By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) convened a crucial meeting with representatives from Local Councils at the Parliamentary Conference Room in the New Administrative Building to review resolutions derived from the Auditor General’s 2023 Report. This meeting is part of the PAC’s ongoing efforts to enhance oversight regarding fiscal management at the local government level.
Chairing the meeting, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, who also serves as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, reported significant findings from the oversight activities, noting that over $2 million in financial irregularities had been recovered, primarily linked to withholding taxes and statutory deductions. Hon. Conteh indicated that an impressive 80% of audit issues had been satisfactorily resolved.
However, he expressed concerns regarding ongoing difficulties with the PETRA financial management system, which is extensively utilized by Local Councils. The current absence of the system’s service provider, who is based abroad, has hindered councils’ abilities to accurately project and mobilize revenue. Hon. Conteh highlighted that only two councils had surpassed their projected own-source revenue, warning that failure to perform in this area could jeopardize future allocations of government resources.
Another topic of discussion was the frequent transfer of council staff, which Hon. Conteh argued disrupts operational effectiveness. Stakeholders were encouraged to engage in open discussions to devise practical solutions to these challenges.
In light of the hurdles, the PAC resolved to engage directly with relevant authorities, including the Public Financial Management Reforms Division (PFMRD), the Ministry of Finance, Chief Administrators, Finance Officers, Chairpersons, and Mayors, regarding the execution and efficacy of the PETRA system. Councils were urged to enhance revenue mobilization by presenting detailed analyses of projected versus actual performance in all revenue streams, alongside clear accounts of central government and donor funds received.
To promote stability among council staff, PAC emphasized the necessity for personnel to remain in their roles until all audit inquiries are resolved. Councils were also tasked with compiling comprehensive lists of outstanding taxpayer arrears, with clear communication from PAC regarding the consequences of non-compliance, including potential garnishment of bank accounts in accordance with the Finance Act 2022.
Director Lydia Kargbo from the PFMRD noted that 19 councils are currently utilizing the PETRA system, shedding light on its functionalities and the challenges it entails. Deputy Auditor General Morie Lansana highlighted recurrent server downtime as a significant concern. Additionally, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, criticized the system’s inefficacy and pointed to inadequate IT infrastructure as a contributing factor.
Looking ahead, a new Public Financial Management Smart System is slated for rollout in 2026 to rectify the shortcomings of PETRA. The PAC plans to collaborate with the Accountable Governance for Basic Service Delivery Project and PFMRD to ensure the necessary equipment is ready for implementation.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold a follow-up engagement to address outstanding issues before the onset of the 2026 fiscal year.
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