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The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) has officially commenced engagements with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on the implementation of audit recommendations as part of the preparations for the 2024 audit process. This proactive initiative aims to foster transparency, improve governance, and enhance public sector performance across the nation.
The engagement kicked off on Monday 17th February 2025, with a meeting with the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA). This was followed by sessions with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning held in the Conference Room of the ASSL on the 12th Floor of the Freetown City Council (FCC) Hall, Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown.
During these pivotal meetings, Deputy Auditor General, Mr. Aiah Gbondo Tugbawa, warmly welcomed the various heads and teams from these MDAs. The primary objectives of these discussions were to assess the current status of implementing previous audit recommendations, address associated challenges and highlight developmental progress within their respective institutions.
The Acting Auditor-General, Mr. Abdul Aziz, emphasised the importance of collaborative partnerships between the ASSL and MDAs to effectively address issues hampering growth and development in their institutions. He underlined the paradigm shift within the ASSL’s focus—moving from normal financial auditing practices to a more dynamic approach centered on service delivery that has direct impact on the lives of citizens.
The meetings also provided a platform for these MDAs to express concerns and seek clarification on specific audit findings. This open dialogue is intended to cultivate a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
The ASSL team presented insights into the audit process, discussing various irregularities identified in past reports. They provided guidance to MDAs on strategies to overcome the challenges encountered when implementing audit recommendations. Mr. Abdul Aziz reassured the MDAs that audits are not intended as punitive measures or a "witch hunt" but as vital tool for national development, aimed at fostering accountability, enhancing financial management, value addition to MDAs, and ultimately improving service delivery of governance objectives to the populace.
The breakfast meeting engagements will continue with various other MDAs, ensuring a systematic approach to the 2024 audit process. These meetings aim to instill a shared responsibility for performance and integrity across all levels of government, aligning with Sierra Leone’s short- and long-term national development goals.