By Saidu Jalloh, D.S. Reporter
The Five-Man Committee representing unpaid beneficiaries of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment Programme has called on the Anti-Corruption Commission to conclude investigations into delayed payments “fairly and without further delay.”
In a statement signed by Committee Leader Abass Kamara, the group said it respects the ACC’s mandate to carry out a transparent and independent probe. But it raised concern over what it described as inconsistent application of administrative requirements during the payment process.
According to the committee, conditions such as attendance records, orientation, application procedures and account-opening were not uniformly enforced as reasons to withhold payments during the initial phase of the programme.
The committee appealed to authorities not to use administrative lapses by implementing institutions as justification to delay or deny payments to legitimate beneficiaries who met the requirements communicated to them.
“Legitimate beneficiaries should not be made to suffer financial consequences because of administrative failures that were beyond their control,” the statement said.
The group clarified that it does not have authority to stop individual beneficiaries from exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest, petition or seek redress. It however urged beneficiaries to remain calm and pursue lawful channels.
The committee said it will continue to document concerns and share evidence-based reports through lawful public awareness platforms.
“Our intention is not to undermine any institution or investigation,” Kamara stated. “Our objective is to promote transparency and accountability in a programme designed to benefit young people.”
The committee also called on development partners, including the World Bank, and institutions such as the ACC, National Youth Commission and National Commission for Social Action to ensure they receive accurate information on the implementation and management of funds allocated to youth programmes.
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