By Ragan M. Conteh

 “There is every reason for Parliament to debate on the Audit Service Report.”

It is clearly stated in the constitution for Parliament to debate on the auditor General’s Report.”

This was disclosed on Thursday 9 January 2024 by Anti Corruption Commissioner, Francis Ben Kelfala at ACC’s Conference Hall,Tower Hill in Freetown.

He said debating on the document will help to highlight critical issues and address them accordingly.

He highlighted series of issues being raised by the auditors on the document ranging from failures by MDAs to respect tax obligations, issues of staffing, administrative issues, supervisory issues and among others.

He also highlighted series of poor management issues in MDAs as well as failure to honor auditors documentation request for audits.

The ACC boss said in the next few days his institution will engage parliament especially the PAC to map out strategies to handle issues raised by the Auditors.

Ben Kelfala revealed that the mandate of his commission is to take all steps as deem necessary for the prevention, eradication or suppression of corruption and corrupt practices.

He said the commission is charged with the responsibility to investigate instances of alleged or suspected corruption cases, complaints or otherwise.”

In promoting the rule of law, he said the ACC is engaged in corruption preventive activities by encouraging both private and public sector institutions to comply with the recommended ethical policies in the dispense of their official duties. To this end, the Public Education and External Outreach Department of the Anti – Corruption Commission, holds customized meetings with Ministries Departments and Agencies.