Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh has announced that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) secured huge financial recoveries from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) during public hearings on the 2023 Auditor-General’s Report.
Speaking in Parliament while serving as Acting Speaker, Hon. Tawa said the Committee recovered a total of NLe 24,025,499.86, which has been paid into government-designated accounts.
He added that the PAC also resolved outstanding obligations owed to the Government of Sierra Leone, including a USD 760,000 royalty settlement from Zoodlabs in relation to the management of the fibre landing station.
The PAC Chairman said the recoveries were the result of strict scrutiny and enforcement actions taken during the hearings.
He noted that more than 60 percent of audit issues reviewed across MDAs were either fully resolved or substantially resolved.
For Local Councils, he said 34 audit issues, representing 42 percent, were fully addressed through documentary evidence, corrective measures and compliance by council managements.
Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh commended members of the Sixth Parliament for what he described as strong performance in enforcing accountability and recovering public funds.
He said the PAC worked closely with the Finance Committee and the Transparency and Accountability Committee to ensure progress on audit queries and to protect the national interest.
He also called on the relevant committees to continue engaging MDAs on unresolved matters and to present reports on negotiated settlements.
The Deputy Speaker stressed that Parliament’s oversight role must lead to tangible improvements in public financial management and service delivery.
The Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation to Segepoh Solomon Thomas, the leadership of Parliament and members of the PAC for their support throughout the process.
According to him, the PAC’s work demonstrates the Sixth Parliament’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sound management of public resources.
He said the Committee’s reports provide a detailed assessment of the financial performance of MDAs and Local Councils, identify weaknesses and recommend corrective actions to strengthen fiscal discipline and national development.
