The Directorate of Internal Audit at the Ministry of Finance commenced a nationwide workshop for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Strengthening Institutional Capacity in Control Risk and Compliance in the Public Sector on Monday, 9th February 2026, at Country Lodge Hill Station, Freetown.

The Director of Internal Audit, Kandeh Sesay, in his welcome remarks, stated the aim is to enhance shared understanding of roles and responsibilities within the Public Financial Management (PFM) governance framework and to reinforce the oversight, assurance, and advisory functions of Internal Audit Units in MDAs.

Mr. Sesay highlighted that the workshop’s goals are to increase awareness of the mandate and expectations of the Internal Audit Directorate and Units in MDAs, enhance understanding of the relevance of internal control risk and compliance for accountability and service delivery, and promote alignment with legal and regulatory frameworks such as the PFM Act and global Internal Standards 2024.

He mentioned that knowledge sharing should be the best practice among MDAs, Local Councils, and Oversight bodies for managing risk and addressing Control Weaknesses. He also emphasised collaboration with Internal Audit, Audit Committees, and external stakeholders to enhance compliance and implement Audit recommendations.

He assured participants that the workshop would improve understanding of the institutions’ Control Risk and Compliance Framework, communication and coordination between the Audit Unit, Committees, and Management, and also identify key capacity gaps and risk areas, and provide actionable recommendations to improve internal control, risk management practices, and compliance monitoring within MDAs and Local Councils.

The Deputy Financial Secretary Administration (DFS Admin), Mamie Miatta Kallon, assured participants that the workshop would provide good practices and expected practical approaches to strengthening capacities, enhancing coordination, and building resilient systems that would adopt good changes.

Dr. William Tucker, Chairman of the Government Audit Committee, noted that the workshop would robustly develop policy and procedures and establish clear guidelines for Control Risk Management and Compliance.

He further noted that this exercise would also enhance the Risk Management Framework by identifying, assessing, and mitigating risk proactively rather than reacting to risk.

He stated that these engagements would improve governance in decision-making, reduce risk management and control, enhance transparency and accountability for better service delivery, and public trust.

This workshop will continue in BO and Makeni, where the Internal Audit Directorate, with funding from the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors, will further engage Local Councils and other stakeholders to improve internal Controls for better Service delivery.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 23rd February 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)