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In a decisive move to uphold accountability, the Sierra Leone Parliament’s 2024 Sub-Appropriation Committee Group Six, chaired by Hon. Ambrose Maada Lebby, stood down the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
The action was taken after both ministries appeared before the committee with incomplete documents during a session held at the Parliament Administrative Building’s conference room.
The two ministries, crucial to Sierra Leone’s economic and cultural development, were sent back to reorganize and instructed to reappear on Monday.
Hon. Lebby criticized their failure to meet the November 11 deadline for document submission, stating that their late and incomplete documentation demonstrated a lack of respect for parliamentary processes.
“They were sorting through their documents in front of us this morning. That is unacceptable and an affront to Parliament. We cannot entertain such behavior,” Hon. Lebby remarked during an exclusive interview with parliamentary journalists.
While the two ministries faced censure, Hon. Lebby commended the Sierra Leone Road Authority (SLRA) and the Monuments and Relics Commission for their satisfactory presentations.
He noted that although the committee had requested additional supporting documents from these agencies, their initial performance reflected a commendable level of preparedness.
Hon. Lebby highlighted a recurring challenge faced by many Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs): late disbursement of budget allocations. This issue, he explained, often hampers the efficiency of their operations. He also acknowledged frequent complaints from MDAs about insufficient budgets, with many appealing for increased funding.
The committee chairman used the opportunity to issue a stern warning to all MDAs scheduled to appear before his committee. “If you are dealing with public funds, you must be accountable and open to scrutiny,” he emphasized, urging MDAs to ensure full preparation and timely submission of required documentation.
Hon. Lebby stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public funds, noting that these principles are essential to combating corruption in Sierra Leone. “Accountability is the only way to free Sierra Leone from corruption,” he concluded, calling on all MDAs to demonstrate diligence and respect for the appropriation process.
