The Directorate of Internal Audit at the Ministry of Finance has commenced a nationwide workshop for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) aimed at strengthening institutional capacity in control, risk, and compliance within the public sector. The workshop officially opened on Monday, 9 February 2026, at Country Lodge, Hill Station, Freetown.
In his welcome address, the Director of Internal Audit, Kandeh Sesay, stated that the primary objective of the workshop is to enhance a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities within the Public Financial Management (PFM) governance framework. He noted that the engagement is also intended to reinforce the oversight, assurance, and advisory functions of Internal Audit Units across MDAs.
Mr. Sesay highlighted that the workshop seeks to increase awareness of the mandate and expectations of the Internal Audit Directorate and Internal Audit Units in MDAs; enhance understanding of the importance of internal control, risk management, and compliance in promoting accountability and effective service delivery; and promote alignment with relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, including the PFM Act and the Global Internal Audit Standards 2024.
He emphasized that knowledge sharing should be adopted as best practice among MDAs, Local Councils, and oversight bodies in managing risks and addressing control weaknesses. He further stressed the importance of collaboration among Internal Audit Units, Audit Committees, and external stakeholders to strengthen compliance and ensure the effective implementation of audit recommendations.
Mr. Sesay assured participants that the workshop would improve understanding of institutional control, risk, and compliance frameworks; enhance communication and coordination among Audit Units, Audit Committees, and Management; identify key capacity gaps and risk areas; and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen internal controls, risk management practices, and compliance monitoring within MDAs and Local Councils.
The Deputy Financial Secretary (Administration), Mamie Miatta Kallon, assured participants that the workshop would provide good practices and practical approaches for strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing coordination, and building resilient systems capable of adapting to positive reforms.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Government Audit Committee, Dr. William Tucker, noted that the workshop would contribute significantly to the development of sound policies and procedures, as well as the establishment of clear guidelines for control, risk management, and compliance.
He further explained that the initiative would strengthen the risk management framework by enabling institutions to identify, assess, and mitigate risks proactively rather than responding to them after they occur.
Dr. Tucker added that such engagements would improve governance and decision-making, reduce control and risk management failures, enhance transparency and accountability, and ultimately improve service delivery and public trust.
The workshop will continue in Bo and Makeni, where the Internal Audit Directorate with funding support from the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors (AFIIA) will further engage Local Councils and other stakeholders to strengthen internal controls for improved service delivery nationwide.