PAC Chairman Raises Concerns
By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
The Public Account Committee (PAC) Chaired by Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh has raised serious concerns over the disbursement and accountability of funds allocated to foreign missions, as well as the ineffective rollout of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policy across institutions in Sierra Leone.
During a heated session, the committee demanded clarity from the relevant ministries on the status of funds remitted to Sierra Leone’s foreign missions, particularly those meant to support diplomatic operations and students studying abroad. Concerns were raised regarding delays in reporting and inconsistencies in financial returns, with MPs stressing the need for better transparency and oversight.
Hon. Conteh instructed that all funds transferred to foreign missions not limited to the UK, China, and Ghana must be accounted for with detailed financial reports, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must provide a breakdown of disbursements to foreign missions and scholarships awarded to students abroad before March 25, 2025.
“The issue remains pending, and we must take pragmatic steps to ensure accountability. If these missions fail to provide returns, necessary actions will be taken,” Hon. Conteh warned.
The meeting also revealed major gaps in the implementation of the TVET policy, which was aimed to enhance technical and vocational training across the country. It was noted that institutions lack proper equipment and laboratory facilities, limiting their ability to offer quality training.
The committee noted that facilitators in some TVET centers have gone unpaid, leading to a drop in teaching capacity.
It also pointed out that practical training in fields like welding and electrical work has been affected due to electricity outages.
The PAC further highlighted that students struggle to pay tuition fees, making institutions heavily dependent on government subventions, which remain insufficient.
Therefore members of the PAC demanded explanations from the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education on why the TVET rollout had stalled. It was further revealed that some TVET centers intended for skills training had been converted into nursing institutions, raising concerns over the shift in their intended purpose.
“The government has invested in these institutions, but without proper implementation, our young people will not benefit. We need proper monitoring, follow-ups, and clear strategies to ensure these centers serve their true purpose,” an MP stated.
As parliament pushes for stricter financial oversight and policy implementation, Ministries, Departments and Agencies responsible for managing public funds have been urged to provide transparent accounts and implement reforms to prevent further mismanagement.
