They Were Simply Doing Their Jobs

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ICASL cleared both the Former Auditor-General and her Deputy of wrongdoing. The Auditor-General, Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce, and the Deputy Auditor-General, Mr. Tamba Momoh of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), were simply doing their jobs.

Suspended Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her Deputy, Mr. Tamba Momoh

According to the ICASL, Mrs. Taylor-Pearce and Mr. Momoh "acted in the public's best interest, upheld professional standards, and adhered to international auditing standards and guidelines."

Key Takeaways

  • Statement from the ICASL Review Board: "They were fully committed to their responsibilities and executed their roles with integrity."
  • Former Auditor-General Mrs. Taylor-Pearce and her Deputy Mr. Tamba Momoh "acted in the public's best interest."
  • The ICASL review adhered to internationally recognized auditing standards specifically the International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI), ensuring transparency and credibility.
The Tribunal’s interpretation reports reflect a lack of understanding of standard audit procedures.
Auditor-General Responds to Tribunal Report Raises Concerns Over Findings and Process
Many Sierra Leoneans were deeply troubled by the President's recommendation to remove from office the suspended Auditor General, Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her deputy, Tamba Momoh. This decision is being criticized for lacking legitimacy and ignited significant public outrage.
Deception in Politics: President Bio Orders Removal of Suspended Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her Deputy, Tamba Momoh

The statement further clarified that there were "no instances of professional misconduct or ethical breaches as outlined in the ICASL Code of Ethics and INTOSAI’s standards."

The ICASL review was guided by international auditing standards, including the International Standards on Auditing (ISA), the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI), the ICASL Code of Ethics, and the Sierra Leone Audit Service Act of 2014.

ICASL Investigation Committee Report

With Parliament preparing to discuss President Bio’s support for the tribunal’s recommendations, the ICASL’s statement could significantly influence public discourse regarding the integrity of Sierra Leone’s accountability institutions.

Theo Edwards for YAME