By Mohamed Kamara
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament of Sierra Leone has concluded its engagements with local councils in the Southern Region, focusing on audit compliance and financial management.
The sessions, chaired by Deputy Speaker Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, were based on findings from the Auditor General’s 2023 Report and were held at the Bo District Council Hall.
Representatives from Bo City Council, Bo District Council, Pujehun District Council, Moyamba District Council, Bonthe District Council, and Bonthe Municipal Council attended the meetings.
Hon. Conteh praised councils for improved compliance with audit recommendations, especially in asset and financial management, and highlighted the need for better own-source revenue collection.
The Committee raised concerns over the Petra financial management system, urging councils to ensure its effective and transparent use.
While Pujehun District Council was commended for its revenue mobilization efforts, Moyamba District Council was noted for persistent challenges in revenue collection and unresolved audit issues.
Bonthe Municipal Council was encouraged to strengthen its own-source revenue generation, while Bonthe District Council faced financial challenges linked to faulty Petra system data.
The PAC also expressed concern over the frequent transfer of key council staff, recommending that staff remain in their posts until audit queries are fully addressed.
The engagements were part of PAC’s nationwide mandate to promote transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management in Sierra Leone’s local councils.
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