By Lawrence Williams
The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) has confirmed its expanded role as Independent Administrator for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) reporting process, with responsibility for preparing reports, analysing sector data and identifying gaps in disclosures.
In a press release dated October 28, ASSL said the mandate follows an agreement signed with the Sierra Leone Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (SLEITI) in June.
Under the arrangement, ASSL moves beyond its previous responsibility for certifying reporting templates submitted by mining companies, government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and chiefdom authorities.
Its expanded duties include preparing EITI reports, conducting scoping exercises, analysing information, identifying reporting gaps or inconsistencies, and recommending improvements to extractive-sector governance.
The ASSL says that the partnership will improve the quality, reliability and credibility of Sierra Leone’s extractive sector disclosures, and strengthen collaboration with government institutions, extractive companies, civil society organisations and development partners.
SLEITI National Coordinator Mohamed Baimba Koroma has expressed confidence in ASSL’s technical competence, credibility and handling of sensitive information.
“The appointment is a novel development within the African Organisation of English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions sub-region,” the ASSL said.
Read: Audit Service Sierra Leone takes over EITI reporting to boost mining transparency
Understanding EITI and Resource Governance in Sierra Leone
EITI promotes transparency and accountability in the management of oil, gas and mineral resources. Its framework supports disclosure and public scrutiny of information about resource governance, including company payments and government revenues.
For Sierra Leone, the reporting process extends beyond revenue figures. It covers information on mining licences and contracts, production, exports, revenue allocation, economic contributions and environmental, social and governance issues. These disclosures provide a basis for examining how the extractive sector is managed and how its benefits are distributed.
The distinction between publishing information and ensuring its reliability is central to the initiative. The EITI standard addresses both timely disclosure and the quality and assurance of reported data.
The ASSL’s expanded mandate is intended to strengthen those disclosures.
“By aligning Sierra Leone’s extractive sector disclosures with internationally recognized standards, the partnership is expected to elevate the quality, reliability, and credibility of EITI reporting,” the ASSL said. “Accessible, high-quality data will drive informed public debate, reinforce institutional accountability, and help ensure that Sierra Leone’s natural resources deliver sustainable benefits to all citizens.”
