The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) wishes to inform the public that it has concluded investigations into allegations of misappropriation of public/donor funds allocated for the construction of a 300-Bed hostel/Boarding Home for Girls under the Free Quality Education Project in Kaniya, Luawa Chiefdom, Kailahun District, which was shared widely on social media by a Whistleblower.
The allegations were specifically made against Ambrose T. Sesay, the Project Coordinator, Free Quality Education Project and Mohamed Kallon, the Procurement Manager, who were tasked with overseeing and ensuring the successful completion of the project.
Accordingly, the Commission conducted a comprehensive investigation into the allegations. Consequently, many persons of interest, including the Project Coordinator, Ambrose T. Sesay and the Procurement Manager, Mohamed Kallon, were interviewed by the Commission. The Commission also dispatched investigators to the project site in Kailahun to do a verification of the status of the said construction and to obtain documents for further analysis. After a very speedy but thorough investigation, the Commission’s findings are as follow:
1.The hostel project was awarded to Unique Solutions Company Ltd. in March 2022. The contract was funded by the World Bank at a value of Four Billion, Four Hundred and Seventy-three Million, Seven Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty (Old) Leones (Le 4,473,718,230).
2.Our verification of the project site showed that practical completion of the project has been achieved with about 90% of the work completed.
3.A certificate of practical completion was issued, and respective amounts accruing to 90% of the contract sum has been disbursed to the contractor.
4.The outstanding works include the installation of gates, and a solar-powered electricity system. These were not completed due to the project’s isolated location and ongoing discussions about additional modifications to the original contract, which was suggested by representatives from the World Bank during a site visit in 2023. It was suggested at that time for additional facilities to be added including perimeter fence, external kitchen and dining hall, playground, and a canopy for the concrete benches. However, formal instructions for these additional works have not yet been issued as at the time of the investigation.
5.Also, the Commission confirmed that donor partners, including the World Bank, raised concerns about the increased (reported) incidents of Gender-based Violence (GBV) in the Education Sector. They did not want to be part of a project that could house girls under those circumstances. As a result, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) was asked to explore alternative uses for the hostels to ensure they do not exacerbate GBV risks. This has led to delays in progress with the project.
6.Based on physical verification of the site, the structures appeared to be complete, as the building is equipped with doors, windows, ceilings, floors, toilets, and baths, all of which were found to be in place and functional. Additionally, the hostel is designed in a U-shape and it includes four dormitories, WASH facilities made up of 18 toilet cubicles and 16 shower points, an infirmary, a reading area, a reception, and a newly constructed well with a submersible pump.
In light of all the above, the Commission therefore concludes that the funds allocated for the project are being judiciously utilized for their intended purposes, and that the project was neither abandoned nor the funds mismanaged. High level authorities, including the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, have been notified on the need to engage donor partners to overcome the GBV concerns they had raised. Substantial progress is already underway in that regard.
The Commission extends its profound thanks and appreciation to the Whistleblower and the Public for their interest and patience while it diligently investigated this matter.
For further enquiries on this and other ACC matters, please contact Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, on +232-78-004714 or via email info@anticorruption.gov.sl.
…………………………..
PATRICK SANDI
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
