By Africa 24 Parliamentary Reporter

In the Second Session of a meeting by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), it commenced public hearings and examinations of financial infractions involving various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as outlined in the 2022 Auditor General’s Report.

The report is in accordance with Section 119 (4) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, according to MPs.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament who also doubles as the Chairman of the Public Account Committee in Parliament, Hon Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, had disclosed to the media that on the 2023 Audit Service Report, the Committee will open a recovery account to recoup monies.

Hon Conteh spoke while updating the press about the committee’s progress being made so far since its commencement of public hearings on audit service reports in June on to date this year.

According to Deputy Speaker, the primary aim for opening a recovery account by the Public Account Committee (PAC) is to ensure that whatever the committee does will be in the best interest of the nation and for the committee to know how much money  has been recovered.

He said the said account is also geared towards ensuring transparency and accountability.

He said once the PAC completed the collecting or recovering of the monies accounted for, it will be followed with a press conference and the monies will be handed over to the ministry of finance and to the President, something which may raise further suspicion by the public as monies are handed to the president.

Hon. Tawa Conteh said the PAC is not working for percentage unlike the ACC which is recovering monies with a percentage attached.

He maintained that the recovery is not just about reclaiming lost funds; it is about restoring public trust in institutions.

“We are committed to holding accountable those who misuse public resources and we are ensuring that such practices are eradicated, ”Hon. Conteh said.

He told the media that the recovered amounts will be redirected towards ensuring vital public services, adding that the PAC has called for stricter enforcement of financial regulations and greater cooperation from government agencies to prevent future financial mismanagement.

The Deputy Speaker stressed that the recovery of these funds is a testament to the PAC resolve to combat corruption and improve the financial integrity of the government.

He disclosed that the recovery does not only serve as a warning to those involved in corrupt practices but also to serve as a beacon of hope for citizens who are looking for positive change in governance. He concluded that the PAC’s proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding public resources for the betterment of the country.