Honourable Ibrahim Tawa Conteh

27/08/2026

*What the Newspapers Say About the Public Accounts Committee’s Nationwide Oversight of Local Councils*

The work of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament of Sierra Leone has attracted significant attention in the media following the Committee’s recently concluded nationwide oversight engagements with Local Councils across the provinces.

The engagements, conducted on the basis of audit queries contained in the Auditor-General’s Report for the 2024 financial year, formed part of Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to scrutinise the management and utilisation of public funds and to promote transparency, accountability and sound financial management within local government.

During the exercise, the PAC engaged officials of various councils, examined outstanding audit queries, requested supporting documentation and sought explanations on issues relating to revenue mobilisation, financial management, procurement, statutory deductions, budget implementation, internal audit systems and community participation.

Media reports have highlighted the Committee’s firm but constructive approach, with councils being given the opportunity to respond to audit findings while being reminded of their responsibility to properly account for public resources. In cases where explanations or documentation were considered insufficient, the Committee called for further verification and, where necessary, additional investigation.

The nationwide exercise underscores the PAC’s important role as Parliament’s post-expenditure watchdog. The Committee’s work is aimed not merely at identifying irregularities, but also at ensuring that corrective measures are taken, public resources are protected and Local Councils strengthen their systems of accountability and financial management.

Overall, the media coverage of the exercise reflects a Parliament that is actively exercising its oversight mandate and demanding greater accountability from institutions entrusted with public funds. The 2024 Auditor-General’s Report provides the basis for this scrutiny, while the PAC’s engagements demonstrate its determination to ensure that audit queries are properly addressed and that lessons from the findings translate into improved governance across Sierra Leone’s Local Councils.

Honourable Ibrahim Tawa Conteh

23/08/2026

*PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE ORDERS INVESTIGATION INTO KAMBIA DISTRICT COUNCIL AS COMMITTEE CONCLUDES NATIONWIDE AUDIT ENGAGEMENTS*

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament of Sierra Leone has concluded its nationwide engagements with local councils on the queries contained in the Auditor General’s Report of 2024, with the Committee ordering further investigations into several issues raised against the Kambia District Council.

The final engagements, held on Saturday, 22nd August 2026, at the Port Loko District Council's Hall, brought together the Port Loko City Council, Port Loko District Council and Kambia District Council. The hearings formed part of the Committee’s ongoing oversight responsibility to review, verify and validate audit findings and assess how public resources allocated to local councils have been utilised for purposes of development.

At the commencement of the public hearings, the Acting Chairman of the Committee, Hon. PC Desmond Kargobai stressed that the exercise was not intended merely to identify financial irregularities, but also to determine whether councils were complying with established financial management procedures and implementing recommendations contained in previous audit reports.

He noted that councils are required to provide proper supporting documents to auditors during the audit process, emphasising that delays or failure to submit accountable documents could constitute a serious breach of financial management procedures.

The Committee further underscored the importance of improving councils’ own-source revenue mobilisation, strengthening internal controls and ensuring that public funds are properly utilised and accounted for.

The Kambia District Council came under a stronger scrutiny during the hearing, following a number of major audit queries contained in the Auditor General’s Report of 2024.

Amongst the issues raised were unsatisfactory explanations for the receipts of excess funds against budgetary allocations, poor performance in own-source revenue mobilisation, payments made without adequate supporting documents, withholding tax deductions not paid over to the National Revenue Authority, and the absence of sufficient evidence confirming local community participation and awareness in the budgetary process.

The Committee also expressed serious concerns over reports relating to projects that were reportedly not implemented as expected, as well as concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the overall performance and development activities of the Council.

Members of the Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations provided on some of the issues and emphasised that matters relating to the use of public resources and the implementation of development projects could not be treated lightly.

The Opposition Whip of Parliament, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, who hails from Kambia District, also expressed concerns over the situation and supported the Committee’s decision to take further action.

In view of the seriousness of the concerns raised, the Acting Chairman recommended that the Committee travel to Kambia District to physically verify and investigate the projects referenced in the Auditor General’s Report for the period under review.

The Committee subsequently ordered that all relevant projects mentioned in the 2024 Auditor General’s Report, together with the parties involved, be summoned for further engagements at the Kambia District Council. The Committee further requested that an investigative team be constituted to examine the issues and submit its findings without delay.

Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, the Deputy Opposition Leader 2 strongly supported the decision, describing the matter as serious and requiring urgent attention. He stressed the importance of visiting the project sites to establish the actual situation on the ground.

The Committee made it clear that it would not rely solely on documents presented during the hearings, but would seek to establish the facts through physical verification and further investigation.

“We are going there as a Committee, likely with the ACC, for investigations,” the Chairman stated, underscoring the seriousness with which the Committee is treating the matter.

The proposed field investigation is expected to provide the Committee with a clearer picture of the implementation of projects, utilisation of public funds and the overall performance of the Kambia District Council.

The PAC also engaged the Port Loko City Council, where several audit issues were reviewed. A query relating to payments made without supporting documents was deliberated upon, with the Council presenting additional documents for verification by Auditors for the attention of the Committee.

The issue concerning outstanding NASSIT contributions was also addressed and subsequently cleared following deliberations.

The Committee further reviewed the issue of the absence of evidence confirming local community participation and awareness in the budgetary process.

The Council’s Internal Audit Unit received commendation from the Committee for its work and for producing quarterly internal audit reports, which the PAC viewed as an important mechanism for strengthening accountability and financial controls.

A query relating to salary backlogs affecting some staff was also discussed and resolved during the engagement.

The Port Loko District Council received positive recognition from the PAC for its performance, particularly in relations to its efforts to improve own-source revenue mobilisation. Whilst encouraging the Council to continue exploring additional avenues for revenue generation, Committee members applauded its progress and overall performance in light of revenue mobilisation.

The Committee noted that effective revenue mobilisation remains critical to enabling local councils to deliver development programmes and improve services to their communities.

The conclusion of the Northern and North-Western engagements marks another significant step in the PAC’s nationwide oversight of local councils. The Committee has reiterated that its objective is to promote transparency, accountability, responsible financial management and improved service delivery across all local councils.

Whilst several councils were able to resolve audit queries through the presentation of supporting documents and satisfactory explanations, the Committee’s decision to pursue further investigations in Kambia demonstrates its determination to ensure that concerns involving public funds and development projects are thoroughly examined and appropriately addressed.

*Parliamentary and Public Relations* *Department*
*Parliament of Sierra* *Leone*
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www.parliament.gov.sl

23/08/2026

*PAC Concludes Public Hearings on Northern and North-Eastern Councils Over Auditor General’s Report 2024*

MAKENI, SIERRA LEONE — The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament of Sierra Leone on Friday, 21st August 2026, concluded its public hearings with councils in the Northern and North-Eastern regions on issues raised in the Auditor General’s Report of 2024.

The hearings, held at the Makeni City Council's Hall in Bombali District, provided an opportunity for local councils to respond to audit queries, presented supporting documents and explained measures being taken to strengthen accountability, revenue mobilisation and prudent financial management.

Speaking during the proceedings, the Acting Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. PC Desmond M. Kargobai, emphasised that the audit process was not limited to inquiry into loss or misuse of public funds, but rather accountable fiscal management, utilisation and revenue mobilisation for purposes of development. He noted that it also assessed councils’ performance, particularly in the mobilisation of own-source revenue and compliance with public financial management's procedures.

He further reminded councils that funds received from government, development partners and other organisations must be properly accounted for, and supported with the relevant documentations. He encouraged councils to take previous PAC's recommendations seriously and improve on their own-source revenue mobilisation.

The Acting Chairman also urged council officials to ensure that all relevant financial and supporting documents were properly maintained and presented during audit to avoid queries being mounted against them.

The hearings commenced with the Makeni City Council, where discussions were focused mainly on own-source revenue mobilisation and road rehabilitation.

The Council acknowledged challenges relating to its revenue base but informed the Committee that it has introduced stronger mechanisms to improve revenue collection. The Chief Administrator of Makeni City Council, Daniel Kpukumu also explained that the period allocated for revenue collection was previously inadequate when compared with the time available to some other councils, given the new tax regime.

The Committee encouraged the council to continue to strengthen its revenue mobilisation strategies and ensure that its financial resources were effectively managed.

Falaba District Council appeared before the Committee to respond to several audit queries, including weak performance in own-source revenue mobilisation, payments without supporting documents, non-payment of NASSIT contributions, lack of evidence of community participation and awareness in the budgetary process, and non-compliance with contract terms.

