The Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, has announced significant financial recoveries secured by the Committee from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during the Public Accounts Committee’s public hearings on the 2023 Auditor-General’s Report.
He made these statements on recoveries for the period under review as the Acting Speaker of Parliament after the Reports were tabled by the Deputy Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. PC Desmond Kargobai, in Parliament on Tuesday, 17th January 2026. Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh is also the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament.
Hon. Conteh disclosed that, as a direct result of the PAC’s scrutiny and enforcement actions, the Committee secured total domestic recoveries amounting to NLe 24,025,499.86, which have been paid into Government-designated accounts. He further confirmed that the PAC also resolved outstanding obligations to the Government of Sierra Leone, including a USD 760,000 royalty settlement from Zoodlabs, relating to the management of the fibre landing station.
The Deputy Speaker noted that the Committee recorded substantial progress in addressing audit findings, with over sixty per cent (60%) of audit issues reviewed across MDAs either resolved or substantially resolved during the PAC process. With respect to Local Councils, he stated that thirty-four (34) audit issues, representing 42%, were fully resolved through documentary submissions, corrective actions, and compliance by Council Managements.
Hon. Conteh commended the Committee Membership for what he described as the outstanding performance of the Sixth Parliament in enforcing accountability and recovering public funds. He emphasised that these achievements were the result of a deliberate and collaborative approach, with the PAC working closely with the Finance Committee and the Transparency and Accountability Committee to advance the national interest.
The Chairman further called on the Finance Committee and the Transparency and Accountability Committee to sustain engagement on unresolved matters and to produce reports on negotiated settlements, stressing that the values and ethos of the Sixth Parliament must translate into tangible improvements in public financial management and service delivery across the country.
Hon. Conteh also expressed profound appreciation to the Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas, the Leadership of Parliament, Honourable Members of Parliament, and particularly Members of the Public Accounts Committee for their unwavering support throughout the oversight process.
He underscored that the PAC’s work demonstrates the Sixth Parliament’s firm commitment to accountability, transparency, and sound public financial management. According to him, the public hearings on the Auditor-General’s Report reaffirm the critical role of parliamentary oversight in promoting good governance and safeguarding public resources.
The PAC’s Reports, he added, are expected to provide a comprehensive assessment of the financial performance of MDAs and Local Councils, while clearly identifying systemic weaknesses and areas requiring corrective action, with the overarching aim of strengthening fiscal discipline and improving the management of public funds for national development.