The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Sierra Leone Parliament is set to commence public hearings on Monday, January 13, 2025, to examine the findings of the Auditor General’s report on the country’s financial accounts for the 2023 fiscal year. This significant undertaking forms part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in public financial management.
The PAC hearings will focus on the financial activities of various government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) as outlined in the Auditor General’s report. These sessions are expected to scrutinize instances of irregularities, inefficiencies, and possible mismanagement of public funds, offering stakeholders and citizens an opportunity to understand how taxpayer money was utilized over the past year.
Promoting Accountability and Transparency
The Auditor General’s report is an essential tool for safeguarding public resources. It highlights compliance issues, discrepancies, and areas where financial controls may have been lacking. The PAC’s review serves as a critical follow-up to address these findings and hold public officials accountable for their actions or inactions.
Hon. Josephine Macauley, Chairperson of the PAC, emphasized the importance of the hearings in fostering trust in public institutions. “The PAC is committed to ensuring that the principles of good governance are upheld. This review process will not only identify weaknesses in financial management, but also provide recommendations to strengthen systems and prevent future lapses,” she stated.
Public Participation and Stakeholder Engagement
The hearings will be open to the public, allowing citizens, civil society organizations, and the media to witness the deliberations. This level of transparency is intended to encourage public engagement and strengthen democratic oversight of government activities.
Civil society organizations have lauded the initiative, describing it as a step toward greater accountability. “We welcome the PAC’s decision to make these hearings public. This is a crucial opportunity for citizens to see how their resources are managed and to demand accountability where necessary,” said a spokesperson from the Budget Advocacy Network.
Below is the schedule for various MDAs to attend…
