The annual Auditor-General reports have repeatedly highlighted recurring problems of weak internal controls, cash management and procurement procedures. I urge your administration to put in place immediately a system to respond to the many recommendations that were ignored by the previous administration, and to launch an investigation with the view of establishing whether probable cause exists to hold public officials criminally liable for the huge amount of unaccounted funds. It is important to rectify wrongs of the past for the sake of the future,’ the letter noted.

Layer Ibrahim Tommy also urged the President to support the autonomy and authority of institutions of justice and accountability, including the judiciary, the Sierra Leone Police, Parliament, the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

‘The laws exist, but nothing will change until there are consequences for flouting rules, both for individuals and for ministries. Holding to account those who committed misdeeds in the past will convince the public of their government’s commitment to stop corruption, and ensure efficient resource management and disciplined leadership,’ he wrote.