December 19, 2016 By Ibrahim Tarawallie
Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has welcomed strongly the call for accountability and transparency for all local and international non-governmental and civil society organisations in the country, a call made by President Ernest Bai Koroma during the state open of Parliament.
During the state opening of the last session of the fourth parliament on Thursday (December 16), President Koroma stated that his government would expand the breadth of accountability and transparency in ensuring that audit service covers local and international non-governmental organisations and civil Society organisations that receive monies and implementing projects and programmes on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone.
According to the president, integrity should not only be displayed in public offices but should also be exemplified in organisations because it was a driver of employment, growth and success.
However, CHRDI Chief Executive, Abdul M. Fatoma, stated that it was one thing to make a pronouncement and another to set an example, noting that the government should be seen actively working in the interest of the people by enforcing the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) laws.
He maintained that it was his organisation’s fervent believe that it was only when government was able to enforce the ACC laws it would have the legitimacy to demand accountability from other sectors of society.
Mr. Fatoma expressed grave concern with regards the failure of government to implement the recommendations of the Audit Service Sierra Leone report on government officials and civil servants who have deliberately refused to account for stolen public funds.
“We respectfully urge the President and the Speaker of parliament to champion our Accountability Campaign and ensure that government officials and the house of parliament account to the public. We also believe that the government has failed to set a good example,” claiming that the President lacks the legitimacy to make such a demand on the people of Sierra Leone.