Bogus Contractor Using ACC to Get Rid of Edmund Koroma

An insider  in the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), speaking to this writer on condition of strict anonymity, disclosed that the decision to have an ex ship captain as the ‘independent expert’ to look at the values of the two ferries bought by NASSIT, was  an orchestration by some ACC insiders, and powerful political outsiders, to bring down Edmund Koroma, the current Financial Secretary of the Government of Sierra Leone, who was Director-General of NASSIT at the time when two ferries were negotiated for.

The ACC independent ‘expert’, said to be one Abraham Macaulay,   who served at a senior position in the Sierra Leone Ports Authority several years back, was quoted in the ACC Report on the ferries thus: “… the total amount of money that should have been spent for both vessels should have been nothing above 500,000 Euros…”  How did he come about this figure?  Why did ACC only quote what figures of the so-called expert, without quoting figures for ferries that have been bought by other West African countries?

It is believed that the decision to only bring Edmund Koroma to the limelight for the ferries, leaving aside the subcommittee and even the Board of Directors who actually approved the purchase of the ferries, is a clear indication that Edmund Koroma is the ACC’s target.  The motive –  Someone simply wants Edmund Koroma out of the way in the finance ministry as Financial Secretary.  Edmund too closely monitors projects; and too many people in the finance ministry used to chopping billions of Leones every year in deals with contractors have been blocked by Edmund. 

Investigations also revealed that one Mamud Idriss and Mohamed Bah have recently resigned from NASSIT due to continual harassment from top management within that institution. There is an orchestrated campaign to hit Edmund Koroma, to get ‘Edmund’s Men’ out of NASSIT.  Why?

The ACC’s ‘independent expert’ is far from being a dispassionate patriot in the matter.  There are allegations that ‘expert’ Abraham Macaulay had on several occasions bagged contracts from NASSIT.   He would always be a poor contract performer; not meeting deadlines for completion of contracts awarded him. .Abraham’s wife, Esther Macaulay is also believed to have benefitted from contracts in NASSIT.  See, why they want Edmund to be smeared?  .

I am not just obfuscating issues.  Okay, get the facts clearly.  In August of 2008, NASSIT acquired the ferry called “COSTAS TH III”.  The technical survey was done by a leading shipyard company in Europe called “DAMEN”.  Damen was unequivocal in stating, “The ferry’s technical state was deemed to be correct for her age, and her condition reflected the asking price”.  See, these are not the ACC pseudo experts, Captain Macaulay, but real corporate experts in Europe.

Damen Shipyards Group was founded in 1927. . From a modest start with a single shipyard, DAMEN has grown to acquire a leading position in modular shipbuilding based on standardized designs.  DAMEN has more than 30 shipyards and related companies all over the world.  DAMEN shipbuilding activities include a wide range of products, such as tugs, workboats, patrol craft, cargo vessels, dredgers and even mega yachts and fast ferries. Product design and engineering are carried out in-house and a broad range of designs is available. DAMEN is involved in new construction as well as maintenance and repair activities. In addition, DAMEN provides a broad range of associated maritime services.  DAMEN has developed a reputation for a reputation for efficient post-delivery support.

So, when DAMEN learned about the problem of the ferries, it was concerned not only about money lost, but, the preservation of its hard earned reputation. DAMEN offered to repair the ferries and bring them back into operation within a one month period. The cost of repairs would be incurred by DAMEN.  Various specialists were contracted by DAMEN to do the repairs, this would include main engine repairs, auxiliary engine repair, electrical system upgrade, bridge controls repair, structural welding, replacement of the doors on the superstructure, etc.

DAMEN’s expert advice was that the NASSIT ferries would operate for about three years.  There would be no need for an engine overhaul.  The money that would have been spent on the overhaul, according to DAMEN, would be saved, and used to purchase brand new ferries. NASSIT, buoyed by this expert advice, further entrusted DAMEN to purchase a good ferry for the Freetown to Lungi route.

Edmund Koroma as Director-General of NASSIT never claimed to be an expert on everything.  He is a seasoned economist and a financial expert.   Like with every investment portfolio he handled, he would consult those who were experts, with knowledge, experience, and integrity.  In the case of the ferries, the Edmund Koroma-led NASSIT contracted DAMEN with EIGHTY YEARS EXPERIENCE in competitive Europe.   Surely, the ACC must have the appraisal by DAMEN.  Why raise the dust over the ferry issue, and prosecute and convict Edmund Koroma in the media, while cleverly not ever mentioning the Board of Directors of NASSIT who collectively endorsed all decisions concerning the ferries?  President Koroma, be warned – the sheep in wolves clothing who want you to get rid of your best men in government could one day shed their wolves out garments and go for your jugular, if not literally, but politically.

Now, further investigations have revealed, that NASSIT has decided to blacklist all of the companies of this ‘independent expert’, as he used to get contracts from NASSIT, especially in the area of Billboards. This is due to the poor performance he has been giving. SO the ACC should know this.

By John Sesay

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