By Jariatu S. Bangura
Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh is the Chairman of the Public Account Committee of Parliament.
Following the tabling of the 2023 Audit Report, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Deputy Speaker of Parliament has pledged to intensify efforts to recover public funds lost to financial mismanagement and corruption within government ministries and agencies.
The 2023 Audit Report, prepared by the Auditor General, unveiled widespread irregularities, including inflated contracts, unauthorized expenditures, and diversion of funds from their intended purposes. Those findings have sparked public outrage and renewed calls for accountability.
Addressing the report, PAC Chairman Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh emphasized the committee’s commitment to reclaiming every misused penny and holding individuals accountable for financial misconduct. “The findings in the 2023 Audit Report are deeply concerning, and we are committed to recovering every single penny that has been wrongfully taken or misused,” he declared.
The Chairman detailed the committee’s approach, which includes scrutinizing issues council by council and conducting field visits to verify the implementation of projects. “We will confirm and validate whether the programs and projects were implemented according to specifications and whether the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) attached to the projects is being adhered to,” he said.
The PAC has already begun reviewing the audit’s findings and plans to hold hearings with implicated government officials. The committee will also examine irregularities in critical infrastructure projects and cases of poor financial oversight to ensure taxpayer funds are properly utilized.
Hon. Tawa Conteh reflected on the challenges encountered since assuming the PAC chairmanship in May 2024. Despite limited time, the committee managed to review two audit reports simultaneously, conduct hearings nationwide, and recover significant amounts of misappropriated funds. “Though we faced challenges, our efforts have been successful, and we’ve made notable recoveries,” he stated.
To enhance transparency and accountability, the committee has applied to the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General’s Office for a designated recovery account will track all recovered funds, ensuring they are properly accounted for and utilized for national development.
Hon. Tawa Conteh reiterated the PAC’s dedication to restoring public trust, adding, “Our work is far from over, but we remain committed to ensuring that public funds serve the people of Sierra Leone.”
The PAC is set to intensify its activities in the coming months as it works toward achieving those goals.
