By Sallieu S, Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has officially cleared the Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Melrose Karminty, of all allegations related to corruption and misappropriation of donor funds and property.
The minister was accused of diverting donor contributions, mishandling food and material donations, and violating procurement procedures during the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration.
Following a comprehensive investigation, the ACC found no evidence to substantiate the claims. The Commission’s findings reveal:
- Proper Financial Management: Donor and government contributions totaling NLe 803,740 were deposited into the Ministry’s official account and disbursed in accordance with established financial procedures.
- Delegated Implementation: Activities for the commemoration were executed by the Ministry in collaboration with the National Consortium for the Enhancement of Persons with Disabilities (NaCEPED), under a committee led by a senior official. The Minister was not directly involved in procurement or implementation.
- Clarification on Rice Donation: The claim of 6,000 misappropriated bags of rice was found to be a misunderstanding. A donation of 1,200 bags (50kg each) from the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation was repackaged into 6,000 smaller 10kg bags for distribution, as per donor instructions. The foundation continues to oversee the distribution.
- Tarpaulin Accountability: A donation of 100 tarpaulins from Orange Sierra Leone was fully accounted for, with 55 distributed in Bo and the remaining 45 verified in the Minister’s custody.
The ACC concluded that there was no evidence of financial misconduct or procedural violations by Madam Karminty or any officials within the Ministry of Social Welfare.
This outcome reinforces Madam Karminty’s reputation for integrity and her longstanding dedication to serving Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable populations. Her leadership has been widely recognized within the sector for its transparency and commitment to social welfare.
Meanwhile, the ACC confirmed that corruption allegations against the former Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disability, Dr. Vandy Konneh, remain under investigation. The Commission stated that findings will be released in due course.
The clearance of Minister Karminty marks a significant moment for the Ministry of Social Welfare, reaffirming public trust and highlighting the importance of due process in governance