Mounting allegations have surfaced accusing both the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) of jointly operating what critics describe as an “organized criminal enterprise” around the country’s toll gate system. Concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of toll revenues have reignited public anger, with citizens demanding urgent reforms.
A recent report released by the Institute of Governance Research claims that toll gate funds, meant to support infrastructure development and road maintenance, are being siphoned off without proper oversight. Both ruling and opposition parties have been implicated in what watchdogs say is a coordinated scheme to exploit public resources for political and personal gain.
“The toll system has become a cash cow for elites,” said one civil society activist. “There is no transparency in how much is collected daily, nor clarity on where the money goes.”
Despite repeated calls for audits, government agencies, namely the Sierra Leone Roads Authority and the Ministry of Works, have failed to publish detailed financial reports on toll gate collections. Analysts argue that this opacity fuels suspicions of corruption and undermines public trust in both APC and SLPP leadership.
Mr. Abdul Mansaray, a seasoned independent economist, warns that the absence of accountability not only deprives Sierra Leone of critical infrastructure funding but also entrenches systemic corruption. “Without transparent reporting, toll revenues risk becoming slush funds for political actors,” one expert noted.
Motorists and commuters, who bear the daily burden of toll fees, have expressed frustration at the lack of visible improvements in road conditions. Many accuse successive governments of prioritizing political patronage over public service delivery.
Citizens are now calling for a forensic audit of toll gate revenues, publication of monthly revenue reports, and establishment of an independent oversight body to monitor collections and expenditures.
The allegations strike at the heart of Sierra Leone’s governance crisis, highlighting how both major parties, despite their rivalry, are accused of colluding in practices that erode public confidence. With elections looming, the toll gate controversy is expected to become a flashpoint in debates over corruption and accountability.