The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Institute of Law Research and Advocacy in Sierra Leone (ILRAJ), 50/50 group, Budget Advocacy Network, Citizens Barray, and Womens Peace Mediators has published an in-depth analysis of the Tribunal report concerning Auditor-General Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce and former Deputy Auditor-General Mr. Tamba Momoh.
Released on October 31, 2024, the analysis raises significant concerns regarding procedural fairness and evidentiary standards in the Tribunal’s findings.
According to the analysis, the Tribunal’s report exhibits several procedural deficiencies, including a failure to adhere to principles of natural justice and the rule of law. Key issues identified include unclear evidentiary standards, unsupported conclusions, and a perceived bias in the Tribunal’s proceedings.
The analysis points out that the Tribunal did not articulate specific allegations against Mrs. Taylor-Pearce and Mr. Momoh, and that it misapplied legal standards by relying solely on state witnesses while neglecting expert testimony from recognized authorities
The report’s selective presentation of evidence calls into question the credibility of the Tribunal and the integrity of its findings.
The analysis concludes that the grounds for determining serious misconduct against Mrs. Taylor-Pearce and Mr. Momoh are unfounded and inadequately substantiated. Furthermore, the perceived partiality of the Tribunal undermines its recommendations for the removal of both officials from the Audit Service Sierra Leone and the initiation of an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
In light of these findings, the analysis recommends that Parliament dismisses the Tribunal’s recommendations or delays any deliberation on them until a comprehensive and unbiased report, complete with a full annex of evidence from the Attorney-General, is received. Additionally, it urges the Judiciary to expedite the Supreme Court case filed by Mrs. Taylor-Pearce to ensure a timely and fair hearing.
Should the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) consider the Tribunal’s suggestion to amend Section 119(9) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, the analysis stresses the importance of safeguarding the independence of the Auditor-General’s office.
It emphasizes that any proposed monitoring or disciplinary measures should focus on clarifying existing procedures or addressing current gaps, rather than undermining the integrity of the office.
