Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Rashid Thomas
Published on 2024-03-24 12:16:44
In a captivating and startling twist of events, the Bank of Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leone Police Inspector General have found themselves entangled in a heated dispute over allegations of a US$34,000 counterfeit money scandal. This unfolding saga, which came to light during the “Good Morning Salone” program on 98.1 radio station, has not only sparked confusion but also raised serious concerns about accountability and transparency within the country’s financial institutions.
The controversy began when Inspector General Fayia Sellu made startling accusations during a session at the Sierra Leone Parliament’s Committee Room 1, claiming that the Bank of Sierra Leone had failed to respond to inquiries regarding the verification of US$34,000 in counterfeit notes dating back to 2021. Sellu’s allegations cast a dubious shadow over the integrity of the central bank, hinting at negligence or even complicity in the handling of counterfeit currency.
In a swift and resolute rebuttal, Alfred Sama, the Director of Banking at the Bank of Sierra Leone, vehemently denied Sellu’s claims during the live radio program. Sama assured the public that the bank had dutifully fulfilled its state responsibilities and had no pending verification requests for counterfeit notes. He pledged to collaborate with the Inspector General to verify the veracity of the allegations while maintaining that, as things stand, the bank is unaware of any unresolved issues concerning counterfeit money.
The situation has left the public in a state of uncertainty and skepticism. Both the current Inspector General and the Bank Governor, Dr. Ibrahim L. Stevens, a former Deputy Bank Governor under Professor Keifala Kallon in 2021, have chosen to remain silent on the matter. Dr. Stevens’ reticence has fueled speculation and raised suspicions due to his significant role in the leadership of the central bank.
The absence of clarity from the Bank Governor and the Director of Banking, along with the conflicting narratives put forth by the Inspector General and the central bank, have left citizens pondering whom to trust. Is the Inspector General fabricating accusations to divert attention from other issues, or is the Bank of Sierra Leone attempting to conceal its involvement in a counterfeit scandal?
As tensions escalate, the credibility of both institutions hangs precariously in the balance. The people of Sierra Leone eagerly anticipate decisive action and transparent communication from their authorities to restore trust and ensure accountability within the nation’s financial sector. Until such measures are taken, the cloud of suspicion surrounding the US$34,000 counterfeit allegations will linger, casting a dark shadow over the integrity of Sierra Leone’s financial system.
Read the original article on Sierra Leone Telegraph
