By Amin Kef Sesay
One of the country’s functioning and vibrant Civil Society Organizations, the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) has succinctly pointed out in a public statement it put out dated the 13th November, 2021 and signed by its members, which include: Christian Aid (CA), Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), Action Aid Sierra Leone (AASL), Search for Common Ground (SFCG), Network Movement for Justice (NMJD), Western Area Budget Education Advocacy Network (WABEAN) and Transparency International Sierra Leone, that its members are concerned about the indefinite suspension of the Auditor- General, Lara Taylor Pearce and her Deputy, Tamba Momoh of the Audit Service Sierra Leone.
BAN stated that the decision came as a shock to the public especially that there is limited information for the action continuing how they are particularly worried that the action undermines public accountability which is fundamental for good governance and development.
The Organization continued that it further hampers efforts in maintaining fiscal discipline and accountable use of public resources.
Members of BAN stated that the President should be reminded that Sierra Leone is committed to the African Charter on Democracy Elections and Governance, which under Chapter (9) Article (33) indicate that: “State parties shall institutionalize good economic and corporate governance through effective and efficient Public Services; and through promoting transparency in Public Finance Management”.
“We want to state that the Audit Service Sierra Leone has over the years demonstrated high levels of financial probity and provided oversight on the use of public resources as evidence in the Open Budget Survey were its score for 2020 was 72% and as mandated by the 1991 constitution, with high levels of professionalism and acceptance of its work by citizens,” the members state pointing out that therefore in the area of auditing, ensuring effective financial management, performance and professionalism, the Audit Sierra Service Leone and the Auditor General are rated highly in the world.
BAN continued that the action is more disturbing when the country is looking forward to the release of the annual audit report by the Audit Service Sierra Leone.
“We want to draw the attention of His Excellency to his Government’s commitment towards protecting the independence of the Audit Service Sierra Leone,” members of BAN said furthering that while they respect the authority of the President, citizens have the right to be informed of the reasons for the indefinite suspension of the Auditor General and Deputy to avoid misconceptions and misinformation amongst the Sierra Leonean population.
“Since there are no clear information on this decision, we kindly ask His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone to reconsider this suspension of the Auditor General and her Deputy because it is not in line with what he promised to Sierra Leoneans in the New Direction Manifesto,” BAN stated adding that it is also not a good and popular action, especially when the country is doing well in the Control of corruption indicator.
“We therefore kindly ask His Excellency to rescind this decision in the spirit of national interest,” BAN appealed.
