President Bio urged Expired MDA Board Members Continue to Draw Salaries Amid Economic Crisis in Sierra Leone

Concerns are mounting over the transparency and fiscal responsibility of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Sierra Leone, as it has emerged that numerous board members whose terms have expired continue to receive salaries, sitting allowances, and influence key government decisions. This issue has surfaced at a time when Sierra Leone is grappling with significant economic challenges, leading to widespread calls for President Julius Maada Bio to take swift action.


Recent reports indicate that board members in several MDAs have overstayed their legal tenures, with some terms expiring as far back as 2023. Despite clear statutory mandates limiting board tenures to three years, with a maximum of six years across two terms, these individuals remain in office, resulting in governance breaches and an unnecessary financial strain on the state.

The issue has drawn criticism from citizens and political observers alike, who are calling for an immediate review and dissolution of these outdated boards. They argue that maintaining these expired boards, particularly in a period of economic pressure exacerbated by global inflation and domestic challenges, is a significant misuse of public funds.


“These payments to expired board members are an unnecessary drain on the national coffers. At a time when the government should focus its resources on critical areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, it’s shocking to see funds wasted in this manner,” said a concerned citizen.

The Office of the President has been urged to take action, and many are calling on Audit Service Sierra Leone to investigate and publish a list of MDAs with outdated boards. Observers believe that replacing these expired boards with fresh, qualified talent could bring new perspectives and strategies to help address Sierra Leone’s economic challenges.


This situation is being closely monitored by stakeholders, with expectations that President Bio will intervene swiftly to prevent further financial strain. A forthcoming publication is expected to provide a detailed list of affected MDAs, shedding more light on the scale of the problem.


The public remains hopeful that addressing this governance issue will contribute to alleviating the country’s financial difficulties and set the stage for a more transparent and fiscally responsible future.

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