Ministry of Finance Undertakes Nationwide Public Sector Compliance Drive.

The Ministry of Finance, through its Internal Audit Unit, undertaken a nationwide workshop series targeting Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This strategic engagement prioritizes strengthening institutional control, risk management, and regulatory compliance across Sierra Leone’s public sector.

Held at Country Lodge, Freetown, the workshop convened key stakeholders to dissect roles within the Public Financial Management (PFM) framework. The core objective involves reinforcing oversight mechanisms and enhancing the advisory functions of Internal Audit Units. This collective effort aims to ensure robust financial governance and accountability.

Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Kandeh Sesay, welcomed participants by outlining the engagement's primary goal. He emphasized fostering a shared understanding of internal audit mandates. Furthermore, the workshop seeks to elevate compliance with established financial management standards, ensuring uniform application across all government institutions.

Mr. Sesay detailed the workshop’s design, which increases awareness of directorate expectations for Internal Audit Units. The sessions aim to strengthen the appreciation of internal control and risk management as critical accountability tools. He noted this initiative aligns MDAs with key legal frameworks, including the PFM Act and the 2024 Global Internal Audit Standards.

The importance of knowledge-sharing took center stage in his remarks. Mr. Sesay highlighted the need for collaboration among MDAs, Local Councils, and oversight bodies to manage risks and address control weaknesses effectively. He stressed that stronger coordination between Audit Units, Committees, and management would enhance compliance and support effective implementation of audit recommendations.

Mr. Sesay assured participants of tangible outcomes. These include improved understanding of institutional control frameworks, strengthened communication among audit bodies, and identification of capacity gaps. The process will generate actionable recommendations to improve internal controls and risk management practices within MDAs and Local Councils.

Delivering a statement for senior management, Deputy Financial Secretary Mamie Miatta Kallon praised the workshop's potential. She stated the sessions would expose participants to good practices and practical approaches. This exposure aims to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance coordination for building resilient public sector systems.

Government Audit Committee Chairman, Dr. William Tucker, emphasized the initiative's broader impact. He noted the engagement would contribute to developing robust policies and clear guidelines for control and compliance. Dr. Tucker added that the process would enhance the national risk management framework by promoting proactive risk identification, assessment, and mitigation.

Dr. Tucker concluded that improved governance in decision-making would yield significant results. Increased transparency and accountability will reduce control risks, ultimately leading to better service delivery. These efforts, he stated, are fundamental to strengthening public trust in government institutions.

The capacity-building initiative will continue in Bo and Makeni. With funding support from the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors, the Directorate of Internal Audit will further engage Local Councils and stakeholders. This expansion aims to strengthen internal controls comprehensively across the entire public sector.

Senoir Corresspodent-Hawanatu F. Bockari

Ministry of Finance

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