IAA Erects Checkpoints – Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia, premier resource for latest news

By: Kruah Thompson

MONROVIA, June 24, 2026 — The Internal Audit Agency (IAA) has introduced two new policy instruments to strengthen financial oversight, improve accountability, and safeguard public resources in Liberia’s public sector.

The new policies—a Public Sector Internal Audit Regulation and a Public Sector Internal Audit Compliance Checklist—are designed to standardize internal auditing practices, enhance regulatory compliance, and provide a clear legal framework for auditors assigned to government ministries, agencies, and counties.

IAA Director General David A. Kemah announced Tuesday that the regulation will guide the work of internal auditors, while the compliance checklist will serve as a self-assessment tool for public institutions.

Both instruments are scheduled for official launch at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Monrovia City Hall. Senior government officials, representatives of integrity institutions, and development partners are expected to attend.

The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning will serve as the lead launcher through the minister or a designated representative.

According to Kemah, Section 5, Part V, Point 7(b) of the Internal Audit Agency Act empowers the Director General to issue regulations governing the implementation of internal auditing across public sector institutions.

Kemah said the agency has deployed internal auditors to various government ministries and agencies as part of efforts to strengthen public financial management. Currently, 96 auditors are assigned to public sector institutions, and seven auditors are stationed across Liberia’s 15 counties.

He said the decision to introduce the new regulation and compliance checklist was influenced by challenges auditors frequently encounter, including disagreements with heads of government institutions and delays in project implementation due to auditing procedures.

Kemah said government officials often seek rapid execution of projects, while internal auditors are required to ensure compliance with established financial and procurement procedures, leading to misunderstandings.

“The checklist is intended to provide heads of institutions with a reference tool to guide decision making and ensure all required procedures are followed before documents reach the internal auditor for review,” Kemah said.

He further explained that when the system is in place, administrators, comptrollers, procurement directors, and other officials will be able to use the checklist to verify that all necessary requirements have been met before submitting documents for audit clearance, thereby reducing delays and improving efficiency.

Kemah emphasized that one of the primary objectives of the regulation is to establish uniform standards for internal auditing across all public sector entities.

“The regulation will restore uniformity and provide a legal basis for internal auditors, while the checklist will allow institutions to conduct self-assessments and improve compliance,” Kemah said.

The Director General further disclosed that the agency hopes to expand auditor deployment to additional counties and government institutions, subject to budgetary support and risk assessments.

He noted that decisions regarding auditor deployment will be based on factors such as the volume of transactions, the level of risk involved, and cost effectiveness.

“Part of internal auditing is to add value and improve efficiency. We must assess whether it is economically feasible to assign a full-time auditor to an institution with a very limited budget,” he explained.

Where permanent deployment is not practical, Kemah said the agency utilizes periodic risk assessments conducted by mobile audit teams. Findings from those assessments help determine whether additional audit oversight is required.

The regulation is also expected to strengthen financial management policies and reporting requirements, establish professional standards for internal auditors, and improve service delivery throughout the public sector.

Kemah said the framework outlines the qualifications, training requirements, and competencies needed for various audit positions, as part of the agency’s broader strategy to build a professional and highly skilled internal audit workforce.

The regulation further seeks to enhance decision making by identifying weaknesses in internal controls and recommending corrective measures to address them.

“The ultimate goal is to protect public resources, improve accountability, and build public trust in government institutions,” Kemah stated.

He added that the compliance checklist will also help auditors apply uniform standards nationwide, ensuring consistency in the review of procurement transactions and other financial activities.

Meanwhile, Kemah revealed that the agency developed an internal performance scorecard approximately two and a half years ago to assess compliance and performance within public institutions.

Although details of the scorecard cannot be publicly disclosed due to legal restrictions contained in the agency’s governing legislation, he said the tool has helped identify deficiencies and encouraged ministries and agencies to strengthen their internal controls.

According to him, several institutions have responded positively to the assessments by seeking technical support from the IAA to address identified weaknesses.

Kemah said the launch of the new regulation and compliance checklist marks a step in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and effective management of public resources.