By: Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Alphonsus Gbanie, Executive Secretary of the Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone, has expressed deep concerns over what he describes as “poor accountability practices” within the country’s parliamentary governance, particularly regarding recent actions by Parliament and the Office of the President.
In an exclusive interview, Gbanie emphasized that Parliament is meant to play a vital role in protecting citizens, especially when access to justice is compromised or the executive branch becomes oppressive. He highlighted the recent removal of the Auditor General and her deputy as a striking example of the accountability crisis facing the nation. “If Parliament can vote out the Auditor General and her deputy, it tells you where we are as a country,” Gbanie stated, suggesting that this action undermines the mechanisms designed to ensure oversight.
He further elaborated on the implications of the Auditor General’s removal, arguing that it does not address the underlying issues of malpractice. “If an auditor identifies irregularities within the Office of the President, the focus should be on holding those responsible accountable, rather than penalizing the auditor,” he argued.
Gbanie pointed out that no one has been held accountable for what he termed an “international embarrassment” resulting from these issues. “If the President is not embarrassed, for us as a nation, it’s an embarrassment. This was an international embarrassment, and yet no one has been held accountable,” he added, referencing the unaddressed issues highlighted in the Auditor General’s findings.
The Executive Secretary called for all public officials implicated in mismanagement to face due process, emphasizing the need for accountability within Sierra Leone’s governance structures.
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