Nfa Karamba Saccoh
Every quarter has taken a different route in explaining what the end result of this matter of the alleged investigation will be, some for professional reasons, while others are viewing it from a political standpoint. Either way gives a valid perspective to what must be done within the context of the ACC‘s mandate as the apex of accountability and transparency. The be all and end all of this subject is to ensure that the President decides now for posterity. It is in this consideration that I’m taking a proficient and expert position to crave the indulgence of the father of the nation to follow the report of the Anti- Corruption Commission to its logical conclusions.
We can’t sit and watch our democracy die because of individual’s proclivity to change the narrative of the investigation. It is crystal obvious that many evidence based systems have been spotted, and among one of the documents submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission, is Evidence 4, which raises one of the most significant questions in the entire USL impasse.
The evidence centres on the ReBUILD for Resilience Project, an international research initiative that was being implemented at the University of Sierra Leone through COMAHS in partnership with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM).
According to a letter dated 4th May 2023, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie informed the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone of her decision to move the project to a local research organisation. In the letter, she stated that she had decided to transition the project based on her self-aggrandizement and belief that another institution would provide the necessary systems and support for effective implementation. She further indicated that the existing arrangement between LSTM and USL would come to an end.
Upon such attempt by the Minister, the letter immediately raised concerns within the University of its irregularities in the project implementation.
Four days later, the Acting Registrar responded on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. The University’s position was clear. The Registrar pointed out that the agreement for the ReBUILD for Resilience Project was signed between LSTM and the University of Sierra Leone, not between LSTM and any individual researcher. The University argued that decisions regarding the future of the project should therefore be taken at the institutional level rather than by an individual project investigator.
The University also requested copies of the Memorandum of Understanding governing the project and informed LSTM of its concerns regarding the proposed transfer.
The matter became even more complicated when correspondence from LSTM indicated that Dr. Wurie had taken up an affiliate research position at another institution and that the funder wished that institution to continue responsibility for the project. LSTM subsequently communicated its intention to terminate the existing arrangement with USL.
USL did not agree with that position.
The Minister and the University who owns the project?