By Allieu Sahid Tunkara
An investigation into corruption allegations against former Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Peter Bayuku Konteh, has concluded with no evidence to warrant charges against him, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
In December 2014, Konteh received millions of Leones of Ebola funds and furniture worth US$ 3,000 as a donation to the Ministry of Tourism from international donors and the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown, respectively. Later allegations emerged that Konteh had converted the furniture into his private use. He was also accused of embezzling the Ebola funds, leading to his invitation for questioning by the ACC.
The former minister was initially investigated on allegations of corruption and impropriety while serving as Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. Investigators visited sites in Koinadugu Districts to ascertain whether the funds donated to the ministry were appropriately utilised.
“Upon thorough review of the evidence and verification of site visits to the Koinadugu district, the commission holds that the donated funds were appropriately applied, and beneficiaries identified acknowledged receipt of same,” the ACC said in a statement recived by Politico.
“Therefore, the ACC concludes that there is no evidence to warrant a charge in respect of misappropriation offences under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008,” it added.
However, the ACC was of the view that the former Minister could have made sufficient disclosure of the expenditure of the funds received from international partners in a transparent and accountable manner.
Although he was cleared of the allegations made against him, the commission demanded further information on the use of Le 41, 489, 650, an amount said to be the remainder of the Ebola funds that was donated to the ministry.
The commission also ordered Konteh to refund the sum of US$3,000 or its equivalent in Leones at the current bank rate, being the value of the furniture donated by the Bintumani Hotel, which will be paid into the consolidated fund.
(C) Politico 11/08/15