The Committee expressed serious concerns over the council’s revenue collection performance and urged the administration to improve its revenue mobilisation efforts.

Due to outstanding concerns surrounding the audit findings, the Committee directed relevant current and former officials of Falaba District Council to appear at a later hearing in Port Loko District for additional clarifications.

Kono District Council received commendation from the Committee for its performance in revenue mobilisation, particularly after exceeding its revenue projection.

However, the council was required to respond to other audit issues, including the absence of adequate evidence of community participation and awareness in the budgetary process, as well as concerns regarding the effectiveness of internal audit and audit committees.

The Committee requested additional documents from the council for submission to the auditors for verification.
Commending the council’s overall performance, the Chairman observed that “Kono District, you are impressive, and it seems you are really performing.”

The Committee also reviewed the audit findings relating to Tonkolili District Council. Key concerns included poor own-source revenue mobilisation, inadequate evidence of community participation and awareness in the budgetary process, weaknesses in internal audit systems, and issues relating to assets verification.

The Committee requested the auditors to verify the council’s assets and report their findings accordingly. The council was also encouraged to improve its revenue mobilisation and strengthen its internal financial control systems.

For Bombali District Council, the audit queries centred on own-source revenue performance, non-payment of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes to the National Revenue Authority (NRA), and non-compliance with contractual terms.

In response to the PAYE query, the Chief Administrator submitted payment documents to the Committee. The Committee subsequently requested the auditors to verify the documents and report accordingly.

The Committee expressed satisfaction with the council’s engagements and willingness to provide the necessary documentations to address the outstanding issues raised.

Koinadugu District Council was also questioned on its revenue mobilisation performance, payments made without supporting documents, and the lack of evidence confirming community participation and awareness in the budgetary process.

On the issue of payments without supporting documents, the Chief Administrator presented documents for verification and assured the Committee that measures would be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The Committee encouraged the council to strengthen its documentations, accountability and community engagement mechanisms.

Karene District Council appeared before the Committee and provided clarifications on its outstanding audit queries.

Following the presentation and verification of the relevant information, the Committee cleared the outstanding issues raised against the council in the Auditor General’s Report for 2024.

The Committee also commended Karene District Council for its performance in revenue mobilisation, particularly for exceeding its projected revenue target.

Koidu New Sembehun City Council was the final council considered during the hearings. The council successfully addressed the outstanding issues raised in the Auditor General’s Report for 2024.

Following the Committee’s review and consideration of the explanations and supporting documents presented, the council was cleared of its outstanding audit queries.

The conclusion of the hearings marks another important step in the Public Accounts Committee’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability, transparency and responsible financial management within local councils across Sierra Leone.

The Committee reiterated that councils must improve their own-source revenue mobilisation, maintain proper financial records, comply with procurement and contractual requirements, strengthen internal audit systems and ensure meaningful community participation in the preparation and implementation of their budgets.

The hearings also demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the PAC, the Audit Service Sierra Leone and local councils in ensuring that audit recommendations are acted upon and that public resources are managed in the best interests of citizens.

*Parliamentary and Public Relations* *Department*
*Parliament of Sierra* *Leone*
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www.parliament.gov.sl

23/08/2026

*Hon. Mohamed Festus Lansana Highlights Parliament’s Role in Government Borrowing and Debt Management*

Freetown, Sierra Leone — Hon. Mohamed Festus Lansana, representing the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, has underscored the critical role of Parliament in scrutinising government borrowing and ensuring responsible and sustainable public debt management.

Hon. Lansana made the remarks while serving as a panelist at a One-Day National Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Freedom from Debt Campaign, organised by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Sierra Leone (AHF-SL) at the Family Kingdom Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown.

Speaking during a roundtable discussion on “The Role of Parliament in Scrutinising Government Borrowing and Debt Management,” Hon. Lansana emphasised that Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to promote transparency, accountability and fiscal sustainability in the management of public resources.

He noted that the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone provides Parliament with extensive oversight powers over the Executive, with parliamentary committees serving as important mechanisms for monitoring government activities and ensuring accountability.

According to Hon. Lansana, the Parliamentary Finance Committee, established under Standing Order 71 and Section 93(1) of the Constitution, plays a vital role in scrutinising the operations of the Ministry of Finance and other government institutions that receive funding from the Consolidated Fund.

