ACC Asked to Release Investigation Results on Parliament Clerk, SLCB Bank MD And Ex-Chief Immigration Officer

Sierra Leonean journalist Amadu Lamarana Bah is calling on Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Commissioner Francis Kaifala to release the results of several high-profile investigations.

Bah’s appeal comes on the heels of Kaifala’s return from academic pursuits that have impacted his presence in Sierra Leone. Kaifala recently completed a Masters of Law (LLM) degree at Harvard University, graduating on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

Following his return, Kaifala faces increasing pressure to disclose the findings of several critical investigations:

Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) vehicle procurement: The ACC is looking into the procurement of vehicles by the bank’s Managing Director, Abdul Silla. A recent fire incident at the bank raised concerns, with reports of whistle-blowing staff facing intimidation. Bah questions the status of the investigation and the safety of public funds.

Gifts received by former Chief Immigration Officer Andrew Jaiah Kaikai: The ACC is investigating gifts Kaikai allegedly received while in office. Kaikai reportedly informed Parliament that he was forced to use an Okada (motorcycle taxi) after the ACC seized his vehicle.

Parliament Clerk Hon. Paran Tarawally’s wife’s recruitment: The suspended Clerk is under investigation for allegedly recruiting his wife to work at Parliament. While an Acting Clerk was recently appointed, the Speaker’s statement implying Tarawally’s return has sparked questions about the investigation’s progress.

Bah emphasizes the public’s right to know the outcomes of these investigations, which have been ongoing for a significant amount of time.