MONROVIA – As part of efforts to strengthen the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance processes in the public sector of Liberia, the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) has taken significant steps in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 by solidifying partnership with the Executive branch in the implementation of audit recommendations.
Towards the strengthening of said partnership, a liaison has been established between the Office of the President and the IAA. This development followed a recent meeting held by His Excellency President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. with the Executive Management Team of the IAA.
Meanwhile, the IAA has also kept engaged with the Legislative branch of government, with the goal of ensuring a stronger collaboration with both Houses of the Legislature, in line with the body’s oversight function.
It can be recalled that the IAA recently made a presentation on its achievements in the previous FY-2024 as well as plans for FY-2025 to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Liberian Senate.
In a similar direction, the House of Representatives, through its chief clerk, has invited the IAA to establish Internal Audit Function at the Lower House. The IAA views that move as welcoming and looks forward to working with the House of Representatives.
Additionally, IAA has embarked on a nation-wide assessment, led by its Director General David A. Kemah, in preparation for the deployment of internal auditors at additional County Service Centers.
The assessment sought to acquire first hand evaluation of governance and controls processes which will inform further the IAA’s deployment decision. One major takeaway from the assessment is the warmth of reception and expressed calls for stronger collaboration by county officials with the IAA in strengthening compliance.
Key amongst those service centers that are being considered for immediate deployment include: Lofa, Nimba and Montserrado counties, the Lofa County University and other hospitals in rural Liberia. Counties that have already been assessed include: Margibi, Bong, Nimba, and Bomi. Others are: Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu and Lofa counties.