He explained that Parliament’s oversight responsibilities extend to the examination of loan agreements, annual borrowing plans, government guarantees and other debt obligations, with particular attention to whether proposed borrowing is necessary, affordable and consistent with the country’s national development priorities.

Hon. Lansana further stressed the importance of parliamentary scrutiny of the Government’s Debt Management Strategy and Annual Borrowing Plan. He said Parliament must carefully assess issues relating to debt sustainability, foreign-currency exposure, borrowing costs and the balance between domestic and external borrowings.

He also emphasised that effective parliamentary oversight should continue throughout the entire budget cycle—from budget formulation and approval to implementation, reporting and auditing. He noted that Parliament must remain vigilant about risks associated with State-Owned Enterprises, contingent liabilities and emergency borrowing.

The Finance Committee representative also called for improved access to timely, accurate and comprehensive public debt information. He noted that Parliament requires adequate technical capacity, reliable data and relevant expertise to effectively scrutinise increasingly complex debt instruments and safeguard the country’s financial interests.

Hon. Lansana concluded that strong parliamentary oversight is essential to ensuring that government borrowing remains transparent, responsible and sustainable, while ensuring that borrowed funds are properly utilised with a view to contribute meaningfully to national development and the welfare of citizens.

The engagement further highlighted the importance of continued capacity building and stronger collaboration among Parliament, government institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen oversight of public borrowing and sustainable debt management in Sierra Leone.

*Parliamentary and Public Relations* *Department*
*Parliament of Sierra* *Leone*
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www.parliament.gov.sl

22/08/2026

*PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING*

*LIVE FROM PORT LOKO CITYDISTRICT COUNCILL HALL*

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, chaired by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, is today, 22 August 2026, engaging councils in the NORTH-WEST Region over audit queries contained in the Auditor-General’s Report for 2024.

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21/08/2026

21/08/2026

*PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING*

*LIVE FROM BOMBALI CITY COUNCIL HALL*

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, chaired by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, is today, 21 August 2026, engaging councils in the Northern Region over audit queries contained in the Auditor-General’s Report for 2024.

The public hearing brings together officials from various councils to respond to audit queries and present supporting evidence on issues raised in the report.

The engagement forms part of the PAC’s ongoing parliamentary oversight mandate to promote accountability, transparency, and prudent management of public resources.

📍 Bombali City Council Hall
📅 21 August 2026

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21/08/2026

Acting SPEAKER of Parliament, complementing presidential appointees in the Chamber of Parliament on Thursday 20/8/2026 after their approvals


Honourable Ibrahim Tawa Conteh

21/08/2026

*PAC Commends Bo City Council as Bonthe Councils Face Audit Queries*

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament of Sierra Leone has commended the Bo City Council for its strong revenue generation and compliance with management procedures during its ongoing review of audit queries in the Auditor General’s Report for the financial year, 2024.

The commendation was made on Wednesday, 19th August 2026, before the Committee engaged officials of the Bonthe Municipal and Bonthe District Councils at the Bo District Council's Hall.

The Acting Chairman of the PAC praised the Bo City Council for its impressive revenue performance and adherence to prudent public financial management requirements. Hon. Bash Kamara of Bo District and Hon. Aziz Bangura of Port Loko District also commended the Council for its efforts in raising revenue. The Committee subsequently cleared the Council of all outstanding audit queries.

However, the Committee raised concerns over several issues at the Bonthe District Council, particularly payments made without supporting documents and concerns surrounding the council's bus service and revenue mobilization. The PAC ordered that relevant documents be submitted to the Audit Service for verification and directed the Chief Administrator and Finance Officer involved in the auditing period to report to Freetown to address the queries.

The Committee also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Council's Internal Auditor, noting the absence of reports aimed at addressing the audit findings. The hearing was therefore stood down pending further clarifications from the relevant staff who had been transferred and the Ministry of Finance before determining the next line of action.

Meanwhile, the Bonthe Municipal Council acknowledged challenges in revenue collection, attributing the slow pace partly to non-payment of taxes by some businesses and residents. The Council was cleared of the audit queries, subject to verification of the documents submitted by the Audit Service Sierra Leone.

*Parliamentary and Public Relations* *Department*
*Parliament of Sierra* *Leone*
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www.parliament.gov.sl

20/08/2026

News update on the work of the Public Accounts Committee