The Impact of Corruption on the Socio- Economic Development of Sierra Leone, a Case Study Bo City

Abstract

This work was carried out to examine the impacts of corruption on the Socio-economic Development of Sierra Leone, a case study Bo city. The findings revealed that corruption increases inequality, decreases popular accountability and political representativeness, and thus produces rising frustration and hardship among citizens .In addition to the rise of an underground economy and the high social costs associated with corruption, its adverse consequences on income distribution, corruption investment, the government budget and on economic reforms are highlighted in this paper. This study employs a cross sectional design with diverse methods of research approach containing questionnaire. A stratified sampling technique was used in the selection of the respondents. Eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to eighty respondents in the study community.A Purposive randomized sampling technique was used to select respondents in Bo District, Bo community due to the fact that, they have requisite information about the issues involved in the study. The data generated were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and results were presented in tables, frequency, graphs and charts. The major findings discovered as effects of corruption were: public sector dysfunctionality affects socio-economic development in Bo city, failure in infrastructure and community development and frustration and cynicism. A high number of respondents, according to the study revealed that, officials in Bo city faced so many challenges. Some of the challenges highlighted by the respondents were: funding or financial issues, poor leadership, corruption and administrative inefficiency and lack equipment to accomplish projects.The study further revealed that, majority of the respondents were dissatisfied on how the national stakeholders, detective agencies and state institutions handle reported cases of corruption in Sierra Leone, for which several recommendations were given, key among which included the need for Government to review of policies to improve the working condition of public officials in the community. Government and other partners in development should provide adequate resources and equal opportunities in the country. The administrative heads should fight corruption in government administration. Laws must be made more stringent so that corrupt administrators or perpetrators do not get away easily.This study will serve as an instrumental tool capable of enhancing the knowledge and understanding of Sierra Leoneans on the effects of corruption on the Socio-economic Development of Sierra Leone. Such information will be vital in creating the possibility for people to deviate from the act of corruption.