July 15, 2024 – Freetown, Sierra Leone – After nearly three years of silence, Lara Taylor-Pearce, the suspended Auditor General of Sierra Leone, has publicly addressed her suspension and the allegations made against her and her former Deputy Auditor General, Mr. Tamba Momoh.
In response to a recent press release from the State House and a statement by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Taylor-Pearce highlighted her distinguished 30-year career as a professional accountant.
She emphasized her commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability, principles she adhered to throughout her tenure.
Taylor-Pearce began her auditing career in 1991 at KPMG Peat Marwick, becoming a full member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) UK in 1998, and later a fellow of both the ACCA and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sierra Leone. She also holds an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability from the University of Cumbria, UK.
Appointed as the Auditor General in November 2011, Taylor-Pearce asserted that she performed her duties to ensure public funds were used for the benefit of Sierra Leoneans.
She noted that her leadership helped Sierra Leone gain international recognition for upholding the independence of its Supreme Audit Institution, a position uninterrupted until her suspension in November 2021 for alleged professional misconduct.
Taylor-Pearce pointed out that the Sierra Leone Constitution and the Audit Service Act 2014 guarantee the Auditor General’s independence from any person or authority. She defended the audit practices under her leadership, stating they adhered to international standards and procedures.
Regarding the Tribunal set up to investigate her suspension, Taylor-Pearce disclosed that public hearings began in March 2022, and despite a comprehensive written response to the allegations, she was not given the opportunity to publicly defend herself.
She categorically denied any involvement in leaking information and condemned those responsible for such actions.
Taylor-Pearce highlighted the professional structure and accountability within the Audit Service, emphasizing that all audits were managed by Deputy Auditor Generals and followed specific international standards.
She assured the public that performance audits could not be halted without thorough review by the Advisory Performance Audit Committee (APAC).
In light of her suspension, Taylor-Pearce called on the Attorney General to provide alleged evidence of professional misconduct to the relevant professional bodies, including the ACCA and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sierra Leone.
Taylor-Pearce expressed gratitude for the overwhelming local and international support she received, including from her legal team and professional colleagues. She reiterated her commitment to truth, integrity, and professionalism.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Taylor-Pearce remains steadfast in her belief in the principles she has always stood for and continues to stand for.
