Fishtown, River Gee County- A leaked financial report from the River Gee County Sports Steering Committee for the 2024-2025 National County Sports Meet has exposed a web of financial mismanagement and corruption among county officials and committee members.
The leaked report revealed a staggering discrepancy in funds raised for the county’s participation in the sports event, with approximately LRD $ 6 million and USD $2,820.00 received from various sources, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and other private donors.
Despite this significant amount, the expenditure breakdown showed a total spending of LRD over $5 million and USD $2,590.
However, an alarming LRD $801,282 and USD $230 remain unaccounted for, along with claims of financial discrepancies involving key committee members, including Decontee Socro, Tyra Johnson, and others.
Corruption Allegations and Missing Funds
According to the leaked report, significant portions of the funds were spent on player transportation, allowances, lodging, food, and training materials.
A detailed list also included expenses for player and technical staff compensation, along with various operational costs.
However, the remaining balance does not match the total funds raised, suggesting improper handling of the financial resources.
The report details that an unexplained LRD $801,282 is missing from the funds, with claims that the money is in the hands of Ms. Malid Sugar Kollie, the chairlady of the steering committee.
The discrepancy was allegedly due to a loan of LRD $662,000 obtained by Kollie without the knowledge or approval of the steering committee members.
Additionally, a total of USD $230 could not be accounted for, leading to further concerns over transparency.
“During the reporting process, a sum of LRD 801,282 could not be accounted for,” stated the report, which further added that a portion of the LRD $85,000 was unaccounted for by other committee members including Decontee Socro and Tyra Johnson.
The unreported funds were part of LRD $300,000 allegedly withdrawn from the River Gee County Sports account without the knowledge of other committee members.
Committee Members under Scrutiny
The report names Ms. Kollie, River Gee County’s superintendent, and Co-chairman Young as key figures in the scandal.
These individuals are accused of improperly handling the county’s sports funds, with some committee members alleging that they were kept in the dark about several transactions and financial decisions.
Additionally, several donations made in kind, such as guest house rentals, rice, and transportation costs were included in the expenditure, but the missing funds are raising serious questions about accountability.
It is also noted that key figures, including Supt. Mike T. Swengbe and Senator Francis S. Dopoh, contributed to the campaign, yet the handling of these donations is now under intense scrutiny.
Urgent Call for Accountability
The findings in the report have sparked outrage among residents and sports lovers in River Gee County.
The public is demanding immediate action to investigate the matter, hold the responsible parties accountable, and ensure the proper use of the funds meant for the development of sports in the county.
The report ends with a call for the return of all unaccounted funds to complete the financial report and bring clarity to the situation.
“Whoever is responsible for these discrepancies must provide the balances to finalize our report,” the statement concluded.
The leaked report and its findings have raised concerns about the integrity of the River Gee County Sports Steering Committee and the mismanagement of funds that were supposed to support local sports talent and foster a better future for the youth in the county.
As of now, it is unclear as to whether local authorities will address these serious allegations, and whether any of the implicated individuals will be held accountable for their actions.
