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Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) has in their press release strongly urged the government to uphold its commitment made in the Article IV Review by publishing a clear and transparent timeline for the tribunal process.
The call by the Network was made on 11th November 2022 which marks one year since the Auditor General and one of her deputies, Tamba Momoh was suspended from office, noting that “One Year Gone but still no Pathway to the End.”
A Tribunal was set up on the 18th of November 2021 to look into the alleged misconduct for which charges were only brought up by the state almost seven (7) months after their suspension.
“We are concerned about the snail pace with which the Tribunal proceedings are unfolding, which has created uncertainty to as when all of these would end,” BAN said.
In their previous press statements dated 11th November 2021 and 9th March t 2022 on this matter, Budget s Advocacy Network members reminded the Government of Sierra Leone not to undermine public accountability, which is fundamental for good governance and development.
“Our press statements also appealed to the government to refrain from actions that would hamper efforts in maintaining fiscal discipline and accountable use of public resources.” Over the years, BAN stated that the Auditor-General and team have offered immense support to uncover corruption and mismanagement of public resources.
This they say is evident in several Audit reports, which were also utilized in the last Commission of Inquiry.
It goes to say that the suspended Auditor General and her team have been very committed to their work to ensure effective financial management of public resources.
The Network said it strongly supports the statement of the International Monetary Fund in the Article IV Review calling for the financial and operational independence of the Audit Service Sierra Leone to be a priority and the need for timely action to ensure the independence to safeguard confidence in the management of public resources.
In the IMF Article IV Review, the government states, “We are also committed to strengthening the ASSL’s independence. We are committed to a time-bound and transparent tribunal for the suspended auditor general and her deputy”.
However, the public they say is not aware of any timeline set by the tribunal.
“We strongly urge e the government to uphold its commitment made in the Article IV Review by publishing a clear and transparent timeline for the tribunal process,” BAN said.
“While we still hold on to our position for His Excellency o the President to reverse such a decision, we are equally very e much concerned about the Tribunal’s slow pace, which tends to further derail the audit accountability architecture in Sierra Leone.”
