A case of alleged misappropriation of medical equipment is currently rocking the Kouroussa prefectural hospital in Upper Guinea. The hospital's director, Demba Mara, is accused by a group of youths of transferring several pieces of hospital equipment to his private home. The case has been referred to the gendarmerie's investigation unit for investigation, according to reports.

Events that occurred in the middle of the night

The events date back to the night of October 1, 2025. According to several witnesses, the director was surprised by young people, including members of the municipal youth council, while he was loading two generators belonging to the hospital onto a truck. "On the night of October 1, young people called me to inform me that the director was removing the generators from the hospital. When we arrived, he explained that they were to be sent to Kankan for repairs. We wanted to alert the gendarmerie, but at the request of the prefectural director of health and certain civil society actors, we agreed to wait until after the October 2 holiday to officially contact the authorities," said a representative of the municipal youth council.

Video reinforces suspicions

A few hours later, a video showing a tricycle loaded with operating beds and other equipment leaving the hospital for the director's home circulated among the town's youth. This footage further fueled suspicions of embezzlement. "After the generator incident, we were given a video showing a tricycle transporting operating beds to the director's house. The youth then wrote a letter to the police. I'm returning to Kouroussa tomorrow to clarify this matter," another local official said.

Ambulances missing

The accusations also target the hospital's ambulance management. According to several local sources, the facility had six ambulances, but only three are still on site. "We want to know where the three missing ambulances have gone. The director is accused of regularly diverting hospital equipment for personal gain. We want this to stop," said a young civil society activist.

The case is in the hands of the gendarmerie

Contacted by telephone, an official from the Kouroussa justice of the peace confirmed that the case is currently being handled by the Kankan investigation brigade, which is responsible for verifying the veracity of the facts and establishing responsibilities. This case, which combines public accusations and alleged mismanagement within the prefecture's main hospital, has sparked strong indignation among the residents of Kouroussa, who are awaiting the legal outcome.