Deputy Justice Minister Clarifies Tribunal Process on Auditor General’s Investigation

In a recent statement, Alpha Sesay Esq, the Deputy Justice Minister of Sierra Leone, addressed public confusion regarding the findings of the tribunal investigating Auditor General Lara Taylor-Pearce and her deputy. The tribunal’s mandate, he emphasized, differs from that of a regular court judgment.

Sesay clarified that the tribunal, established under Sec. 137(5)(a) of the Constitution by President Bio, does not render a typical verdict. Instead, it concludes its proceedings by reporting factual findings to the President and recommending whether actions such as removal from office are warranted, as outlined in Sec. 137(5)(b) and Sec. 137(6).

“I know there has been some confusion and misinterpretation of facts,” Sesay stated. “Just for clarity purposes, a tribunal for this purpose does not deliver its ruling/judgment like a regular court.”