Translated from Ganasavea Manuia Tafeaga’s FaaSamoa by Nicole Palamo-Wilson. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development has resigned amidst a Public Service Commission investigation into allegations involving procurement processes.
“Cabinet has accepted the resignation of Dr Mema Motusaga,” a Minsiter confirmed to Samoa Global News.
Public Service Commissioner, Nonu Saleimoa Vaai also confirmed PSC had launched an inquiry into Dr Mema Motusaga.
Reliable sources told SGN the inquiry was about allegations the CEO had not followed proper process in the procurement of a venue for a Ministry programme launch.
“O le mataupu i se seleni tupe na sainia e le Ofisa Sili e faamatuu atu (payment) i se faletalimalo sa launch ai se tasi o polokalame a le Matagaluega o Tina ma Tamaitai Nuu ma Agafesootai..”
“It is to do with the CEO signing over funds as payment to a hotel hosting a launch of a programme for the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development..”
“There were processes that needed to be actioned before the CEO can sign, however, they were not followed.”
“E iai auala e process ai le faatinoina faatoa mafai lea ona saini le Ofisa Sili, peitai, e le’i ūia lea auala.”
Attempts to contact Dr Mema for a comment have been unsuccessful.
Dr Mema Motusaga was appointed CEO of MWSCD just 18 months ago in March 2022, returning to the Ministry where she had previously worked for six years as a Samoa Gender Programme Management Specialist.
In announcing her appointment in March 2022, a government press release stated Dr Mema “had worked in a wide range of substantive areas, including youth and sports development, language and culture development, gender equality, violence against women, women’s economic empowerment, women in leadership, project management, human rights, education and good governance.”
The resignation of Dr Mema comes as the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development is set to welcome its new Minister, Hon Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo.
Outgoing Minister Hon Leota Laki Lamositele Sio moves across to take over the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour.
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