Opposition Leader Criticizes Rampant Corruption and Fraudulent Activities by Government Officials, Calls for Stronger Accountability Measures

The opposition leader in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has publicly criticized fraudulent activities by government officials and called for stronger measures to tackle corruption and ensure accountability in Sierra Leone. He made these remarks in a statement on his social media page.

According to Hon. Kargbo, the recent suspension of the Youth Envoy for allegedly defrauding Sierra Leoneans with fake travel opportunities, along with the recall of the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Guinea, are steps that demonstrate action against misconduct

However, he argued that these measures are far from sufficient to address the deep-seated issues of corruption and accountability in the country. “These actions, while necessary, do not go far enough in restoring public trust or ensuring that such fraudulent activities do not happen again,” he stated.

Hon. Kargbo emphasized that corruption in Sierra Leone has long been a significant challenge, eroding trust in public institutions, hindering economic development, and tarnishing the country’s international reputation.

He described the alleged misconduct of the Youth Envoy as particularly troubling, noting that it betrays the aspirations of young Sierra Leoneans seeking legitimate opportunities and reinforces the perception that government officials can exploit their positions for personal gain with minimal consequences.

Simply suspending the official in question does not send a strong enough message to deter others who may be engaged in similar schemes. Hon Kargbo says.

‘’ If the government is truly committed to fighting corruption, there should be a thorough and transparent investigation, with legal consequences for anyone found guilty. Without real accountability, suspensions and dismissals will remain empty gestures rather than effective deterrents.’’

Similarly, recalling the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Guinea does little to repair the damage done to our nation’s reputation. Diplomatic representatives are meant to uphold the integrity of the country they serve, and any action that compromises that integrity should be met with serious consequences.

Recalling an ambassador may be a necessary first step, but it does not clarify whether wrongdoing occurred, nor does it ensure that similar incidents will be prevented in the future. The government must communicate clearly to the public about the reasons for the recall, ensure that proper investigations are conducted, and implement measures to prevent misconduct within our diplomatic corps. He explained.

Finally, he said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone should not need reminders to do its job effectively. Its mandate is clear: to investigate, prevent, and prosecute corrupt activities regardless of political affiliation.

However, there has been a troubling pattern in which the ACC appears to act more aggressively against opposition figures while showing leniency toward those within the ruling establishment. This selective application of justice only serves to deepen public skepticism about the commission’s integrity and effectiveness. He concludes.