August 29, 2019
By Dauda Deen Koroma (Intern)
The Justice Anna William Atuguba Commission of Inquiry yesterday closed investigations into the Sewa Ground Project.
Dauda Rahman Koromo, former Chief Finance and Treasurer of the Freetown City Council (FCC) testified that he was aware about of the Sewa Ground Project and payment made to vendors, adding that the project was a joint venture between the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) and FCC.
He told the commission that the erstwhile mayor set up the committee in which one Lawrence Lansana was given the sole responsibility to select who should be paid for the property around the perimeter of Sewa Ground.
“So, he prepared a list of vendors which was sent to the Chief Administrator at the Council for the Mayor’s approval, and later sent same to the Finance Division at the FCC,” he said..
He further explained that exhibit BF7 was the payment list prepared and forwarded to him for payment of the vendors.
Meanwhile, the witness declined knowledge of exhibit BF4 which indicate 40 vendors were paid Le2, 565,350,000 billion as he has already retired from his position at the council.
“I have already retired From Freetown City Council in July 2015 and on that list, I only recognize the signature of the Mayor,” he said.
However, the witness accepted during cross examination that exhibit BF7 was in compliance with all the rules and regulations that he was familiar with as a finance officer.
When asked as to whether there was any document to contradict or prove the he had left the council before exhibit BF4 was approved, he answered in the affirmative.
At that juncture, Justice Anna William Atuguba released the witness and adjourned hearing to September 2nd, 2019.