the progress of that investigation.
Also in December, two people, Momodu Kamara and Edith Jeneba Kargbo, employees of the World Food Programme (WFP), were indicted for allegedly misappropriating 259 bags of rice belonging to the agency and meant for Ebola affected people in quarantined homes in Makeni.
© Politico 20/01/15
