By Lawrence Williams
The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) has assumed the role of independent administrator for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) reporting framework following Tuesday’s signing of an agreement with the Sierra Leone Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (SLEITI).
The new partnership is expected to strengthen public confidence in the governance of Sierra Leone’s mineral resources while ensuring compliance with international EITI reporting standards.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Auditor-General Abdul Aziz described the agreement as a reflection of the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting accountability, transparency and good governance in the management of the country’s natural resources.
He explained that under the new arrangement, ASSL will move beyond its previous role of certifying reporting templates submitted by mining companies, government ministries, departments, agencies and chiefdom authorities. Instead, the institution will now oversee the preparation of Sierra Leone’s EITI reports, conduct scoping exercises, analyse data, identify reporting gaps and make recommendations to strengthen transparency across the extractive sector.
“The Audit Service Sierra Leone is mandated to promote accountability and transparency in the management of public funds, while SLEITI is responsible for strengthening transparency, accountability and governance in the extractive industry sector. We see ourselves as partners working towards a common goal, which is why this MoU is important,” Aziz said.
He said the new arrangement eliminates any potential conflict of interest that existed under the previous reporting model.
“With this new role, ASSL can no longer certify the same templates it will later assess and report on. As the saying goes, you cannot be both the referee and the player at the same time,” he remarked.
Aziz further acknowledged the important contribution of civil society organisations in advancing transparency and accountability within extractive industries and commended their continued engagement in the EITI process.
SLEITI’s National Coordinator Mohamed Baimba Koroma described the agreement as a landmark partnership that demonstrates the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting good governance and sustainable national development.
He explained that Sierra Leone, as an implementing country under the global EITI framework, publishes regular reports containing detailed disclosures on mining licences and contracts, production levels, exports, revenue collection and distribution, the sector’s contribution to the national economy, and environmental, social and governance performance.
According to Koroma, the partnership complies with Requirement 4.8 of the EITI Standard, which requires EITI reports to be prepared by an independent and technically competent administrator.
“SLEITI considers ASSL to be technically competent, credible, trustworthy and free from any conflict of interest regarding the collection and treatment of sensitive information,” he said.
He also thanked the leadership and staff of ASSL for their professionalism and commitment to strengthening transparency and integrity in public financial management.
Deputy Auditor-General Morie Lansana welcomed the partnership, describing it as recognition of ASSL’s growing reputation for professionalism and independent oversight.
He said the confidence placed in the institution reinforces its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and effective governance within Sierra Leone’s extractive industries.
The MoU represents a major milestone in strengthening oversight of one of Sierra Leone’s most important economic sectors and is expected to improve the quality, credibility and public trust of future EITI reports while reinforcing transparency in the management of the country’s natural resource wealth.
