Freetown – The All People’s Congress (APC) Parliamentary Caucus has voiced strong opposition to a recent Tribunal report recommending the dismissal of Sierra Leone’s Auditor-General, Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her Deputy, Tamba Momoh.
In a statement issued by Honourable Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, the APC raised concerns regarding procedural fairness, transparency, and alleged political motivations underlying the Tribunal’s findings.
The APC asserts that Taylor-Pearce and Momoh adhered to international auditing standards, specifically the International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI). These standards, according to the APC, do not mandate auditors to seek consent from auditees for third-party verifications, especially in instances where fraud is suspected.
They claim the Tribunal disregarded expert testimony from the Director-General of the INTOSAI Development Initiative, who confirmed that consent is not required under these standards.
The opposition party warns that removing the Auditor-General could harm Sierra Leone’s accountability framework, potentially compromising the independence of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL).
According to the APC, this move may deter auditors and other oversight bodies from operating freely, posing a threat to transparency in government functions.
Addressing specific criticisms in the Tribunal report, the APC defended the ASSL’s audit of the Freetown City Council (FCC), stating that the FCC received an “unqualified opinion” for its 2020 financial statements, indicating a clean audit.
They argued that the ASSL’s mandate does not include certain non-governmental projects linked to the FCC, suggesting that the Tribunal’s accusations of incomplete auditing were unfounded.
The APC also noted endorsements from professional bodies supporting Taylor-Pearce and her Deputy. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sierra Leone (ICASL) conducted its own review, finding no evidence of professional misconduct, while INTOSAI, the global body for audit institutions, issued a statement in July affirming Taylor-Pearce’s adherence to international standards.
As Parliament requires a two-thirds majority to approve the Tribunal’s recommendation, the APC’s opposition could be decisive. The party has firmly stated it will not support the motion to remove Taylor-Pearce, urging President Bio to reconsider the Tribunal’s findings to protect transparency and accountability.
The APC cautions that proceeding with the Auditor-General’s removal may erode public trust in Sierra Leone’s oversight institutions.
The APC’s stance underscores widespread concern over the Tribunal’s recommendations and their potential impact on Sierra Leone’s governance.
As Parliament prepares for a critical debate on this issue, the opposition’s advocacy for transparency and professional integrity could significantly influence the outcome.
