The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in this Third (3rd) Serialized Media Release provides further update and informs the general public, on the actions taken so far on issues raised in the Auditor General’s Report of 2021. These interventions focused on aspects of possible or alleged corruption and conducts inconsistent with the provision(s) in the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019.

After a thorough review, and analysis of the aforementioned Report, the Commission initiated actions; with a view to investigating, prosecuting, or recovering of public funds, public revenue, public property, as may be necessary, in accordance with Sections 7, and 48 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019, respectively. 

Below is the third serial release containing issues, and areas of ACC interventions, and the outcomes of same:

As of today’s date, the Commission has recovered Public Resources in the total sum of Two Billion, Thirty Six Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Seven (Old) Leones, and Six (Old) Cents (Le2,036,665,607.6).

1.GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (GTI). The Auditor-General’s Report of 2021 highlighted that Government Technical Institute (GTI ) in Bo failed to pay Withholding Taxes of Eleven Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Four (Old) Leones, Fifty Cents (Le 11,150,254.50) to the National Revenue Authority (NRA) for transactions carried out for the period under review. 

The ACC investigation has established the following that;

The withholding taxes were deducted by the GTI Finance Office but faced challenges to effect payment to NRA portal system introduced for such payment to be done. 

The amount highlighted in the 2021 Audit Report, in the sum of Eleven Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Four (Old) Leones, Fifty Cents (Le 11,150,254.50) has been paid into the Commission’s Bank Account and ACC has acknowledged the payment and issued receipt to GTI. 

In that regard, the matter has been accordingly recommended for closure.

2.PORT LOKO CITY COUNCIL (PLCC). The 2021 Auditor General’s Report further highlighted that, Withholding Taxes were not deducted and paid to the NRA by the Port Loko City Council, amounting to Fourteen Million, One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Six (Old) Leones (Le14, 114,746).

The ACC investigation has established the following; 

It was true that, the Withholding Taxes were not paid by the PLCC to the NRA.

The Port Loko City Council has, however made payment of the Withholding Taxes amounting to, Ten Million (Old) Leones (Le10,000,000) to the ACC through its North-West Regional Office in Port Loko, with a balance of Four Million, One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Six Leones (Le4,114,746).

The File remains active until the issue has been resolved, with the payment of the remaining money. 

3.KAMBIA DISTRICT COUNCIL. The Audit Report of 2021 further revealed that; the  National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) contributions for staff were not deducted by the Kambia District Council and paid, amounting to, One Hundred and Thirty Eight Million, Five Hundred and Eighty One Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty Eight (Old) Leones (Le138, 581,558).

The ACC investigation has confirmed the following;

The said NASSIT contributions were not deducted and paid, even though the issue was inherited from the past Council Administration. 

Court action has been instituted against the Council by the Management of NASSIT 

Preliminary discussions are underway on the preparation of Payment Plan by the Council, with the NASSIT Team.

The ACC has therefore, instructed that all efforts be made so that the contributions owed to NASSIT by the Council be paid. 

4.PORT LOKO DISTRICT COUNCIL (PLDC). It was also highlighted in the Audit Report of 2021 that; Withholding Taxes amounting to One Hundred and Twenty Three Million, Eight Hundred and Thirteen, One Hundred and Forty Nine (Old) Leones (Le123,813,149) were not paid to the NRA. Also, the Audit Report of 2021 stated that, the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes were not deducted and paid to the National Revenue Authority amounting to Six Million, Four Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand (Old) Leones (Le6,464,000).

The ACC investigation established that; 

The Port Loko District Council made payment of Withholding Taxes at various Commercial Banks but receipts were not issued out, not until of late when receipts were received from Zenith and Union Trust Banks remaining VISTA Bank. 

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) payment receipts have been submitted to the Commission which are yet to be verified with the National Revenue Office in Makeni.

The Port Loko District Council has already made payment into the ACC Account with the Access Bank, in the sum of, Six Million, Four Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand (Old) Leones (Le6,464,000) relating to the PAYE. 

Meanwhile, the ACC is currently working with the NRA office in Makeni to verify the receipts submitted by the Port Loko District Council in regard the payment of Withholding Taxes to the NRA. The issue of the PAYE has been accordingly recommended for closure, since the matter has been resolved. 

The Commission shall continue to promptly update the public through Media Releases on its interventions in regard the Auditor General’s Reports of Sierra Leone. Media Release No4 on the Audit Report 2021 will be out in the coming weeks.

In the spirit of partnership and complementarity, the ACC continues to thank and appreciate Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) for their diligence and commitment in combating corruption in Sierra Leone and Parliament for their sustained and unflinching support.  

For further enquires on this and other ACC matters, please contact David Y. Kabia, Public Relations Assistant on +232-78-832131 or via email info@anticorruption.gov.sl.

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PATRICK SANDI

DIRECTOR PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH