In a powerful statement during their party’s maiden parliamentary press conference on May 29, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Abdul Kargbo, sharply criticized the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for its failure to investigate substantial sums of unaccounted government funds.

Kargbo highlighted alarming revelations from the Auditor-General’s Report, pointing out the ACC's inaction on significant financial discrepancies. He accused the commission of not holding the current government accountable, emphasizing that the country witnessed its highest cash loss in 2022, with a staggering 325 billion old Leones (approximately $32.5 million USD) unaccounted for, without any subsequent action taken by the ACC.

Referencing the Auditor-General’s Report, Kargbo detailed a pattern of missing funds over several years. He noted that in 2018, 140.9 billion old Leones were unaccounted for, followed by 177.6 billion in 2019, 153.9 billion in 2020, and 187.3 billion in 2021. The losses escalated to 325 billion old Leones in 2022.

Kargbo contrasted these figures with those from previous years under his party’s governance, citing significantly lower amounts of unaccounted funds: 104 billion old Leones in 2014, 75 billion in 2015, 75.5 billion in 2016, and 37.2 billion in 2017. He argued that the current government’s losses in a single year surpass the total losses over five years during his party’s rule.

Recalling the arrests of numerous APC officials following the 2018 audit report, Kargbo alleged that the ACC’s inactivity signifies a bias, suggesting that the commission appears dormant when it comes to scrutinizing the current government.

Dr. Unpha Sorie Gbassav Koroma, who also spoke at the press conference, emphasized that this event is the first in a series of planned press briefings. These sessions aim to keep the public informed about parliamentary activities and national issues. He announced that future conferences will feature experts and professionals who will provide recommendations on critical matters such as fuel, electricity, inflation, and exchange rates, with the goal of addressing the pressing challenges faced by the masses.

By bringing these issues to the forefront, the opposition aims to ensure greater transparency and accountability in government operations, thereby safeguarding the nation's resources and interests.