Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, Daniel Koroma MP, has made a strong call for Parliament to unite and take decisive legislative action against the country’s growing corruption and financial mismanagement issues.
His appeal comes as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), led by Deputy Speaker Ibrahim Tawa Conteh MP, ramps up its nationwide efforts to recover billions of Leones that have been mismanaged or remain unaccounted for in state funds.
During a recent parliamentary session, Koroma stressed that Sierra Leone’s future depends on an effective Parliament. He argued that a committed and assertive legislative body could effectively tackle the rampant corruption plaguing various government sectors.
According to Koroma, true accountability must begin
within Parliament, as it holds the power to influence significant change
throughout all levels of governance.
Simultaneously,
Tawa Conteh MP has been actively leading the PAC on a rigorous mission to
reclaim state funds lost through mismanagement, focusing particularly on the
"grey areas" identified in past audit reports. His tours across the
provinces, aimed at addressing financial irregularities within local councils,
have been met with both support and resistance.
Despite
these challenges, Tawa Conteh remains steadfast in his mission. “Our objective
is to recover every Leone that has been misappropriated,” he affirmed,
emphasizing his commitment to restoring financial integrity within the
government.
The
work of the PAC is viewed as a crucial step in rebuilding public trust in
Sierra Leone’s institutions. However, the task is daunting as the committee
must navigate through a complex web of political influences and long-standing
practices.
Tawa
Conteh’s firm stance, including his readiness to hold even close associates
accountable, has sparked both praise and criticism. “When it comes to
recovering President Bio’s money, there are no exceptions,” he declared,
highlighting the seriousness of his mission.
Koroma
echoed these sentiments but also pointed to broader implications for Sierra
Leone’s political landscape. He noted that several Members of Parliament who
were not re-elected had been marginalized for prioritizing national interests
over party loyalty. This, he argued, reveals a deeper issue within the
political system, where the pursuit of party agendas often overshadows the
country’s well-being.
Koroma believes that Parliament has the legislative power to drive significant change if it chooses to exercise its full authority. “Parliament’s strength lies in its ability to enforce accountability,” he stated, suggesting that a robust parliamentary approach could potentially eliminate the need for multiple agencies overseeing governance.
“The only limitation of Parliament is its
inability to alter the laws of nature; beyond that, we have the power to
transform the nation,” he added.
As Sierra Leone continues to grapple with the challenges of corruption and governance, the calls from leaders like Koroma and Tawa Conteh underscore the critical role that Parliament must play in steering the country towards a more accountable and transparent future.
Whether the legislative body can rise to
the occasion and fulfill its potential remains to be seen, but the stakes for
Sierra Leone’s development have never been higher.