The Ministry of Finance, through its Directorate of Internal Audit, on Monday commenced a nationwide workshop aimed at strengthening institutional capacity in control, risk and compliance across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The workshop, which started on 9th February 2026 at the Country Lodge Hill Station in Freetown, brings together representatives from MDAs to enhance governance and accountability within the public sector.

In his welcome address, the Director of Internal Audit, Kandeh Sesay, said the workshop is designed to enhance a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities within the Public Financial Management (PFM) governance framework. He noted that the engagement also seeks to reinforce the oversight, assurance and advisory functions of Internal Audit Units across MDAs.

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Mr. Sesay stated that the goals of the workshop include increasing awareness of the mandate and expectations of the Internal Audit Directorate and Internal Audit Units in MDAs.

He added that the programme aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the relevance of internal control, risk management and compliance in promoting accountability and improving service delivery.

He further highlighted the importance of aligning institutional practices with existing legal and regulatory frameworks, including the Public Financial Management Act and the Global Internal Audit Standards 2024.

According to him, knowledge sharing should become a best practice among MDAs, Local Councils and oversight bodies in managing risks and addressing control weaknesses.

Mr. Sesay also emphasised the need for collaboration among Internal Audit Units, Audit Committees and external stakeholders to strengthen compliance and ensure the implementation of audit recommendations.

He assured participants that the workshop would improve understanding of institutional control, risk and compliance frameworks, enhance communication and coordination between Audit Units, Committees and Management, and help identify key capacity gaps and risk areas.

He said the engagement would provide actionable recommendations to improve internal control systems, risk management practices and compliance monitoring within MDAs and Local Councils.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Administration, Mamie Miatta Kallon, said the workshop would provide good practices and practical approaches to strengthening institutional capacity. She expressed confidence that the engagement would enhance coordination and build resilient systems capable of adopting positive reforms.

Chairman of the Government Audit Committee, Dr. William Tucker, said the workshop would support the development of robust policies and procedures and establish clear guidelines for control, risk management and compliance.

He noted that the initiative would strengthen the risk management framework by promoting proactive identification, assessment and mitigation of risks rather than reactive responses.

Dr. Tucker added that such engagements would improve governance in decision-making, strengthen risk management and internal controls, enhance transparency and accountability, and ultimately improve service delivery and public trust.

The Ministry of Finance disclosed that the workshop will continue in Bo and Makeni. The Internal Audit Directorate, with funding support from the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors, will further engage Local Councils and other stakeholders to strengthen internal controls and promote better service delivery nationwide.