Ishmail Al-Sankoh-Conteh, former deputy Minister of Sports during the Ernest Bai Koroma APC led Government, has disproved the present White Paper on the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report by the ruling SLPP Government.
According to Al-Sankoh-Conteh, he has been unfairly branded in the COI Report and White Paper.
“I was wrongly indicted of mismanagement. I am a proud man and I never got myself involved in any form of corruption,” he said.
Chapter 11 of the White Paper made mention of the late Dr. Minkailu Bah and Al-Sankoh-Conteh as individuals who were involved in misappropriation in the Ministry of Sports and recommended for them to pay billions of Leones.
Al-Sankoh Conteh said he did not work in that capacity under Dr. Minkailu Bah and therefore is not aware of all those allegations highlighted in the White Paper. “First of all, everyone in this country knows that I never worked with Dr Minkailu Bah and the time when he was in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, I was not a minister during those periods. I assumed office as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports in 2013. So at no time did I work with Dr Minkailu Bah. So what is the intent to put my name and Minkailu Bah to be investigated? But, I think it’s a deliberate action to rope me in,” he stated.
He added: “Again let me make this clear. At no time the COI called me to answer any enquiry and I am not aware of the allegation up to this time. Secondly, it’s because they didn’t invite me I had no lawyer who represented me. I see the allegation against me unfair and I am not treated well. I believe that it is a clear violation of my fundamental human right. I have a responsible obligation to make. I mean denial or accept any wrong doing they alleged against me. So because the COI did not do that, and if you read the report you will find out that there is a lot misinformation contained in that document about the Ministry of Sport.”
“The people who were in charge of a lot of things involved in that White Paper were not interviewed. They were not investigated and what is responsible for that? They have to be investigated because I worked with several Permanent Secretaries and Directors. Those they linked me with are not treated in line with those I worked with.”
“I have agreed with my family to file in an appeal and I have already consulted a lawyer who will do that for me. And we hope the justice system will treat us fairly. I am sure, with God’s grace, I will be exonerated at the end of the day. I have maintained my integrity. I maintained my credibility and I remain to be someone who is free from corruption,” Al-Sankoh continued.
“I have never collaborated with anyone to involve in corruption and I suffer with my family, friends and neighbor. They know that I am living a very decent, humble and I will never put my hands in anything to enrich myself. Otherwise it could have shown in my living standard with my family but, I maintain my integrity to ensure that my family’s name is not being dragged into anything,” he noted.