A rare behind-the-scenes account of Sierra Leone’s public audit process has emerged following fresh clarifications from Deputy Auditor General Morie Lansana, who has explained why the Office of the President did not appear in the 2024 Audit Report.
Speaking during an interview aired on Truth Media on January 13, 2026, Lansana provided insight into the circumstances that led to the exclusion, describing the development as unprecedented in the country’s audit history.
According to Lansana, the Office of the President formally engaged the Audit Service Sierra Leone ahead of the report’s finalization, requesting an early review to determine whether any internal weaknesses required attention before publication.
He explained that such a request had never before been made by the presidency, noting that it demonstrated an unusual level of institutional self-assessment.
“In line with our legal mandate, we had no option but to thoroughly examine the request,” Lansana stated, emphasizing that the audit body followed due process without compromise or favoritism.
Following the detailed review, the Audit Service concluded that the Office of the President met all required standards and had no adverse findings that warranted inclusion in the final 2024 Audit Report. As a result, the presidency was omitted from the document made public.
Lansana attributed this outcome largely to the office’s sustained commitment to implementing recommendations from previous audits. Over time, he said, this practice had strengthened internal controls, improved administrative efficiency, and enhanced overall compliance with public financial management rules.
While welcoming the positive example, Lansana reiterated that the Audit Service’s role remains unchanged: to examine all public institutions and promote transparency, accountability, and prudent use of public resources as foundations for national development.
However, he expressed concern that many government institutions continue to ignore audit recommendations, a trend he warned could have serious consequences.
“When audit recommendations are not implemented, it creates space for persistent misuse and mismanagement of public funds,” he cautioned, calling for stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance across all sectors of government.
Lansana concluded by stressing that audits should not be viewed as punitive exercises but as essential tools for improving governance and safeguarding taxpayers’ money, urging public institutions to emulate best practices demonstrated by those that take audit findings seriously.