By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamarat
Audit Sierra Leone organized a high-profiled training program on Thursday at the View Hotel, 15th Floor, FCC Freetown, under the theme “Training Stakeholders and Staff on Disallowance and Surcharge as per the Law.” The event brought together stakeholders from various public offices across Sierra Leone to strengthen their understanding of key audit procedures.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Martin Sandy, Senior Information, Education and Communications Officer of Audit Service Sierra Leone, introduced the program and highlighted its importance in ensuring accountability in public financial management.
The Deputy Auditor General Sierra Leone, Mr. Selvin Bell, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of partnerships in achieving institutional goals. He welcomed partners from Ghana, who served as trainers for the program, and underscored the importance of collaboration with law enforcement agencies and other organizations in Sierra Leone. “Learning from experts in the field is essential for improving our audit processes,” he stated, urging staff and stakeholders to adopt and implement the lessons learned.
The Assistant Auditor General Ghana Office, Mr. Samuel Frimpong Mansa, provided an insightful overview of Disallowance and Surcharge. Drawing comparisons with Ghana’s constitution, he outlined the key considerations for implementing these procedures and examined the legal frameworks in Sierra Leone relevant to the topic.
Madam Selangor Comfort Akpabla, Legal Affairs Officer, Audit Office Ghana, elaborated on the roles of various government bodies in Sierra Leone, including the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), the Accountant General, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, and the Judiciary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament. Her presentation emphasized the collaborative efforts needed to uphold accountability and transparency in public finances.
The training is expected to enhance the capacity of stakeholders and staff to enforce Disallowance and Surcharge provisions effectively, fostering greater financial discipline and integrity across Sierra Leone’s public sector.
Audit Sierra Leone continues to champion initiatives aimed at strengthening public accountability and ensuring compliance with financial laws and regulations.