Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) has come under fire following the release of the 2022 Audit Report, which exposes widespread corruption, mismanagement, and unethical recruitment practices under the leadership of Executive Chairman Brima Baluwa Koroma. The findings have sparked public outrage, with many calling for his resignation.
The audit revealed significant discrepancies in the recruitment of 17 personnel during the year under review. According to the report, the PRA failed to follow proper recruitment procedures, making the process neither open nor transparent. Auditors noted the absence of crucial supporting documents such as job advertisements, application letters, and interview invitations. As a result, the credibility of the hiring process has been called into question.
The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) has recommended that the Human Resources Manager provide documentary evidence to justify the recruitment of the 17 staff members. The failure to adhere to transparent recruitment protocols raises concerns over possible favoritism and nepotism within the agency.
The audit also highlighted several operational failings within the petroleum sector under Koroma’s leadership. Notably, there was a marked increase in the financial cost of monitoring safety standards at petrol stations, with no corresponding improvement in safety measures. Inadequate storage facilities for petroleum products were also noted, posing significant risks to both the environment and public safety.
Furthermore, the report found that the number of licensed petroleum dealers in Freetown was limited, with only two major players, NP and Conex, dominating the market. Shockingly, there were no licensed dealers in the regional areas, a situation that has contributed to fuel supply challenges across the country.
The auditors recommended that Chairman Koroma engage relevant stakeholders to address these regulatory gaps and logistical shortcomings in line with international best practices. However, according to the report, Koroma and his team have yet to take action, leaving these issues unresolved.
In addition to allegations of corruption and mismanagement, Koroma has been accused of fostering tribalism and nepotism within the PRA. Critics argue that since his appointment, Koroma has engaged in discriminatory hiring practices, favoring individuals from his own ethnic group.
Observers note that tribalism in Sierra Leone has historically undermined national unity, with significant political and economic consequences. The Mende and Temne ethnic groups are the largest in the country, and tribal affiliations have often influenced political appointments and resource distribution. Koroma’s alleged actions appear to further entrench these divisions, raising concerns about fairness and equity in governance.
Calls are growing louder for Koroma’s removal as the head of the PRA. Civil society groups and concerned citizens argue that the agency’s current leadership lacks the transparency and accountability needed to oversee such a critical sector. Many believe that only through sweeping reforms, including stronger regulatory frameworks and improved stakeholder engagement, can Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector recover from the current crisis.
The audit report has intensified demands for an investigation into Koroma’s handling of the agency, with some critics accusing him of clandestine deals with petroleum importers. These allegations, if proven, could mean that the country is losing millions of leones due to corruption at the highest levels.
The public now awaits further revelations in the ongoing investigation, with expectations high that the next edition of this publication will shed more light on Koroma’s dealings with petroleum importers and the full extent of the financial losses to the state.
As Sierra Leone grapples with the impacts of corruption, tribalism, and mismanagement, the need for greater transparency and accountability has never been more urgent. The findings of the 2022 Audit Report have laid bare the challenges within the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, and unless swift action is taken, the future of Sierra Leone’s petroleum industry remains uncertain.
