Post a comment
The 2023 Audit Report on the Public Accounts of Sierra Leone has revealed an alarming financial loss of NLe 233.78 million (approximately US$10.46 million).
The report, presented by the Auditor-General, highlights significant irregularities across 157 public entities, surpassing previous years’ concerns.
The findings, detailing a substantial fiscal lapse, show financial mismanagement in 63 Ministries and Departments, 67 Public Enterprises and Commissions, 22 Local Councils, three Diplomatic Missions, and two Performance Audits. Key areas of irregularities include statutory deductions not paid, weak asset and inventory management, unauthorized expenditures, ghost workers, procurement violations, and under-collection or mismanagement of public revenue.
The report identifies Ministries and Departments as the primary contributors to the losses, accounting for NLe 152.60 million (US$10.46 million). Donor-funded projects, commissions, and public enterprises followed with NLe 76.41 million, while Local Councils recorded NLe 4.76 million in losses.
A comparative analysis with the 2022 Audit Report shows an increase of over NLe 43 million in financial irregularities. Last year’s report detailed losses of NLe 190 million, marking a troubling upward trend despite ongoing financial reforms.
As financial mismanagement continues to mount, public pressure is expected to grow for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of Sierra Leone’s public funds. The findings highlight persistent weaknesses in government operations, undermining trust in the system and raising concerns over the effectiveness of fiscal reforms.
