Audit Service Hosts Interactive Sessions with MDAs

Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) continued with its popular breakfast meetings with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) focusing on the implementation of audit recommendations. This second set of breakfast meetings with MDAs was held at the ASSL office from 12th– 14th March, 2024. These meetings were aimed at fostering collaboration between the ASSL and MDAs, as well as ensuring that audit recommendations are effectively implemented to improve accountability and transparency in the public sector.

The breakfast meetings were attended by senior officials from a range of MDAs, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Guma Valley Water Company, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Petroleum Regulatory Agency, Human Resources Management Office, Road Maintenance Fund Administration, and other key government agencies. The discussions focused on the implementation of audit recommendations from previous audit reports, as well as the challenges faced by MDAs in implementing these recommendations.

The Acting Auditor-General, Mr Abdul Aziz stressed on the importance of timely and effective implementation of audit recommendations. He highlighted the fact that audit recommendations are issued to improve governance and accountability in the public sector and that MDAS must take these recommendations seriously and implement them on time. He noted that the ASSL has adopted a shift from just financial audits to performance audits to look into service delivery issues by MDAs, which will impact the lives of citizens.

During the meetings, Deputy Auditor General, Aiah Gbondo Tugbawa also discussed the role of MDAs in the audit process, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and transparency between the ASSL and the audited entities. He stressed the need for MDAs to provide timely and accurate information during audits, as well as to take proactive steps to address issues identified in the audit reports.

The breakfast meetings also provided an opportunity for MDAs to share their experiences and challenges in implementing audit recommendations. Some MDAs highlighted the resource constraints they face, including limited funding and capacity, which can make it difficult to fully implement audit recommendations. The Acting Auditor-General and team acknowledged these challenges and emphasized the need for MDAs to prioritize the implementation of audit recommendations, even in the face of limited resources.

The breakfast meetings were seen as a positive step towards enhancing collaboration between the ASSL and MDAs, and ensuring that audit recommendations are effectively implemented. The meetings provided a platform for open and frank discussions about the challenges faced by MDAs in implementing audit recommendations, and the steps that can be taken to address these challenges.