A new study by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) has raised concerns over the procurement of rice for prisoners in Sierra Leone, suggesting that a significant portion of public funds allocated between 2016 and 2023 may have been wasted.
According to the report, at least 80 percent of the NLe211 million (approximately USD17.8 million) spent on rice procurement during the period could not be justified when measured against plausible daily consumption levels. The study estimates that, on paper, each prisoner was allocated an average of 10.2 cups of rice per day — far above the assumed dietary requirement of one to two cups.
The report analysed 552 prison procurement contracts alongside a dataset on firms’ political connections. It found that rice procurement accounted for 62 percent of prison food procurement, making it a critical area for financial oversight.
The study also observed fluctuations in rice allocation over the years. In 2017, allocations reportedly peaked at 15 cups per prisoner per day. The figure dropped significantly between 2020 and 2022 but rose again in 2023. Researchers suggest the pattern may reflect broader governance and accountability challenges.
In addition, the report found that about 60 percent of prison contractors were replaced following the 2018 change of government, indicating a strong link between political transitions and procurement awards. It also pointed to possible cases of “double-dipping,” noting that prison farms reportedly funded to produce food showed no clear evidence of output, while the government continued full external procurement.
IGR concludes that prison food procurement is deeply intertwined with political patronage networks and calls for urgent reforms.
Among its recommendations, the report urges the Government of Sierra Leone to review food procurement systems across public institutions, including prisons, hospitals and uniformed services. It also recommends accelerating the digitalisation of public procurement processes to improve transparency, accountability and cost efficiency.
