Former Deputy Auditor-General Reacts to State House Press Release
By: Edward Dictionary Caulker
Former Deputy Auditor-General Tamba Momoh (FCCA, FCCA (SL), CFE) has reacted to a State House Press Release publicly on Friday, July 12, 2024, which came from the Office of the Press Secretary concerning his suspension and that of Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce.
Their suspension, dating back to November 11, 2021, was reportedly attributed to “professional performance or the lack thereof” in relation to an audit of the Office of the President for the 2020 financial year.
Having served as Deputy Auditor-General since 2009, Momoh expressed shock and disappointment at the developments, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to professionalism during his tenure. He highlighted several significant audits he conducted, including those of Sierra Leone’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, Management of Ebola Funds, and Management of the COVID-19 Response.
In his statement, Momoh detailed procedural concerns raised through his lawyer, Mohamed Pa-Momo Fofanah Esq., during the Tribunal’s inaugural hearing on March 17, 2022. His initial objection centered on the Tribunal’s jurisdiction over his case, arguing that the Audit Service Board, per the Audit Service Act 2014, held authority. Despite his objections being overruled, he continued to participate in the proceedings through his legal team.
Momoh further disclosed his resignation from the Audit Service Sierra Leone on July 30, 2023. Nonetheless, despite repeated requests, he had not been provided with a copy of the Tribunal’s report, which concluded on June 12, 2024, and recommended his removal.
In a public appeal, Momoh urged the Attorney General of Sierra Leone to present his case of alleged professional misconduct to the three professional accountancy bodies where he holds membership: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sierra Leone (ICASL), The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). He maintained his innocence, asserting that his professional conduct had always been exemplary.
The press release from the Office of the Press Secretary on July 9, 2024, confirmed that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio had accepted the Tribunal’s recommendations for the removal of both Lara Taylor-Pearce and Tamba Momoh. The Director of Public Prosecutions also noted that the Tribunal had recommended an investigation into Taylor-Pearce by the Anti-Corruption Commission over allegations of abuse of office.
Momoh assured the public that the truth would emerge and reiterated his dedication to upholding professional integrity and serving Sierra Leone.
