The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) has engaged stakeholders in the Northern Region during a stakeholders’ consultation on the proposed Audit Service Regulations. It is hoped these Regulations will address amongst other things, the procedural technicalities of the functions and powers of the Audit Service, including the implementation of Disallowance and Surcharge as enshrined in the Audit Service Act, 2014 and its amending Act of 2023. The meetings were held in Port Loko and Makeni on 26th and 27th August, 2024 respectively, stakeholders representing local councils of Port Loko District, Kambia District, Bombali District, Falaba District, Koinadugu District and Kono District, Paramount Chiefs, MDAs, civil societies and journalists were in attendance.
Stakeholders were informed that in fulfilling the mandate of the Auditor-General, the Audit Service Act of 2014 and the amended Act of 2023 are the governing legislation guiding the operations of the ASSL. Furthermore, the law provides that the Auditor General can enact Regulations, for the effective implementation of its mandate.
The ASSL informed stakeholders that upon receiving support from the Government of Sierra Leone, the ASSL decided to consult stakeholders on the proposed Audit Service Regulations formulation and the disallowance and surcharge processes.
Presentations were done on the Audit Service legislations, Regulation Formulation Processes, Disallowance and Surcharge application processes and draft provisions of the Audit Service Regulations. The stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by the ASSL in considering the involvement of stakeholders during consultations the Regulations formulation process. They pledged their support in ensuring that the ASSL succeeds in implementing the disallowances and surcharge powers of the Auditor-General.
The Paramount Chief of Maforki Chiefdom Port Loko District, Paramount Chief Bai Forki Fanka II encouraged the stakeholders to cooperate with the Audit Service by implementing the audit recommendations of the Auditor-General, adding that audit is not a witch hunt process, but rather, a system to add value to the work of MDAs.
