Combating Corruption in Sierra Leone

The Sierra Leonean paradox - a country rich in mineral and marine resources but one ranked the poorest country according to the UNDP Human Development Index of 2007. Some of the major causes of poverty in Sierra Leone are the prevalence of all forms of corruption, Bad Governance and the prevalent high level of illiteracy. Corruption contributes significantly to the state of economic bankruptcy in the country. Previous governments have all sought to plunder the state coffers and enriching themselves and their clans rather than strive to provide the urgent needs for the country. Corruption has become the order of the day and the cancer that destroys the fabrics of the society. Unless corruption is seriously combated, Sierra Leone`s future will be plagued by misery, underdevelopment and extreme poverty, which in turn may have serious consequences on the stability within the country.§"Combating Corruption in Sierra Leone" is an attempt by the author in placing the fight against corruption high on the political and economic agenda in a country endowed with enormous resources, one with the capabilities of being one of the richest countries in Africa.