By: Aminata Sesay
The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament on Monday, June 30, 2025, to address serious audit findings highlighted in the 2023 Audit Report. The hearing, chaired by the PAC, cantered on financial reporting discrepancies, outstanding statutory payments, and internal control weaknesses.
According to the audit, the SLRSA failed to clearly state the basis of preparation for its financial statements a basic requirement for public entities. The report also revealed missing revenue breakdowns, inconsistencies in financial figures, and a mismatch between total assets and total liabilities and equity. Additionally, comparative figures from the 2022 financial year, as presented in the 2023 accounts, were inconsistent with previously audited records.
Further concerns included unverified receivables, such as a general ledger listing and rent deposit schedule amounting to Le331,000, which were not submitted for inspection. A loan advance was also wrongly reported as a credit balance.
However, one of the most serious findings was the Authority’s failure to remit statutory deductions, including PAYE and withholding taxes amounting to over Le7.7 million, owed to the National Revenue Authority (NRA) a clear breach of financial regulations.
PAC members expressed strong concern over these lapses and emphasized the urgent need for timely remittance of public funds to uphold the integrity of Sierra Leone’s financial management systems.
In their defense, SLRSA officials acknowledged the audit shortcomings but assured the Committee that corrective measures had already been initiated. The Director of Finance reported that the 2024 financial statements now include accurate comparative data, a clear accounting framework, and a detailed revenue breakdown. He added that statutory deduction payments had resumed in 2024, following a temporary suspension during the 2023 election year.
Regarding the outstanding withholding taxes, SLRSA stated that it had begun reconciliation with the NRA and is now registering on the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS), which will enable real-time payments and monitoring of tax obligations.
While welcoming these steps, the PAC demanded documentary proof. The Committee directed the Authority to submit the following by Friday, July 4, 2025: Updated and revised financial statements, general ledger details, proof of payment or a formal settlement plan for the outstanding statutory deductions
Failure to comply, the PAC warned, could result in additional scrutiny or sanctions from Parliament.
Chairing the session, the PAC leader stressed the importance of transparency and accountability. “SLRSA must treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. Financial misreporting and failure to remit statutory deductions undermine public trust and fiscal discipline,” he stated.
As part of its ongoing oversight, the PAC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all public institutions adhere to national and international financial reporting standards.
