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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has announced that its investigation into corruption allegations against Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Melrose Karminty, found no evidence of corruption or financial misconduct.
The allegations, brought forward by the former Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disability, accused the Minister of diverting donor funds, mismanaging material donations, and failing to comply with procurement rules during the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration.
Following its inquiry, the ACC issued the following findings:
Contributions totaling NLe 803,740 from donors and government sources were deposited into the Ministry’s official account and disbursed in line with standard financial procedures.
The activities marking the commemoration were implemented by the Ministry in collaboration with the National Consortium for the Enhancement of Persons with Disabilities (NaCEPED) through a committee chaired by a senior official, rather than by the Minister personally.
A reported case of 6,000 missing bags of rice stemmed from a misunderstanding. The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation had donated 1,200 bags (50kg each), which were repackaged into 6,000 smaller 10kg bags for distribution, in accordance with the donor’s instructions. The distribution process remains ongoing under the foundation’s supervision.
A separate donation of 100 tarpaulins from Orange Sierra Leone was fully verified, with 55 already distributed in Bo District and 45 still in storage under the Ministry’s custody.
Based on this evidence, the ACC concluded that there was no misappropriation of funds or property, nor any breach of procurement regulations by Madam Karminty or her ministry officials.
The Commission also stated that investigations into allegations against the former Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disability are still in progress, with findings to be released once concluded.
This outcome reinforces Madam Karminty’s reputation for integrity in public service, according to many voices within the social welfare sector.
