By Josephine W. Lagawo
The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, has directed the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to present 45 vehicles, 36 motorbikes, and the relevant documentation to Parliament on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This directive comes after the Auditor General’s report revealed discrepancies involving the vehicles and motorbikes. The audit uncovered that there were no supporting documents for these assets, and a sum of 49 million Leones allocated for staff training could not be accounted for.
During the session, Hon. Conteh inquired about the whereabouts and status of the vehicles and motorbikes. The Assistant Transport Officer, Mohamed Mustapha, informed the committee that some of the vehicles, including one with the registration number AKT 608, were being used by former Deputy Minister of Agriculture, SamKing Brima, and the Inspector General of Police. The rest of the vehicles were reportedly stored at the Kissy warehouse, while others were stationed in various provincial units, such as Tonkolili and Kambia. Mustapha also mentioned that some of the vehicles were not roadworthy.
Hon. Aaron Koroma raised a question about the 49 million Leones allocated for staff training, asking for the relevant documentation. Hon. Conteh responded by stating that he would be writing to SamKing Brima and the Inspector General of Police, demanding that the vehicles be presented to Parliament on Wednesday at 10:00 AM.
Hon. Conteh also emphasized that Hon. Aaron Koroma should not delay in pursuing the payment of the 49 million Leones, as he had seen no documents to justify the training expenses. In response to this, Chief Accountant Matthew Yokie requested additional time to provide the necessary documents. Hon. Conteh firmly told him that no time would be given, insisting that Yokie bring the asset register for the vehicles and motorbikes on Wednesday. If Yokie failed to do so, Hon. Conteh stated that he would personally hold Yokie accountable for the missing 49 million Leones, which would be deducted from his rent allowance.
The Chairman also made it clear that if the staff failed to provide the required documentation and address the issues, he would recommend the dismissal of all responsible staff and the hiring of replacements.
