Commission of Inquiry into Public Funds Malpractices Sworn In

The Chairman and Commissioners appointed to look into any irregularities or malpractices in the expenditure of Government and Donor Funds were today sworn in at a ceremony at State House.

Presenting the team to President Koroma, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abdul F. Serry Kamal said “they are all experienced people” who are expected to do their work expeditiously.

Taking the oath of office, the four (Gibril Semega-Janneh, Chairman; Augustus Wachuku-King, Member; Johannes Ebenezer Elliot, Member; and Sadiq Mahmoud Kapuwa, Secretary) vowed to work in the interest of the State in carrying out their duties.

Addressing the commissioners, President Koroma first congratulated them on their appointment, stressing that the selection was “carefully done because of what we believe are the great expectations of the people and government of this country.” He then said the commission is not a witch-hunt; but that government has the responsibility to make public what happened to public funds, and to send a signal that people in public positions given a mandate by the people should do their work with diligence.

The Head of State said there are so many issues that need some answers, and he believes at the end of the day the commissioners will provide these answers. He urged them to do their work with transparency and without fear or favour. “You are doing this for posterity… Those who should give account must give account,” he maintained. President Koroma assured them of government’s support and the people’s backing at all times.

Thanking the President, the new Chairman, Gambian-born Gibril Semega-Janneh, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed on them, “especially for myself, being a foreigner.” He promised they will be guided by the oath they took, take their work seriously, and perform their duties to the best of their abilities. He said with a viably financed budget, the work will be done in earnest.

The mandate of the commission is to inquire:

· into any irregularities or malpractices in the expenditure of Government and Donor Funds;

· whether or not any malpractices or irregularities were committed by any person with respect to those funds;

· the nature and extent of the malpractices and irregularities;

· the sums of money and identities of persons involved in such malpractices and irregularities, and to make recommendations.

Witnessing the occasion were Vice President Sam Sumana and Secretary to the President E.B. Osho-Coker.

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