The Directorate of Internal Audit at the Ministry of Finance commenced a nationwide workshop for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Strengthening Institutional Capacity in Control, Risk, and Compliance in the Public Sector on Monday, 9th February 2026, at Country Lodge Hill Station, Freetown.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of Internal Audit, Kandeh Sesay, stated that the workshop aims to enhance a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities within the Public Financial Management (PFM) governance framework and to reinforce the oversight, assurance, and advisory functions of Internal Audit Units in MDAs.
Mr. Sesay highlighted that the workshop’s objectives include increasing awareness of the mandate and expectations of the Internal Audit Directorate and Units in MDAs, enhancing understanding of the relevance of internal control, risk, and compliance for accountability and service delivery, and promoting alignment with legal and regulatory frameworks such as the PFM Act and global Internal Audit Standards 2024.
He emphasized that knowledge sharing should be a best practice among MDAs, Local Councils, and oversight bodies for managing risk and addressing control weaknesses. He also stressed the importance of collaboration with Internal Audit, Audit Committees, and external stakeholders to enhance compliance and implement audit recommendations.
Mr. Sesay assured participants that the workshop would improve understanding of the institutions’ Control, Risk, and Compliance Framework, strengthen communication and coordination between Audit Units, Committees, and Management, identify key capacity gaps and risk areas, and provide actionable recommendations to improve internal control, risk management practices, and compliance monitoring within MDAs and Local Councils.
The Deputy Financial Secretary Administration (DFS Admin), Mamie Miatta Kallon, assured participants that the workshop would provide best practices and practical approaches to strengthening capacities, enhancing coordination, and building resilient systems that embrace positive change.
Dr. William Tucker, Chairman of the Government Audit Committee, noted that the workshop would help develop robust policies and procedures and establish clear guidelines for Control, Risk Management, and Compliance. He added that the exercise would also enhance the Risk Management Framework by proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks rather than reacting to them.
Dr. Tucker further stated that these engagements would improve governance in decision-making, reduce control and risk management gaps, enhance transparency and accountability, and build public trust for better service delivery.
The workshop will continue in Bo and Makeni, where the Internal Audit Directorate, with funding from the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors, will further engage Local Councils and other stakeholders to improve internal controls and enhance service delivery.
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