The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) and Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance public sector accountability and procurement efficiency. The agreement, signed on March 21, 2025, establishes a framework for joint monitoring, compliance enforcement, and information sharing between the two institutions.

The signing ceremony, chaired by Mr. Aiah-Gbondo Tugbawa, Deputy Auditor General, underscored the critical role of collaboration in ensuring transparency and value for money in public procurement. The Acting Auditor General Mr. Abdul Aziz, emphasized the importance of audit and procurement synergy in driving national development. He noted that both institutions must work together to enhance public financial management and procurement practices.

Key Highlights of the MoU

1. Joint Oversight and Compliance Monitoring

NPPA and ASSL will collaborate on procurement audits and financial oversight to improve compliance among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The ASSL will now conduct physical verification of procurement activities, moving beyond financial audits.

2. Information Sharing and Risk Mitigation

ASSL will share preliminary audit findings with NPPA before publication, allowing for necessary corrective measures.

This partnership aims to reduce procurement wastage and non-compliance by ensuring timely intervention.

3. Capacity Building and Training

Both institutions will organize joint training sessions for procurement officers and auditors.

NPPA will provide guidance on procurement regulations, while ASSL will enhance financial accountability frameworks.

4. Enhancing Procurement Compliance

Low compliance rates among MDAs remain a key concern, with NPPA noting that adherence to procurement guidelines is below 50%.

The MoU mandates increased scrutiny of procurement plans and spending patterns.

5. Policy Reform and Legislative Improvements

NPPA is currently reviewing the Procurement Act 2016, and ASSL will provide recommendations to improve audit and procurement frameworks.

Commitment to Good Governance

The NPPA CEO, Chief Fodie J. Konneh, commended ASSL for its proactive approach and reaffirmed NPPA’s dedication to strengthening procurement integrity. He highlighted the urgent need for MDAs to improve compliance, stressing that government accountability is essential for development.

This MoU marks the beginning of active collaboration between NPPA and ASSL, with both institutions committed to sustained engagement, policy reforms, and institutional strengthening.