By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, Daily Scope
The 2023 Auditor General’s Report has exposed significant financial mismanagement at the Ministry of Social Welfare, highlighting the misappropriation of funds designated for Hajj services.
According to the report, the Ministry failed to provide essential supporting documents, including bank withdrawals and payment records, for a staggering balance of US$2,982,968.25 intended for Hajj-related expenses.
The initial audit also revealed that payments totaling US$3,392,000—allegedly allocated for accommodation, catering, honorariums, and transportation—lacked crucial documentation such as invoices, receipts, and delivery notes. The Auditor General identified these discrepancies as potential indicators of institutional corruption, leading to strong recommendations for corrective action. Among these was a directive for the Ministry to either furnish the necessary documentation or refund the unaccounted amount to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
In response to the findings, the Ministry submitted documents justifying *US$409,031.75, representing only *12% of the total amount under scrutiny, leaving US$2,982,968.25 still unaccounted for.
Beyond the Hajj funds, the report also uncovered irregularities related to contracts for the supply of essential items to state-run welfare facilities. Signed contracts worth NLe 1,621,440 for the Wellington Approved School, NLe 1,238,160 for the Remand Home in Bo, and NLe 1,444,458 for the Remand Home in Kingtom were not made available for audit inspection. The lack of these records raises serious concerns about pricing, payment terms, and the risk of non-delivery of goods.
The findings from the Auditor General’s Report underscore significant governance and accountability challenges within the Ministry of Social Welfare. Stakeholders are now urging immediate action to ensure transparency, prevent future financial mismanagement, and hold accountable those responsible.
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