The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) has successfully concluded a nationwide citizens’ engagement exercise across 15 districts of the country, including the hard-to-reach districts of Bonthe Island and Falaba, as part of its efforts to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery.
The sessions which were held in the various districts from 7th to 29th May 2026, brought together traditional leaders, civil society organisations, media representatives, women, youths, traders, students, persons with disabilities and other stakeholders to contribute to the audit of the 2025 financial year.
Participants called for stronger implementation of audit recommendations by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), particularly local councils, stressing that effective follow-up on audit findings would improve service delivery and address development challenges. Key concerns raised included poor own source revenue mobilisation, poor waste management, non functional school buses and gabbage trucks, late distribution of seeds and fertilizers, shortages of drugs and medical equipment, and the limited operational capacity of fire force services across many districts.
Stakeholders also advocated for closer collaboration between civil society groups and the ASSL in monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations and identifying priority areas for future audits.
Speaking during the engagements, Senior Communication Officer Martin Sandy reaffirmed ASSL’s commitment to inclusive auditing and citizen participation, noting that public feedback plays a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability and the effective management of public resources.
The nationwide exercise forms part of ASSL’s broader strategy to bring citizens closer to the audit process and ensure that their concerns help shape audits and improve governance across Sierra Leone.