By: Reporter J.
The 2024 Auditor-General’s Report has uncovered significant financial irregularities at the Office of the Chief Minister, raising fresh concerns about public financial management and accountability within one of government’s key coordinating institutions.
According to the report, a total of Le 876,896,000 (Old Leones) in public funds could not be properly accounted for during the audit period. Of this amount, Le 800,000,000 was reportedly expended without adequate supporting documentation, such as payment vouchers, receipts, or contracts, contrary to established public financial management regulations. The absence of these records makes it difficult to verify whether the expenditures were authorized, appropriate, or delivered value for money.
In addition to the undocumented expenditures, the audit also identified payroll irregularities amounting to Le 76,896,000 (Old Leones). This sum was paid as salaries to individuals listed on the payroll who could not be physically verified during the audit exercise. The Auditor-General noted that the inability to confirm the existence or active service of these staff members raises the possibility of “ghost workers” and weaknesses in payroll controls.
The irregularities occurred under the tenure of Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, whose office plays a central role in coordinating government policy and implementation across ministries, departments, and agencies. Given the strategic importance of the Office of the Chief Minister, the findings have sparked concern among observers about the effectiveness of internal controls and oversight mechanisms at the highest levels of government administration.
The Auditor-General’s Report recommends that management of the Office of the Chief Minister provide all outstanding supporting documents for the questioned expenditures, recover funds paid to unverified staff where necessary, and strengthen payroll and financial control systems to prevent a recurrence. The report also urges the relevant authorities to take appropriate administrative or disciplinary action in line with existing laws and regulations.
These findings add to ongoing national discussions about transparency, accountability, and prudent use of public resources, particularly at a time when citizens are calling for stronger safeguards to ensure that public funds are used solely for their intended purposes.
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