$65,000 brings war to Belgium Sellers

By Elkass I.L. Sannoh

A cross section of members of the Belgium Sellers Association, yesterday expressed their grievance over the sharing of the whooping sum of sixty five thousand Dollars (US$ 65,000.00), alleged to have been given to them by President Ernest Bai Koroma for them to develop their organization.

Addressing Journalists at the association’s ground at Pultney Street in Freetown, the Chairman of the organisation, Mr. Kowah Reynold John, explained that some time ago he was invited with four other members including the All Peoples Congress (APC) President of the Belgium Sellers Association, Mr. Mohamed Mason to see President Ernest Bai Koroma at State House.

He further explained that because he is a member of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), he was not informed on the slated date agreed upon to see the President.

Mr. John also told newsmen that when the other four members secretly went to the President, the President reportedly gave them the sum of sixty five thousand Dollars ($USD 65,000.00) as a good will gesture to capacitate their association. He stated that up to yesterday the general membership of the association were not aware of the whereabouts of the said money.

He explained that their demonstration has nothing to do with politics but that some callous people want to politicise it to bring divisions among them and confuse the issue of the money.

He maintained that he was happy that they have stood strong and united against such machinations and that they are determined to investigate the matter and bring those found wanting to justice.

Talking to this paper, the Chairman of the Main Bowl, Mr. Oseh Davies, said their Vice Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Kamara, the Secretary General, Mr. Domah Koroma and Prezo Baba were asked to make a report to the executive about the said money.

He also stated that Mrs. Sheriff, a niece of President Koroma and the proprietor of Paladio Restaurant, was very instrumental in uniting them and helping them to get the grant from the President.

He said they will not rest until they have retrieved the money.