By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sierra Leone (ICASL), the country’s body regulating accounting professionals in the small West African state has cleared Lara Taylor Pearce suspended auditor general and her deputy Tamba Momoh of all allegations of professional misconduct and ethical breaches.
It could be recalled that Lara Taylor Pearce and her deputy Tamba Momoh were suspended in November 2021 on allegations of misconduct. An allegation the pairs have denied.
The body’s report follows an Investigation done by the ICASL‘s Investigative committee, which was formed to review the findings of the government tribunal report released in July 2024. According to tribunal report, it questioned the professional conduct of the two senior officials citing breaches of standards in the country’s apex auditing institution.
‘’I refer to the report of the above investigations committee which was set up by the council of ICASL to review the findings of a government tribunal report released in July 2024,which questioned the professional and ethical standards and whether the actions of Mrs. Lara Taylor Pearce and Mr. Tamba Momoh were consistent with the ICASL code of ethics, international standards on auditing (ISA), International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI),the constitution of Sierra Leone and the Audit Service Act 2014,’’ the ICASL statement released to members reads.
According to ICASL statement signed by the President Mrs. Blanche Gooding, said, after the extensive review of the tribunal report, International Standards on Auditing (ISA), the ISSAI standards and responses provided by Mrs. Taylor Pearce and Mr. Tamba Momoh the committee found that both officials acted in the best interest of the public adding that they upheld professional standards and adhered to international standards and guidelines respectively.
‘’There were no instances of professional misconduct or ethical breaches as outlined in the ICASL code of Ethics and the INTOSSSAI’s standards,’’ the ICASL investigation Committee report lamented.
The body, however, urged the suspended auditor general and her deputy to continue their professional roles as qualified chartered accountants as they are free form any encumbrance to their names.
‘’ As a result of the above, we therefore, confirm that Mrs. Lara Taylor Pearce and Mr. Tamba Momoh may continue to perform their professional roles as qualified chartered & certified accountants , free from encumbrance to their names or any doubt on their integrity,’’ ICASL Investigation Committee added.
On his part, renown human rights lawyer and activists , Sorie Sengbe Marrah said on his X handle that the statement from ICASL clearing Lara Taylor Pearce and Tamba is a great assurance that not all institutions compromises under the pressure of party politics .
‘’The Statement from ICASL clearing Lara Taylor-Pearce and Tamba Momoh of all alleged professional wrongdoings is a great assurance that not all institutions meant to promote good governance and become guardrails of our democracy have caved in under the pressure of party politics, unimaginable compromises and unrelenting pursuit of self-interests,’’ Marrah wrote on X.
Activist Marrah praised civil society organisations like Budget Advocacy Network, ILRAJ, SLAJ, 50-50 & CITIZENS’ BARRAY whom he said have advocated for procedural fairness in the inquiry process of these professionals from the get-go.
‘’Strong democracies are built on the backs of strong and uncompromising institutions. Those who hold on the plough and do not look back,’’ Marrah added.
