The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) engaged journalists from both print and electronic media to disseminate key issues highlighted in the report.

In a sustained bid to maximize awareness on the 2024 Auditor General’s Report, the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) engaged journalists from both print and electronic media to disseminate key issues highlighted in the report. The meeting was held at the Freetown City Council Building, Wallace Johnson Street.

The Auditor-General, Mr. Abdul Aziz emphasized the pivotal role of both the Audit Service and the media in enhancing citizen wellbeing through accountability. He urged journalists to report service delivery issues identified in the audit and to engage duty bearers to account for their stewardship. Mr. Aziz noted that the new audit approach focuses on service delivery outcomes, lamenting the stark revelations in the health sector.

Mr. Morie Lansana, Deputy Auditor-General praised the media’s role in accountability and provided a synopsis of the 2024 Audit Report, covering Ministries, Departments and Agencies, donor projects, local councils, and Sierra Leone’s foreign missions. He explained that audits now go beyond financial statements to verify tangible results of public spending. Mr. Lansana highlighted cross-cutting issues such as tax deductions, asset management, human resources, and contract management, stressing their impact on daily service delivery. He also pointed to performance audits that examine economy, efficiency, effectiveness, environment, and equity.
Mr Aiah Gbondo Tugbawa, Deputy-Auditor-General described the media as a major contributor to the success of ASSL, noting its cordial relationship with other accountability institutions. Journalists in attendance commended the Audit Service for fulfilling its constitutional mandate by reporting on the accounts of Sierra Leone to Parliament and the people.