Former Health & Sanitation Minister Convicted

Sheiku Tejan Koroma, former Minister of Health and Sanitation was today convicted by the High Court presided over by Justice Mary M Sey of offences of:

• Abuse of Office contrary to section Section 42(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008
• Abuse of Position contrary to section Section 43 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008
• Wilfully failing to comply with laws and procedures and guidelines relating to procurement, tendering of contracts and management of funds, contrary to section 48 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008

Mr. Koroma was indicted in November 2009 by the Anti-Corruption Commission. The Prosecution had alleged that Mr Tejan-Koroma without reference to any law or procedure abused his office and his position by overturning the decision of the Evaluation Committee and the Procurement Committee in failing award of a contract to supply the Ministry of Health Laboratory reagents to the most responsive bidder following a call for bids to be submitted in October 2008.  It further alleged that the conduct of the Minister led to  inordinate delay in the award of the contract causing grave consequences for the bidder and the Ministry. The Anti-Corruption Commission further alleged that the Minister also failed to carry out the ruling of the Independent Procurement Review Committee when ordered by them to award the contract to the most responsive bidder, following the bidder’s complaint to that body.

In delivering judgment, the Honourable Justice Mary Sey stated that she could not accept the submission of the Defence and did not find the Accused a truthful witness. The judge found it hard to believe that an intelligent man and a minister would simply sign, without reading, anything put before him. She was satisfied that he knew he was doing something wrong when he imposed his will on the procurement process against the advice of members of his staff. He did it anyway because he was a Minister – abusing his office.

The Accused was sentenced to a term of 5 years imprisonment on all counts to run concurrently or in the alternative to a fine of Le50,000,000/00 for each of the three counts to be paid immediately .

The Accused was represented by C.F Edwards Esq and H. G. Ngeavo whilst Glenna Thompson represented the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Speaking after the conviction, ACC Commissioner, Abdul Tejan-Cole welcomed the judgment and noted that it was further evidence that there were no sacred cows in the fight against corruption. He emphasized the Commission will remain focused on its mandate of leading the fight against corruption in partnership through public education, prevention, detection, and compliance for the benefit of all citizens.

ACC, Freetown

Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!

---

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• BREAKING NEWS: ACC charges Sheiku Tejan Koroma on a three count indictment
• Who does not know President Koroma is a Temne?

Related items

• FCC Mayor, Chief Admin + 8 others indicted on corruption charges
• Sierra Leone to receive an additional 350 mw of power via development of second phase of Bumbuna Hydroelectric project
• Statement by His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone at the launch of the Free Health Care programme for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five – Tuesday 27 April, 2010
• BREAKING NEWS: ACC charges Sheiku Tejan Koroma on a three count indictment
• Prosecutor Hollis hails the historic conviction of Charles Taylor

© 2010, Sierra Express Media. All rights reserved.

RELATED STORIES

• BREAKING NEWS: ACC charges Sheiku Tejan Koroma on a three count indictment

LATEST NEWS HEADLINES

• Prince Waleans Congratulate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Her Diamond Jubilee Anniversary
• Conakry-Freetown Highway and Joint Border Post Marks Turning Point in Relations Between the Two Countries
• Dr. Abdul J Sankoh: The “Quiet Storm”
• Prof Sheku Kallon Jr. is like the Professor that never was!
• Guinean President Alpha Conde Reaffirms Commitment to Return Yenga

ALSO IN THE NEWS

Parliament approves US$34M for Matotoka-Sefadu Road

By: SEM Contributor on June 1, 2012.Freetown,  May 31 (SLENA)- Parliament has approved a 34 million United States dollar Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the African Development Bank for the rehabilitation of Mototoka-Sefadu road. Presenting the agreement to parliament, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Momodu Kargbo said the [...]

MORE STORIES

Kailahun, Kono and Magburaka to get ultra-modern Pediatric and Maternity Centres

• “Africa will be the Powerhouse of the World”
• St. Joseph’s Secondary School Alumni Association (SJSSAA) 2012 Events
• Job announcement – Project Manager, Sierra Leone Arc of Hope
• CBF Youth League ‘in for a thrilling finale’ as finals events announced
• The Tony Elumelu Foundation’s Leadership Development Programme Starts Second Year
• Carmen Timis meets street kids in Makeni

HAVE YOUR SAY

Share you ideas: If I were president? What would you do different from President Ernest Bai Koroma if you were president of the republic of Sierra Leone? Send us your ideas on how you would shape the country, and include your name and the area you are writing from.

Our New Website Has a More Efficient Layout

We invite you to give us your feedback

MORE NEWS HEADLINES

• National Peace Corps Association Launches the Young Farmers Idea Contest
• AfDB Launches Initiative to Invest in Agribusiness in Africa
• Mercury International Gives SWASAL over Le7. 5m For Leone Stars vs Cape Verde
• African ambassadors in USA celebrate May 25 in grand style
• Press Statement
• “Justice denied anywhere diminishes justice everywhere” – Martin Luther King