The Ministry of Agriculture Direct Cash Transfer Scheme was meant to provide financial assistance to selected Farmer Based Organisations and individuals with the aim of helping the said beneficiaries boost production for agricultural consumption. The scheme, according to the Commission of Inquiry report was under the direct supervision of Monty P. Jones. The Commission found among other things that of the Le.3 billion approved, Ministry officials withdrew Le.1.8 billion (Le1,775,000,000) for the purpose of carrying out unauthorized activities of the scheme.
The Commission also found that “… blank cheques were signed by the then Permanent Secretary, Abdulai Koroma and the Chief Accountant, Edward Bassie Kamara, and (were given) to the former Minister, Monty Jones to take to the field … to distribute the said cheques to non-farmers and farmers of their choice rather than those recommended by the District Agriculture Officers” amounting to stealing.
As stated in the Government White Paper, the Commission’s recommendation have been accepted by the government for the trio to refund the said Le1.8 billion which the Commissioner stated was “predicated upon the equitable doctrine of restitution”.
By Zainab Iyamide Joaque