AYV News, September 6, 2024

Sierra Leone’s main opposition, All People’s Congress (APC) Party has called for a new decisive and robust legislation to combat corruption in the country.

Speaking to Voice of Africa, the Party’s Deputy Leader in Parliament, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma emphasised the need for a united effort from both opposition and governing party lawmakers to address financial mismanagement and the misuse of state resources.

He believes that the fight against corruption must start within Parliament itself, stressing that the support of the entire legislative body is crucial for achieving meaningful progress.

Hon. Koroma said strengthening the legislative framework is the initial step, as current laws are often designed to benefit those in power rather than the country as a whole. He advocated for laws that are impartial and inclusive, rather than ones that favor the ruling government.

He also expressed concern about the upcoming constitutional review process, noting that while the opposition party has received notifications, it has yet to be included in the review discussions, arguing that without strong and fair laws, retrieving stolen assets and imposing appropriate penalties will be challenging. The Member of Parliament went on that a solid legislative framework is essential for outlining how to recover stolen funds and properties, suggesting that accountability bodies, whose leaders are appointed by the president, should have provisions in the laws for their removal if they fail to perform their duties effectively. He believes that this measure will ensure that these bodies are held to high standards of accountability.