By: Saidu Jalloh
In a significant move to strengthen accountability and transparency, the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has formed a partnership with the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) to improve oversight of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The partnership was officially launched during a ceremony held on March 21, 2025, at the ASSL Conference Room in the Freetown City Council Building.
During the event, NPPA Chief Executive Officer Fodie Konneh stressed the vital role of collaboration in promoting accountability. He commended the Auditor General for initiating the partnership and reiterated his commitment to working together to address malpractices in public financial management.
Konneh disclosed that MDAs had previously been evasive when it came to accountability, often avoiding scrutiny from both the ASSL and NPPA. However, he emphasized that this collaboration would significantly reduce such practices.
He also highlighted the importance of the Audit Service in strengthening Sierra Leone’s institutions. He noted that it was through the efforts of the Audit Service that key agencies such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), NPPA, and the National Monitoring and Evaluation Agency (NaMEA) were established to create a more robust accountability framework.
Konneh raised concerns about the continued non-compliance of MDAs with established procurement and financial regulations. He shared that upon assuming office as CEO, he noticed a concerning trend: many MDAs were failing to comply with even basic administrative requirements.
“As part of our mandate, we require all MDAs to submit an annual procurement plan; yet, to date, less than 60% have complied,” Konneh lamented. He warned that such lapses contribute to significant financial waste and inefficiencies in government operations.
To tackle this issue, Konneh urged the Auditor General to implement stricter compliance measures, which would, in turn, facilitate NPPA’s work by providing accurate data on government spending.
In his address, Acting Auditor General Abdul Aziz welcomed the partnership, calling it a crucial step in enhancing public sector governance. He stressed that accountability should not be limited to financial records and payment vouchers but should also include assessing the actual impact of government services on citizens.
Aziz acknowledged that while the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was a key milestone, the true test of the partnership would lie in its successful implementation.
He also praised the work of the Public Accounts Committee and proposed a more effective approach to recovering embezzled funds. Instead of channeling recovered money into the consolidated fund often used for salaries. He suggested that these funds be reinvested directly into the intended projects.
In conclusion, Aziz reaffirmed that the primary objective of the NPPA-ASSL partnership is to enhance institutional compliance and strengthen governance accountability, ultimately improving service delivery for the people of Sierra Leone.
