The Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has concluded its investigation into corruption allegations against the Suspended Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Umar Paran Tarawally, and his wife, Mrs. Abibatu Parana Tarawally.

In January 2024, the ACC announced the initiation of an investigation into claims that Hon. Umar Paran Tarawally improperly employed his wife, who allegedly received salaries and allowances without performing her duties from September 2021 to March 2023.

Key Findings by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reveals that:

Employment and Payment: Mrs. Abibatu Parana Tarawally was employed as a Human Resource (HR) Officer and received salaries and allowances from September 2021 to March 2023, a total of 19 months.

Salary Details: Her net monthly salary was Le 7,676.

Work and Illness: Mrs. Tarawally admitted to working only a few days after her employment in November 2021 before falling ill, necessitating travel abroad for medical treatment.

Total Payment: She received a total of Le 156,422 in salaries and allowances during this period.

The investigation confirmed that the total sum of Le 156,422 received by Mrs. Tarawally has been recovered and deposited into the ACC Recovery Account.

Concerning Hon. Umar P. Tarawally, the investigation revealed that despite his denial, it is unlikely that he was unaware of his wife’s employment. Although his actions did not warrant prosecution, he was found to have failed in his supervisory responsibilities.

Consequently, Hon. Umar Paran Tarawally has been referred to the President for appropriate administrative action.

The ACC said Mrs. Abibatu Parana Tarawally has refunded the full amount received and agreed to settle the matter under Section 89 (1)(b)(i)(ii) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 (as amended in 2019).

In additional, she has been mandated to pay an additional 10% interest on the recovered amount, totaling Le 15,642. She is barred from holding public office for at least five years, as stipulated by the Anti-Corruption Act.

To prevent future administrative lapses, the ACC’s Corruption Prevention Department said it will collaborate with the Office of the Clerk of Parliament and the Human Resources Department of the Parliamentary Service Commission to implement efficient systems and processes.