By Amara Kallon

Auditor General Abdul Aziz has called on newly recruited staff to uphold integrity and put the interests of the people at the centre of their work, while maintaining the highest quality standards in discharging their duties.

Abdul Aziz was speaking at the opening of a two-week induction programme for 35 personnel of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), with six of them being interns assigned through the European Union (EU) internship project.

The auditor general addressed them on the importance of adhering to the mandate of the institution. He reminded them that they bear significant responsibility to the people, particularly in promoting accountability, transparency and responsible management of public resources.

“Integrity is the watchword of the ASSL,” Aziz said, noting that the ultimate purpose of public sector auditing is to contribute to good governance, accountability and improved public service delivery. 

He noted that the credibility and effectiveness of the ASSL depend largely on the integrity, independence and professionalism of its personnel, and advised them to seek guidance when necessary and collaborate with colleagues to achieve the objectives of the institution.

He urged them to take the induction very seriously in order to gain a clear understanding of the institution’s mandate, values, policies, procedures and professional expectations.

“I urge you to uphold the integrity of the institution in serving the people,” Aziz concluded.