By: Aminata Sesay
Parliamentary Committee on Transparency and Accountability undertook a comprehensive nationwide oversight tour of local councils, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery at the grassroots level.
In his opening statement, Hon. Ambross Maada Lebby, Chairman of the Committee, emphasized the constitutional mandate guiding their work, as outlined in the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. He clarified that the purpose of the oversight visits was not to victimise individuals or institutions but to collaborate with local councils to ensure compliance with legal frameworks and improve public service outcomes.
“Our goal is to support councils in becoming more effective and accountable to the people they serve,” Hon. Lebby stated, encouraging council officials to engage openly and constructively during the sessions. The Committee visited and held strategic meetings with leaders and technical staff from various local councils, including Kambia, Port Loko, Kono, Koinadugu, Karene, Tonkolili, Bombali, Makeni, Kenema, Kailahun, Pujehun, Bo, and Bonthe. These interactions provided valuable opportunities for council administrators and finance officers to share their achievements, challenges, and perspectives on local governance and development projects.
Among the key issues identified were delays in receiving government allocations, which hinder the timely implementation of council activities. Discrepancies in financial records and documentation, raising questions about the accuracy and integrity of reporting. Concerns over the use of funds allocated for infrastructure projects, where expected value for money was not always evident.
Breaches of the Local Government Act 2022, particularly around procurement practices, including the failure to publicly advertise tenders as mandated by law.
While several councils showcased positive steps toward gender inclusiveness in their operations, the Committee stressed the need for uniform compliance with statutory regulations to foster fairness, efficiency, and transparency in governance.
Hon. Lebby reaffirmed the Committee’s unwavering dedication to institutional reform and oversight, citing the ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Parliamentary Committee on Transparency and Accountability and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Currently under review, the MoU aims to further strengthen collaborative mechanisms for enforcing transparency and ethical governance across public institutions.
This oversight mission sheds light on both the complex challenges and untapped potential within Sierra Leone’s local governance system. It also underscores the vital role of parliamentary scrutiny in driving improved performance, accountability, and better service delivery for citizens nationwide.