Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources is facing scrutiny after the Auditor-General reported an attempt to waive $97,400 owed by Allantaco Fishing Company, linked to unpaid licence fees and penalties for illegal fishing.
According to the Auditor-General’s report, the proposed waiver was not supported by adequate documentation, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public revenue.
The auditors warned that failure to recover such dues could undermine enforcement of fisheries regulations and pose risks to coastal livelihoods that depend on sustainable fishing practices.
The ministry has not publicly explained the basis for the waiver. Anti-corruption advocates say the case highlights broader challenges in ensuring compliance and protecting state revenue in Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector.
By Joseph Turay
