The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament of Sierra Leone has concluded a three-day retreat to review and validate its draft report on the Auditor-General’s Report on the Accounts of Local Councils for the Financial Year 2024.
The retreat, which ended on Sunday, 25 October 2026, brought together Members of Parliament and the PAC Technical Secretariat to examine key audit findings, discuss accountability concerns and agree on recommendations aimed at strengthening financial management and oversight of local councils.
The exercise also paved the way for the finalisation and adoption of the report for subsequent presentation to Parliament for consideration.
Opposition Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, underscored the importance of implementing the Committee’s recommendations, warning that failure to take appropriate action could result in the recurrence of identified financial irregularities. He called for effective follow-up on matters referred to relevant institutions for further investigation and commended the Committee’s leadership and Secretariat for their work.
Deputy Opposition Leader II, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, highlighted the role of parliamentary oversight in promoting financial accountability, transparency and value for money in public expenditure. He also called for specialised training to strengthen the capacity of Committee members, alongside adequate resources to support field visits and verification exercises, particularly in remote communities.
Adam Tommy, Project Coordinator of the Accountable Governance Project at the Ministry of Finance, commended the PAC for its commitment to accountability and assured members of continued support for the Committee’s work. He encouraged sustained collaboration among Parliament, government institutions and development partners to ensure the implementation of audit recommendations and the effective use of public resources.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Chairperson of the PAC, Hon. P.C. Desmond Mahayei Kargobai, thanked Committee members, the PAC Secretariat and the Audit Service for their contributions to the review process.
He reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to working with relevant institutions to strengthen oversight, improve the management of public funds and minimise the misuse of government resources.
Meanwhile, Augustine Sesay, Deputy Director and Head of the PAC Secretariat, outlined the progress made during the review and stressed the importance of carefully examining the report to ensure that relevant issues and recommendations were adequately addressed. He also commended Secretariat staff for their support and assured Members of Parliament of their continued assistance in carrying out the Committee’s mandate.
The review was led by Director Sheku Lamin Turay, who guided Committee members and technical staff through the draft report section by section. Participants proposed corrections, amendments and clarifications to improve the report’s accuracy, quality and overall presentation.
At the conclusion of the exercise, a motion was moved for the adoption of the amended report for consideration by the Parliament of Sierra Leone, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the revised Standing Orders.
The completion of the review marks a significant step in the PAC’s efforts to strengthen parliamentary oversight, promote accountability in local council administration and ensure the responsible management of public funds for the benefit of citizens.