The League of Democracy Advocates (LoDA) has issued a strong call for thorough investigation and prosecution in response to the findings of the 2023 Audit Report, recently submitted to Sierra Leone’s Parliament.
The report reveals significant discrepancies in public funds, including NLe 233,777,285.43, US$10,464,814.25, €11,205.48, and £28,464.36, sparking concerns of potential corruption.
LoDA has urged the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), established under Section 119(5) of the 1991 Constitution, to thoroughly probe the report. The organization emphasized the importance of identifying patterns of mismanagement or corruption and referred any evidence of criminal liability to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for further investigation and potential prosecution.
The 2023 Audit Report is a critical document underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. According to LoDA, the report is a testament to the mandate of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), which conducts financial, compliance, and performance audits under the Audit Service Act of 2014.
LoDA highlighted the PAC’s constitutional responsibility to meticulously examine the findings and ensure a robust debate in Parliament. The organization called for the PAC to scrutinize not just the discrepancies but also the systemic failures that allowed such lapses to occur.
Following parliamentary debate, LoDA expects the PAC’s findings to be made public and promptly referred to the ACC, as per Section 7 of the ACC Amendment Act of 2019. This step, they argue, is vital for holding individuals and entities accountable for misappropriation and ensuring justice.
LoDA also reiterated its call for the ACC to prioritize any cases arising from the report and to pursue prosecution where evidence of wrongdoing is found. The group emphasized that such actions are essential for combating corruption and safeguarding Sierra Leone’s economic integrity.
The League pledged to monitor the progress of the investigation and hold authorities accountable, reaffirming its commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring public funds are utilized for the benefit of Sierra Leone’s citizens.
Parliament is expected to debate the report in the coming weeks, with widespread calls for transparency and accountability in the handling of public finances.