MoPAPA holds maiden Internal Audit Committee Meeting

The Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA) has on Thursday 18th September 2025 held it first Internal Audit Committee Meeting for 2025.

This maiden meeting was held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry, 9th Floor Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown.

In attendance was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Deputy Secretary, Chairman of the Internal Audit Committee, Acting Director of Public Administration, and the entire Audit Committee members.

In his opening statements, Mr. Mohamed I. Kutubu - Permanent Secretary, MoPAPA, underscored the relevance of such Committee across all Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in ensuring that there is independent oversight that assures effective risk management, internal controls, compliance and integrity of financial reporting.

PS Kutubu furthered with insights on the establishment of the Ministry with a given strategic mandate to transform the public service architecture of Sierra Leone.

In his submission, Mr. Victor S. Peacock - Director of Audit at the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) and who also doubled as the Chairman of the Internal Audit Committee, expressed gratitude over the establishment of the Committee and emphasized on clarity with regards the Terms of Reference (ToR) for all members of the Committee, and he also stressed on the need for sharing the development work plan for the 2025 Financial Year (FY).

The Committee Chairman furthered by informing that there should be at least four (4) quarterly meetings for a year and that two (2) meetings should be in place for the period under review (FY - 2025).

Mr. Dauda Solomon Conteh who is the Head of Internal Audit Unit of MoPAPA and also doubled as the Secretary to the Committee underscored the importance of the 2016 Public Financial Management (PFM) Act and that Section 76(1) speaks on the establishment of the Committee, and he furthered by explaining that Section 76(2) shall constitutes and perform responsibilities in accordance with international best practices.

Mr. Momoh Conteh - Ag. Director Public Administration, stressed on the relevance of the Committee, stating; it is of vital importance to the Ministerial Performance Contract signed by Ministers and Permanent Secretaries, and also disclosing that the Audit Committee brings to light gaps related with the execution of the activities of the Ministry.

The establishment Internal Audit Committee of MoPAPA shall ensure, among other things: completed audits for the 2024 Financial Year; the approved 2025 Annual Work Plan to be signed by the Permanent Secretary and the Chairman; the mandate to craft or repeal regulations based on activities; and all finalized audit reports to be tabled before the Committee.

Correspondent-Musa Kamara

Email: musa.kamara@mopapa.gov.sl

Tel: ‪+232 78 155260‬ / ‪+232 76 737048‬