By Jariatu S. Bangura
Senior officers of HRMO in front of the PAC
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has summoned 53 staff of the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) to appear for physical verification on Monday, warning that failure to comply could result in their permanent removal from the government payroll.
This decision follows audit findings by Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), which revealed significant lapses in HRMO’s record-keeping processes. Out of 125 staff files requested for inspection during the audit, only 71 were provided, while 54 were not submitted. Among the reviewed files, 59 lacked critical employment documents such as birth certificates, NCRA registrations, academic credentials, and curricula vitae.
The auditors expressed concern that the absence of these documents could delay the computation of terminal benefits and compromise the accuracy of information needed for staff promotions and other administrative decisions.
The Director of Corporate Strategy and Administration was instructed to ensure the submission of the remaining 54 files and to regularly update staff records. However, to date, only one of the missing files has been submitted for verification, leaving 53 files unaccounted for.
The PAC has resolved to engage key stakeholders, including the Secretary to the President, the Head of Civil Service, and the Accountant General, to address the persistent challenges at HRMO. The committee emphasized the urgent need for updated and complete staff records to improve decision-making and ensure accountability within the public service.
Failure by the 53 staff to comply with the verification process could result in their permanent removal from the government payroll, signaling the PAC’s commitment to enforcing proper record-keeping standards across public institutions.
