A tribunal set up by President Julius Maada Bio’s administration has released its findings on the suspended Auditor-General, Mrs Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her Deputy, Mr Tamba Momoh. The investigation concluded that both officials engaged in “selective reporting” while auditing.
According to the report, Mrs. Taylor-Pearce and Mr. Momoh intentionally halted the Freetown City Council’s auditing process for projects funded by the Sierra Leone government. This decision appeared to be influenced by a desire to protect the Mayor of Freetown City Council’s interests, despite serious concerns the audit team leader raised. By failing to complete the audit, they misrepresented the council’s projects’ actual financial status and accountability.
Furthermore, the tribunal found that the Auditor-General and her deputy used their authority to discourage the audit team from carrying out their duties. They described the Mayor as “credible and full of integrity,” claiming no need for continued scrutiny, thereby undermining the auditing process’s integrity. The findings raise serious questions about accountability and transparency in public financial management.
