By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
The Union Trust Bank Sierra Leone Limited (UTB SL Ltd) Kenema Branch has been ordered to pay a substantial sum of M Le 460 million into the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) account, following directives from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The decision was announced on Wednesday, August 4, 2024, during a PAC hearing led by Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh.
The financial directive comes in response to a query of M Le 471 million identified in the Auditor General’s Report for 2022, which highlighted discrepancies between the SLRSA account holder and the bank. The committee’s review uncovered significant financial mismanagement and irregularities that prompted their decision.
In addition to the hefty payment, the PAC has mandated that the Kenema Branch Manager pay M Le 11 million for negligence and failure to perform due diligence. Furthermore, the committee has recommended the Manager’s suspension, transfer, and demotion to a position below that of Branch Manager.
Deputy Speaker Conteh emphasized the importance of these measures as a wake-up call for both UTB and SLRSA, urging increased oversight and accountability to prevent future issues.
Deputy Opposition Leader 2, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, criticized the SLRSA’s head of accounts for gross negligence, citing violations of the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA). He argued that the failures observed warrant serious consequences, including potential summary conviction and financial penalties as stipulated by the PFMA.
The PAC’s decision underscores the need for stringent monitoring and adherence to financial regulations, aiming to uphold the integrity of public financial management in Sierra Leone.
