BudgIT Sierra Leone has issued a call to the government to enforce audit findings in order to ensure compliance by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

BudgIT Sierra Leone is a civic-tech organization dedicated to promoting fiscal transparency and accountability. In a press release issued on January 27, the organization commended the Audit Service Sierra Leone for submitting the 2023 Audit report to parliament in accordance with section 119 of the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone.

The organization emphasized the importance of impartially acting upon audit findings and implementing clear and strong consequences for non-compliance. BudgIT Sierra Leone also stressed the need to empower entities such as the Audit Service Sierra Leone, the Public Account Committee (PAC) in parliament, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) with resources and authority to hold public officers accountable. Strengthening these entities is crucial in enhancing the credibility of the audit process.

Furthermore, BudgIT Sierra Leone highlighted the significance of public engagement and the enforcement of deterrence through penalties. Citizens are encouraged to demand transparency and follow-up on audit outcomes to maintain pressure on duty bearers for accountability. Establishing a robust system where financial mismanagement and budget implementation result in tangible penalties will discourage future violations.

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According to BudgIT Sierra Leone, the 2023 Sierra Leone budget includes commendable provisions aimed at promoting economic stability and good governance. The organization emphasized that auditing the country’s public accounts is essential in combating corruption, enhancing accountability, and ensuring the responsible use of public funds.

BudgIT Sierra Leone stated, “The national budget process underscores the importance of independent audits, particularly by the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), to ensure effective management of public funds. Independent audits strengthen governance structures, promote fiscal discipline, and foster public trust in government spending.”

The organization expressed deep concern over the negligence displayed by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in responding adequately to audit queries and the lack of importance they place on the audit process.

Despite the crucial role of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) in promoting transparency and accountability in public expenditure, it is evident that some MDAs within the government show little regard for the audit process. They often fail to address audit queries promptly and later dismiss audit findings that raise serious concerns about misappropriation and lack of transparency in the use of public funds. This raises the question: why refute the final audit findings outlined in the report when you were unable to justify your spending during the audit?

These nonchalant attitudes exhibited by public officials and institutions underscore the lack of transparency in the management of public funds and the apparent lack of consequences for their actions.

To improve the audit process and ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, BudgIT Sierra Leone calls on the government and other stakeholders to implement the following recommendations:

Independent audits of budget implementations present a crucial opportunity to transform Sierra Leone’s governance landscape. By prioritizing transparency and enforcing audit findings, the government can establish a foundation for fiscal discipline and public trust.

At BudgIT Sierra Leone, we are committed to supporting this journey towards accountability by providing citizens with accessible information and advocating for stronger governance systems. Together, we can ensure that Sierra Leone’s resources are managed responsibly, paving the way for sustainable development and prosperity.