Richard Konteh Denies Forging Ex-President Koroma’s Signature in Timber Permit Controversy

Dr. Richard Konteh, a flagbearer aspirant of the All People's Congress (APC), has denied allegations that he forged the signature of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, offering his account of the events during a recent interview.

The controversy dates back to June 2014, when Konteh was serving as Chief of Staff at State House. He was later removed from office following allegations linked to a timber export permit scandal, in which documents approving timber exports were reported to contain a forged presidential signature.

In the interview, Konteh maintained that he had been authorized to approve the export of timber containers in line with established procedures. According to him, he legally processed approvals for 30 containers based on instructions he received at the time.

However, he claimed that an individual later extracted his signature from an official document and placed it on another document that had not been approved, which was allegedly used to facilitate the continued export of timber containers without his knowledge.

Konteh said that when the matter came to light, an investigation was conducted by the intelligence unit and members of his ministerial team. According to him, the inquiry concluded that his signature had been forged.

He further alleged that the intelligence unit, which he said was led at the time by Christopher John, identified Alie Suma currently the APC Chairman in Port Loko District as the individual responsible for the forgery.

Konteh also recounted that when he later went to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to present the matter on behalf of the government, he was treated as an accused person rather than a witness. He said he was subsequently dismissed from his position before the case proceeded to trial.

“The matter went to court, and after three years it was dismissed for lack of evidence,” Konteh said, adding that a professional witness testified that his signature had indeed been forged.

He noted that misinformation has circulated about the incident over the years, reiterating that he did not forge anyone’s signature and emphasizing that he had already been removed from government before the court reached its decision.

Konteh’s remarks come as he continues his campaign for the APC flagbearer position, seeking to clarify past controversies while assuring supporters of his integrity and transparency.