UK Aid in Sierra Leone allegations

You will have seen a number of stories in today’s newspapers picking up allegations made in the UK yesterday over the use of UK aid in Sierra Leone.

Please read statements in response from the International Development Minister Gareth Thomas, and the UK’s National Audit Office.

International Development Minister, Gareth Thomas

DFID has not been informed of these allegations and I would urge anyone with evidence of corruption to get in touch with the department.

The National Audit Office has just returned from Sierra Leone and found no evidence to substantiate these allegations.

DFID does not tolerate corruption and has strong systems in place to ensure UK aid gets to those who need it. In fact, we actively pursue those who steal money meant for the poor and have been working with the Government of Sierra Leone to investigate and prosecute those suspected of corruption.

Our aid is making a real difference to the people of Sierra Leone and this year will provide healthcare for 230,000 women and one million children.

National Audit Office (NAO)

As part of our audit of DFID’s 2009-10 Resource Accounts, an NAO team visited DFID Sierra Leone last month to review DFID expenditure.

We found no evidence, which would substantiate the allegations made in the House.

Our view was that DFID’s management of its programme had improved since the last NAO visit in 2007.

Improvements in financial management can always be made and those areas that could be improved will be reported back to the Department, however they did not relate to the allegation made.

If Members of Parliament have specific allegations we would be grateful to see them.

Musa Sangarie, Political & Press Assistant, British High Commission

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