By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S Reporter
FREETOWN – Forty-six auditors from Audit Service Sierra Leone have completed a six-day intensive training programme aimed at improving the quality of audit reports and strengthening public accountability.
The training, held at Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown, focused on management letter report writing. It was funded by the European Union under the State and Resilience Building Contract, with technical support from consultancy firm LINPICO.
Speaking at the opening, Auditor-General Abdul Aziz said audit reports are critical tools for Parliament, government, development partners and citizens. He urged staff to focus on quality over quantity, noting that clear, evidence-based reports are key to driving reforms.
Aziz outlined the five pillars of a strong audit finding: criteria, condition, cause, consequence, and corrective action. He said these standards help government institutions understand weaknesses and act quickly.
EU Team Lead for the LINPICO project, Augustus Cole, said better reporting ensures management flaws are addressed without delay. Lead facilitator Rachel McKechnie added that auditors must avoid vague language and provide objective, context-rich findings so recommendations are clear and implemented.
The programme forms part of the EU’s wider support to public financial management in Sierra Leone. Under the State and Resilience Building Contract, the EU has committed €65 million in budget support through the Nature Nourishes Programme, which targets resilience, environmental protection, and education.
The training also aligns with reforms led by Aziz since taking office, including expanding performance and compliance audits, increasing citizen engagement, and deepening partnerships with development actors. In May 2026, Aziz was elected Vice Chairperson of the Governing Board of AFROSAI-E, the regional body for English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions.
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