Gambiaj.com – (Freetown, Sierra Leone) – On Friday, Sierra Leone’s Parliament passed a resolution to remove Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce and her deputy, Tamba Momoh, in a vote that has ignited political tensions and raised concerns over the country’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The decision, made by 136 Members of Parliament (MPs) with a two-thirds majority of 100 votes, follows months of debate and criticism surrounding Taylor-Pearce and Momoh’s auditing methods. Government officials, particularly those close to the administration, have long voiced dissatisfaction with their approach. However, opponents of the dismissal claim it was politically motivated and warn of its implications for governance in Sierra Leone.

Taylor-Pearce, who served as the government’s chief external auditor since 2011, was a pivotal figure in shaping public-sector accountability. Over her 27-year career in financial and administrative oversight, she spearheaded efforts to enhance audit coverage, contributed to the 2016 Public Financial Management Act, and introduced special audits that significantly improved transparency in government operations.

In July 2024, a presidential tribunal recommended Taylor-Pearce’s removal. Following this, President Julius Maada Bio directed the attorney general and minister of justice to initiate proceedings, culminating in Friday’s parliamentary resolution.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Solomon Segepoh Thomas, underscored the procedural adherence to parliamentary standing orders, stating that only MPs physically present were considered in the vote.

With opposition numbers insufficient to counter the motion, the ruling party leveraged its majority to secure the outcome. “Our functions are governed by clear laws, and this process strictly complies with those requirements,” Speaker Thomas stated.

The Leader of the Opposition contested the resolution, arguing that it undermined broader parliamentary representation and transparency. Despite these objections, the ruling stands, and the government is now tasked with appointing new leadership for the Audit Service Sierra Leone.

Proponents of the decision argue that it will restore public confidence in the auditing system, while critics see it as a troubling precedent that could erode institutional independence. As Sierra Leoneans grapple with the implications of this high-profile dismissal, the political and public debate is expected to intensify in the weeks ahead.

Taylor-Pearce’s removal marks a significant moment in Sierra Leone’s governance narrative, raising critical questions about the balance between accountability and political influence in the country’s democratic institutions.