Taitosaua Edward Winterstein had been stood down after two notorious criminals managed to escape from the newly-opened Tanumalala prison.
Prison Minister Tialavea Tionisio Hunt told the Samoa Observer an investigation found the prisoners were able to escape after a guard left a cell door open.
It found the prison was understaffed at the time.
Tialavea said the guard had been sacked and could face criminal charges.
