Prominent Sierra Leoneans have demanded the publication of the 2022-2023 Audit Service Report prepared by the Audit Service Sierra Leone.
According to them it is incumbent upon the Audit Service institution to lay such document in the Well of Parliament for consideration.
One of the Civil Society activists in Sierra Leone, Amadu Jalloh, aka J MUS has drawn the attention of the Auditor General to section 129 subsection (2) and (4) of the 1991 Constitution.
He says the constitution of Sierra Leone section 119 subsection 2 says the public accounts of Sierra Leone and all public offices, including the courts, the account of the central and local government administrations, of the universities and public institutions of like nature, any statutory corporation, company or other body or organization established by an Act of Parliament or statutory instrument or otherwise set up partly or wholly out of public funds, shall be audited and reported on by or on behalf of the auditor general. And for that purpose the auditor general shall have access to all books, records, returns and other documents relating to or relevant to those accounts.
Jalloh continues to state that Section 119 sub section (4) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone says the auditor general shall, within twelve months of the end of immediately preceding financial year, shall submit his/her report to parliament and shall in that report draw attention to any irregularities in the accounts audited and to any other matter which in his\her opinion ought to be brought to the notice of Parliament.
He further dilates on Section 119 subsection(5) of the 1991 Constitution which indicates that parliament shall debate the report of the auditor general and appoint where necessary in the public interest a committee to deal with any matters arising therefrom.
He therefore as civil society activist calls on the Auditor General to do the needful as per Constitution because it’s almost time to submit the audit report as per Constitution.
Amadu Jalloh points out that the resources of the state don’t belong to individuals but to the people of Sierra Leone.
According to the laws of the land, he says, monies misappropriated by government officials should be paid back.
The activist has reminded the auditor general on the need to adhere to and abide by the dictate of the Constitution of Sierra Leone.
He further reiterates on the function of the duties and responsibilities of the Audit Service institution, a duty an auditor general should not subjected to anyone or any authority.
“The people of this country are waiting for the audit report as per Constitution” he asserted.
He also draws the attention of ACC Boss to do the needful as well as urges members of parliament who are representatives of the people to ensure that monies misappropriated be refunded and those culprits be brought to book.