Sierra Leone's ministers 'are corrupt'
01/02/2010
The president of Sierra Leone has accused politicians within his government of corruption and warned that if the situation does not improve, the country will be hindered from progressing in the future.
Bai Koroma has issued a warning to ministers to stop any illegal activities they may be engaged in and stated that failure to do so will result in them losing their positions and being prosecuted, the BBC reported.
The leader was speaking at a meeting attended by representatives from the police, the mayor of Freetown and immigration officials, who he accused of selling passports to foreigners.
Quoting a statement from Mr Bai's office, the BBC reported it as saying: "Any minister or institution caught will be dealt with accordingly not only by losing the job, but we will take the appropriate legal action for betraying the confidence of the people."
He added that when people are arrested for these crimes, they are often bailed and protected by officials.
The president, who is head of the Sierra Leone People's Party, took up his post in September 2007.
Written by Simon Bassett
