By Donstance Koroma
The 2023 Auditor General’s Report has identified major administrative excesses in the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS).
According to the report, SLCS lacks regulations or policies, which has made it challenging for it to operate at its best.
With an enabling SLCS Act, there is no regulation or policy to guide implementation of the Act. In this modern day, SLCS is without a standalone human resource guideline, thus affecting issues like staff welfare, promotion, recruitment and training.
Despite the mountain of challenges, the Sierra Leone Correctional Service continues to battle with, there is no strategic plan to impact decision making, risk management, and opportunities for growth and innovation.
Surprisingly, the report also unearthed the unavailability of an annual operational plan to dictate the implementation of activities.
The lack of oversight and communication of important matters to the appropriate authorities is visible in the SLCS administration.
Audit Service- Sierra Leone, in its review, observed that there are no minutes from the SLCS council meeting.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs coordinates the affairs of the SLCS council headed by the Vice President and the Permanent Secretary, the secretary for the council.
Official response from SLCS in the report seemingly implicates the Vice President and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
‘‘The following policy documents have been developed awaiting SLCS council’s approval: Standing Order, Performance Appraisal policy, Career Management path, Gender Policy, Job Description Policy and specification of all SLCS post, among others,” the report disclosed.
Even the draft policy documents to confirm action has been taken to address such issues were not submitted to Audit Service Sierra Leone, according to the report.
