Audit Service Launches Public Awareness Campaign Ahead of 2024 Local Government Audit

April 8, 2025

The Audit Service of Sierra Leone has begun a nationwide public engagement campaign to raise awareness about its auditing processes ahead of the 2024 audit of local councils.

The campaign, which started on March 24, 2025, in Kambia District, is part of efforts to prepare communities and stakeholders for the upcoming audit. The initiative is set to reach several districts including Port Loko, Koinadugu, Falaba, Karene, Bombali, and Tonkolili, with further expansion planned.

Led by senior officials from the audit service, the outreach includes public meetings, stakeholder dialogues, radio discussions, and school visits. These activities are designed to increase transparency, encourage citizen involvement, and deepen understanding of how audits support good governance.

Community concerns raised during the sessions include revenue collection, contract and procurement management, waste disposal, and challenges in service delivery such as electricity supply, access to free medical drugs, and the absence of school buses. Participants also called for stronger collaboration between civil society and the audit service, alongside better training for council officials.

Radio programs and educational forums in schools have been used to spread the message further and collect public feedback. Through these efforts, the Audit Service aims to empower citizens and improve accountability across local government structures.