Concord Times (Freetown)
Tanu Jalloh
9 September 2008
Freetown — An administrative commission of inquiry was yesterday commissioned by President Ernest Bai Koroma to probe a proposed salary increase that was sanctioned by his former secretary without due protocols.
Sanpha Koroma was forced to resign as secretary to the President after he authorized the debate of a proposed legislation to increase salaries of the president and his vice without a presidential consent.
This was in the aftermath of a controversial August 21 statutory instrument No 11 of 2008 proposing a five hundred percent salary increment under the state salaries, pensions, gratuities and other benefits Act 2003 (Act No. 4 of 2003).
The commissioners include veteran civil servant Eugene Davies, Harriette Turay of the 50-50 group and Charles Mambu of the civil society, while Yankuba Gbakie would serve as the commission's secretary.
President Koroma lauded the commissioners for accepting the appointment at such a short notice.
He said the matter must be properly investigated in order that they could determine what really transpired and subsequently led to the shameful resignation of former confidante of the President.
The president described acts by his former secretary as an obvious executive breach and requested that the commissioners should deeply consider why the proposal was sent to Parliament without his consent and why must a civil servant authorize payment of pension and other benefits to former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
He said he relied on the experience and expertise of the team, adding that commissioner Davies was conversant with civil service procedures.
In his response commissioner Davies thanked the President for the confidence reposed in them and assured him that the matter would be speedily investigated and a report submitted.
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