Sierra Leone promises probe into Ebola spending
FREETOWN — An internal audit in Sierra Leone has found that millions of dollars — nearly one-third of the money received to fight Ebola — was spent without receipts and invoices.
In this Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014 file photo, healthcare workers load a man suspected of suffering from the Ebola virus onto an ambulance in Kenema, Sierra Leone. Photo: AP
FREETOWN — An internal audit in Sierra Leone has found that millions of dollars — nearly one-third of the money received to fight Ebola — was spent without receipts and invoices.
The government said today (Feb 16) that it takes the matter seriously and that the president “will ensure proper accountability for the use of these funds”.
The audit report emerged in Sierra Leone’s parliament last week and said that some US$5.75 million (S$7.8 million) in funds either had no or insufficient documentation. That represents about a third of the total US$19.32 million.
The government statement today warns that those found guilty of misusing Ebola funds “will face the full force of the law”.
More than 3,300 people have died from Ebola over the past year in Sierra Leone. AP
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