Since President Julius Maada Bio came into power in 2018, his administration has been pushing for greater transparency accountability in the mineral sector, positioning Sierra Leone as a responsible player in global resource governance.
He put together a management team at National Mineral Agency as the Agency to manage the affairs of the Agency and to ensure there is prudent financial management of the agency funds for the benefit of the people of Sierra Leone.
Sadly, the expectation has not been met especially by some members of the public regarding the recent released of the 2024 FY audited report which accused the National Mineral Agency of unable to give account of sum NLe178, 042.5.
The report noted that payments amounting to NLe451, 185.50 were without supporting documents, including payment vouchers and other relevant documents which according to the report violate Regulation 100(1) of the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2018.
The audit report frown at NMA recruitment process which according to report competitive and transparent as review of minutes of the Board meeting and personnel files revealed that four mines compliance officers, three graduate trainees, and four interns attached to the Laboratory Department were approved for absorption as permanent and pensionable staff of the NMA in August, October, and December 2024 but there were no documentary evidence such as internal advertisement of vacancies, application letters, shortlisting, interview score sheets and academic certificates to confirm that relevant recruitment processes were followed pointing out that the individuals received a total salary of NLe519,374.80 in 2024.
The audit report noted with dismay that the recruitment of staff without following due recruitment process and appropriate documentation increases the risk of recruiting unqualified or unsuitable individuals into sensitive positions while recommended that the Human Resources Manager should ensure that the relevant recruitment documents are submitted for verification.
The report also questioned the Internal Audit Unit as not effective as working papers and other evidence of work done were not submitted for audit inspection and recommended that the Director of Internal Audit should submit the, internal audit reports, and working papers for reviewed.
Read next edition for more shocking revelations on how the agency have been allocating license to a certain individual with multiple companies depriving a lot more other investors.