The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) and the Sierra Leone Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (SLEITI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, credibility, and accuracy in reporting within Sierra Leone’s extractive sector. SLEITI is the Sierra Leone Chapter of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which is the global framework for extractive industries accountability.
The MoU was signed on Tuesday, 23rd June 2026, at the Conference Room of the ASSL in Freetown.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Auditor-General, Mr. Abdul Aziz said the agreement reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance in the management of Sierra Leone’s natural resources.
He noted that under the agreement, ASSL and SLEITI will collaborate in the production of Sierra Leone’s Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) reports in line with international EITI standards.
“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 industries sector. We see ourselves as partners working towards a common goal, which is why this MoU is important,” Mr. Aziz stated.
The Auditor-General described the agreement as a significant milestone that will improve existing systems and enhance the credibility of EITI reporting in Sierra Leone.
He explained that prior to the signing of the MoU, the ASSL was responsible for certifying reporting templates submitted by mining companies, MDAs and chiefdom authorities. However, under the new arrangement, the ASSL will serve as the Independent Administrator responsible for preparing EITI reports, conducting scoping exercises, analysing data, identifying gaps, and making recommendations to address identified challenges.
“With this new role, the 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.
Mr. Aziz further highlighted the important role played by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in promoting transparency and accountability within the extractive sector and commended their continued contributions to the EITI process.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of SLEITI, Mr. Mohamed Baimba Koroma, described the agreement as a landmark partnership that underscores the shared commitment of both institutions to leveraging their expertise and resources in support of national development and good governance.
He noted that, as an EITI-implementing country, Sierra Leone publishes EITI reports containing disclosures on the legal and institutional framework governing the extractive sector, contracts and licences, production and exports, revenue collection and allocation, the sector’s contribution to the economy, and environmental, social, and governance issues.
Mr. Koroma stated that, in accordance with Requirement 4.8 of the EITI Standard, SLEITI is pleased to partner with ASSL in the production of Sierra Leone’s 2024–2025 EITI Report.
“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 expressed appreciation to the leadership and staff of the ASSL for their unwavering commitment to transparency, integrity, and accountability.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Auditor-General, Mr. Morie Lansana commended SLEITI for its significant contribution to strengthening governance in Sierra Leone’s extractive industries sector. He noted that the strong reputation and professional work of the ASSL had created opportunities for deeper collaboration between the two institutions.
“The confidence reposed in the ASSL by the people of this country continues to motivate us to remain committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and effective oversight within the extractive industries sector,” Mr. Lansana stated.
The signing of the MoU marks a new chapter in the partnership between ASSL and SLEITI, and is expected to further enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust in the management of Sierra Leone’s extractive resources.
