Audit Service Signs MoU with Right to Access Information Commission

The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) for effective collaboration in providing access to information as a vehicle to enabling transparency, accountability and good governance. The ceremony was held at the Freetown City Council Building in Freetown on Wednesday 15th May, 2024.

During the signing ceremony, the Acting Auditor-General, Mr Abdul Aziz, welcomed the delegation from RAIC and stressed the need for effective collaboration between both institutions. He noted that the work done by both institutions is for the development of Sierra Leone, and the synergy must be there for a partnership.

The Acting Auditor-General spoke about the ASSL’s mandate as enshrined in section 25 (1)) of the Audit Service Act 2014 which gives it unhindered access to information and records to carry out its work. He commended the RAIC for its role in ensuring that MDAs comply with the audit process by submitting records to auditors. He reiterated that in the past, there were lots of queries on payment without supporting documents or adequate supporting documents in the Auditor-General’s Annual Report, but stressed that it has been minimised as a result of the intervention of the RAIC.

The Commissioner of RAIC, Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw stated that part two of the Right to Access Information Act, 2013 makes it clear that anybody has the right to have access to information. He noted that section 27 of the Act states that all public institutions should have access to records of information they generate. Dr Shaw pointed out that the signing of an MOU with the ASSL is the first time the RAIC is signing an MOU with a like-minded institution and stressed that more MoUs will be signed with other institutions. He noted that the MoU with ASSL can foster capacity building for auditors and record officers in the country.

The MoU was signed by the Acting Auditor General and the Chairman of RAIC.