S Leone probes misuse of donor funds
2013-01-21 07:31
Freetown - Sierra Leone's anti-graft body said on Thursday it
has opened a probe into the alleged misuse of more than a million dollars in
donor funds by the health ministry.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) said the
misappropriated funds of $1 099 640 came from the Geneva-based Global
Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) and the American-linked Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation.
"This has resulted in the freezing of the current GAVI
grant of over $500 000 and a new two-year grant of $5 399 371," the
ACC said in a statement.
The allegations included "undocumented expenses, cash
disbursements from bank accounts without documentation and overcharged
procurement costs relating to the purchase of ambulances."
"We are very determined to bring those involved to book
should we find any evidence of misappropriation," ACC chief Joseph Camara
told state television.
"We are going to make if difficult for people to put
donor funds into their pockets," he said.
According to World Health Organisation statistics GAVI
assistance since 2000 has totalled over $24m for the purchase of vaccines such
as the five-in-one shot which protects children against diptheria, tetanus,
whooping cough, hepatitis B and Hib.
- SAPA
