The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has concluded its investigation into allegations of corruption involving the Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Umar Paran Tarawally, and his wife, Mrs. Abibatu Parana Tarawally. The investigation, which began in January 2024, centered on claims that Mrs. Tarawally was improperly employed and received salaries and allowances without fulfilling her duties.
The ACC’s investigation confirmed that Mrs. Abibatu Parana Tarawally received salaries and allowances as a Human Resource Officer from September 2021 to March 2023. Her monthly net salary during this period was 7,676 Leones, totaling 156,422 Leones over 19 months. Mrs. Tarawally admitted to having been employed as a replacement staff in November 2021, working only a few days before falling ill and subsequently traveling abroad for medical treatment.
Mrs. Tarawally has refunded the full amount of 156,422 Leones received during her employment period, which has been paid into the ACC Recovery Account. Additionally, she has agreed to pay an interest of 10% on the refunded sum, amounting to 15,642 Leones. As part of the settlement under Section 89 (1) (b)(i)(ii) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 (as amended in 2019), Mrs. Tarawally is precluded from holding public office for at least five years.
While Hon. Umar P. Tarawally denied any involvement in his wife’s employment, the investigation deemed it implausible that he was unaware of the situation. Despite this, the evidence did not meet the threshold for prosecution. Consequently, Hon. Tarawally has been referred to the President for appropriate administrative action due to his failure in supervisory responsibilities.
In response to this case, the ACC’s Corruption Prevention Department will collaborate with the Office of the Clerk of Parliament and the Human Resources Department of the Parliamentary Service Commission. This partnership aims to establish efficient systems and processes to prevent future administrative anomalies.
The ACC expressed gratitude to the Leadership and Members of Parliament, the Parliamentary Service Commission, the Accountant General’s Department, and the Ministry of Finance for their cooperation during the investigation. The Commission also thanked the public for their patience and interest throughout the investigative process.
This case underscores the ACC’s commitment to upholding integrity within public offices and ensuring that administrative processes are transparent and accountable.
