Reliable sources within the Accountant General’s Department have disclosed that a significant backlog of payment vouchers for contractors and suppliers remains unprocessed. Reports indicate that these documents have been accumulating on office shelves, while the Ministry of Finance continues to withhold payment authorizations.
Among those affected are contractors responsible for supplying rice to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and the Sierra Leone Correctional Services (SLCS). The arrears owed to these suppliers have now escalated to over NLe300 million new Leones.
Rice suppliers are on the brink of running out of finances, and have violated the terms of the loans they took from commercial banks, according to people who are familiar with the issue. These suppliers have formally notified authorities that they are unable to continue deliveries unless the government fulfills its financial obligations. This development signals a possible suspension of rice supply to security forces.
As Sierra Leone enters the second quarter of 2025, security personnel face the grim reality of another month without their most basic welfare provision: food. With the government missing the April 15 deadline for payment, this situation poses not only an embarrassment for the government but may lower the morale of the forces tasked if not addressed promptly.
A source at the Ministry of Finance has stated that efforts are underway to resolve the issue and meet financial obligations to the suppliers. However, the timeline for these payments remains uncertain.
This critical situation calls for immediate intervention by President Julius Maada Bio and key government officials to prevent further repercussions.