Public Accounts Committee Orders Salary Deduction for Ministry of Finance Official

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a directive to deduct five thousand New Leones from the salary of Joseph Fatorma, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Finance.

This decision stems from Fatorma’s alleged failure to provide Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) with essential documents pertaining to the Gento Group of Company, as ordered by PAC Chairman Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh.

The committee cited that this omission resulted in misrepresentation and potential reputational damage to the company.

In response, Fatorma expressed his concerns regarding the PAC’s decision and requested a review. He clarified that the Ministry of Finance is not responsible for auditing processes and asserted that he had already supplied the necessary information during the Exit Poll. Fatorma further explained that the Financial Secretary had disseminated this clarification, and he was surprised by the reemergence of the issue in the audit report.

The ASSL report highlighted discrepancies in the payment procedures related to a contract between the Gento Group of Company and the Sierra Leone Road Authority. Fatorma acknowledged a typographical error in the contract document, specifically in the year and contract number, which had been rectified following its discovery during the Exit Poll. He expressed readiness to provide additional information as needed.

Fatorma indicated his intention to respond formally upon receiving written communication from the PAC. He also emphasized his expectation of having the opportunity to clarify during the Exit Poll whether the requisite documents had been submitted, which he asserts they were.

Responding to queries regarding his silence during the PAC hearing, Fatorma noted that he was not afforded the chance to elaborate on the matter. He questioned whether he had received a fair hearing consistent with international standards.

The PAC, a crucial parliamentary committee tasked with overseeing public expenditure and ensuring fiscal accountability, underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to established protocols in managing public funds. The salary deduction serves as a reminder of these principles within the public sector’s governance framework.