Ministry of Finance Concludes Nationwide Workshop on Control, Risk, Compliance in the Public Sector.

The Internal Audit Directorate of the Ministry of Finance has successfully concluded a nationwide training programme focused on strengthening control, risk, and compliance frameworks across Sierra Leone’s public sector. The initiative, supported by the Global Fund and the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors, aimed to bolster governance structures within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Councils.

The workshop commenced 9th February 2026 in Freetown, moved to Bo 11th February, and concluded Makeni 12th February. Participants included Council Administrators, Council Chairpersons, Audit Committee Chairpersons, Internal Auditors, Finance Officers, Permanent Secretaries, Accountants, Procurement Officers, Deputy Secretaries and other Vote Controllers.

Director of Internal Audit, Kandeh M. Sesay, explained the training's purpose: deepening participant understanding of roles within Public Financial Management and governance. The programme reinforced the Internal Audit Directorate’s oversight, assurance and advisory functions across MDAs and Local Councils.

Workshop objectives included enhancing awareness of the Internal Audit Directorate’s mandate and expectations, strengthening stakeholder understanding of control, risk and compliance frameworks, ensuring alignment with applicable laws and regulations, and fostering stronger collaboration among key actors.

Mr Sesay outlined anticipated outcomes from the training: improved institutional understanding of control, risk and compliance frameworks; greater appreciation of Internal Auditor functions; enhanced coordination between Internal Auditors and Audit Committees; and identification of key capacity gaps with actionable recommendations for improvement.

Senior Non-Key Expert on Internal Audit (EU Funded), Augustus Cole, delivered a presentation on the Draft Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Policy for the Government of Sierra Leone. He outlined institutional responsibilities, collaboration mechanisms, risk management role structures, benefits of effective risk management, assurance provider roles and key concepts related to risk identification and assessment.

Training Manager at Audit Service Sierra Leone, Philip Goba, shared practical examples of effective internal control implementation practices and standards. He highlighted lessons for public sector application and discussed common challenges MDAs and Local Councils face adhering to established internal control systems.

The nationwide workshop represents significant progress strengthening Sierra Leone’s public sector governance frameworks. Participants departed equipped with enhanced knowledge and practical tools to improve accountability, transparency and service delivery across their respective institutions.

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