Savings held, trust broken…
BRAC SL Hit by Client Outcry & Irregularity Claims
By: Abdul Rahman Suagibu & James Brian Tucker
The Pujehun District Branch of BRAC Sierra Leone is facing growing public criticism following serious complaints by beneficiaries who allege persistent frustration, administrative malpractice and suspected financial irregularities.
An investigation by this medium indicates that several clients have allegedly been denied access to their savings and programme benefits, despite claims of full and consistent compliance with required contributions. Affected beneficiaries further allege that their personal contribution record books have been withheld by branch staff, while explanations given for the action remain unclear and undocumented.
“This is deeply unfair. I have been saving with BRAC for many years, and now they refuse to release my record book,” one client said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Another beneficiary added: “They are holding our books and denying us our benefits. It feels like exploitation.”
Internal Inquiry Raises Credibility Concerns
After repeated attempts to obtain an official response, the District Manager, Hawanatu Magbity, requested four working days to look into the matter. Management later issued a general denial of the allegations.
However, this medium established that the staff member reportedly placed under internal review was also the same field officer directly responsible for managing the accounts of the affected clients. This development has raised serious concerns over conflict of interest and the overall credibility of the internal investigation.
It is further alleged that the same officer issued threats to some beneficiaries, warning them of possible repercussions should she be removed from her position.
When these findings were formally presented to BRAC Sierra Leone’s senior management, the organisation reportedly acknowledged the existence of operational lapses and indicated that disciplinary action had been taken.
No Visible Relief for Affected Clients
Several weeks after these assurances, clients insist that no tangible corrective measures have been implemented. According to them, the same staff members remain in active service, while their complaints and requests for access to their savings and records remain unresolved.
“We were promised justice, but nothing has changed,” one distressed beneficiary said. “We are still suffering.”
Possible Breaches of National Law
If substantiated, the alleged actions may amount to violations of key national laws and regulatory frameworks, including provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008 (as amended in 2019), the Consumer Protection Act, 2023, and applicable microfinance and financial-services regulations governing client access to funds, record-keeping and fiduciary responsibility.
The situation may also contradict governance and accountability standards required of non-governmental organisations operating in Sierra Leone, particularly those delivering financial and social-protection services to vulnerable communities.
Trust at Stake
The prolonged delay in resolving the complaints has intensified concerns about accountability within BRAC Sierra Leone, especially in rural districts where communities rely heavily on microfinance and livelihood support programmes.
Affected clients are now appealing directly to the organisation’s national leadership and to relevant regulatory and oversight authorities to intervene, institute an independent investigation, and take decisive remedial action.
As pressure continues to mount, a critical question remains: will BRAC Sierra Leone’s senior management act swiftly to restore public confidence, or will continued inaction further erode trust in one of the country’s most visible development institutions?
