The Parliamentary Committee on Transparency and Accountability, chaired by Hon. Ambrose Maada Lebby, on Tuesday 2nd December 2025, tabled its oversight report during parliamentary proceedings. The report covers the Committee’s nationwide oversight visit to Local Councils to review compliance with Section 119 of the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2022 and assess financial and procurement activities for the period 2023–2025.
Presenting the report, the Chairman, Hon. Ambrose Maada Lebby, stated that the Committee conducted its oversight engagements from 18th to 21st August 2025 across various Local Councils in Sierra Leone. The objective, he said, was to evaluate adherence to statutory obligations and examine the financial management and procurement systems in place. The report, he added, highlights both commendable practices and critical governance challenges.
According to Hon. Lebby, the Committee observed varying levels of compliance with the Act. While some Councils demonstrated commendable transparency by publishing key financial and administrative reports and ensuring public access to information, many others failed to meet the legal requirements. These gaps, he noted, undermine good governance and contribute to declining public confidence in local authorities.
The report further revealed significant weaknesses in financial management, including inconsistent record-keeping, weak internal control structures, and slow revenue mobilization. Procurement practices in several councils were also found wanting, with some failing to fully comply with the principles of transparency, competitive bidding, and value for money—conditions that may expose councils to financial risks and inflated costs.
Hon. Lebby explained that many of the challenges stemmed from systemic constraints such as inadequate technical capacity, outdated administrative systems, and weak oversight mechanisms. Collectively, these issues affect the ability of councils to deliver efficient services and uphold accountable standards.
To address these deficiencies, the Committee recommended targeted capacity-building interventions, the adoption of standardised reporting templates, stronger monitoring and evaluation structures, and strict enforcement of compliance measures. The report also calls for strengthened central government support, especially in technical and financial areas, to help councils meet their statutory obligations.
By implementing these recommendations, the Committee believes that Local Councils could significantly enhance compliance with Section 119, improve financial and procurement processes, and restore public trust in local governance.
In appreciation, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas noted that all reports tabled in the Chamber of Parliament would be debated in a day to be determined by Leader of Government Business and the Clerk of Parliament.
