By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a decisive move, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has issued a stern warning to the Anti-Corruption Commissioner, instructing the Commission to refrain from any actions regarding the Auditor General’s Report for 2023. This directive aims to ensure that the Report remains under the sole custody of Parliament until a thorough determination and conclusion are reached.
Parliament has emphasized that the Auditor General’s Report is its exclusive property and any interference from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) could result in overlapping efforts and confusion. The announcement underscores the legislative body’s intent to maintain its authority over the financial oversight process and to avoid any potential duplication of investigations.
Copies of a letter from the Parliament of Sierra Leone to the Anti-Corruption Commissioner, signed by Hon. Paran Umar Tarawally, Clerk of Parliament and dated January 10, 2025, were sent to the Speaker of Parliament, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Leader of Government Business, the Opposition Leader, the Deputy Minister of Justice and the Acting Auditor General. The letter, titled “Re: Auditor General’s Report,” stated:
“We have listened with keen interest to the Press Conference of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and we hereby write to draw your attention to the provision in Section 119 (4) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991, Act No. 6 1991, to wit: ‘The Auditor General shall, within twelve months of the end of the immediately preceding financial year, submit his report to Parliament and shall in the report draw attention to any irregularities in the account audited and to any other matter which in his opinion ought to be brought to the notice of Parliament.'”
The letter further emphasized that the Auditor General’s report is the property of Parliament, which is responsible for determining and scrutinizing matters deemed irregular. It continued that Parliament conducts hearings and makes determinations on issues from which recoveries can be made and refers those deemed corrupt to the ACC for prosecution.
The letter criticized the ACC’s approach, as voiced over Radio Democracy, where it was suggested that the ACC would handle issues for longer determination. It clarified that the audit report does not have shared responsibility and remains under Parliament’s jurisdiction. Any legislation granting accountability bodies investigative powers does not expressly mandate them over the Auditor General’s Report nor does Section 108 (8) of the Constitution permit such applicability.
The letter highlighted Parliament’s authority under Section 119 (5) and its Standing Order SO 70, which gives the Public Accounts Committee the mandate to investigate and conduct public hearings on all issues raised by the Auditor General. When corrupt practices requiring prosecution are identified, Parliament will notify the ACC for further investigation and necessary prosecution.
“We look forward to collaborating with the ACC in the spirit and intent of the Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991, Act No. 6 1991,” the letter concluded.
This move by Parliament reaffirms its role as the primary overseer of the Auditor General’s findings, ensuring accountability and proper procedure in the handling of the report.
