Freetown, Sierra Leone
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has cleared the Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Melrose Karminty, of allegations of corruption and misappropriation of donor funds and property.
The allegations, made by the former Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disability, claimed that the Minister diverted donor funds, mishandled food and material donations, and failed to follow procurement procedures during the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration.
After what it described as a thorough investigation, the ACC found no evidence to support the claims.
According to the Commission’s findings:
- Donor and government contributions amounting to NLe 803,740 were lodged into the Ministry’s official account and disbursed in accordance with proper financial procedures.
- Activities marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities were implemented by the Ministry and the National Consortium for the Enhancement of Persons with Disabilities (NaCEPED), under a committee chaired by a senior official. The Minister was not directly involved in the implementation of activities or procurement.
- The widely reported claim of 6,000 bags of rice being misappropriated, was found to be based on a misunderstanding. A donation of 1,200 bags (50kg each) was received from Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation and converted into 6,000 smaller 10kg packages for distribution, as per the donor’s instructions. Distribution remains ongoing and is being managed directly by the foundation.
- A donation of 100 tarpaulins from Orange Sierra Leone was also fully accounted for, with 55 already distributed in Bo and the remaining 45 verified in the Minister’s custody.
The ACC concluded that there was no evidence of misappropriation of funds, property, or breach of procurement rules by Madam Karminty or officials in the Ministry of Social Welfare.
The outcome reaffirms Madam Karminty’s longstanding record of public service, which many in the sector describe as marked by integrity and a strong commitment to the welfare of Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable citizens.
The Commission also confirmed that allegations of corruption against the former Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disability remain under investigation, with outcomes to be communicated in due course.