Finance Minister Pledges to Complete ICASL MOU
Finance Minister Kerefa A. F. Kargbo has committed to expediting the completion and signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Sierra Leone (ICASL).
Minister Kargbo announced the commitment during a courtesy visit on Monday, October 5, by the executive leadership of ICASL at his office in Freetown, where key areas of institutional collaboration were discussed.
The proposed agreement was highlighted as a top priority by ICASL President Leslie Williams, who urged the Ministry to help finalize the formal framework governing their operational partnership.
In response, Kargbo stated he will directly engage Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie and Accountant General Richard Williams—both active ICASL members—to drive the process to completion.
Kargbo, himself a Fellow Chartered Accountant, reassured the executive delegation that the government will maintain its annual financial subvention to the Institute while actively supporting its efforts to secure a permanent headquarters.
Discussions also covered ICASL’s comprehensive review of its governing legislation, an initiative aimed at expanding the body’s regulatory mandate and ensuring full professional compliance for practitioners across Sierra Leone.
Furthermore, President Williams advocated for increased involvement of indigenous accounting firms in auditing donor-funded programs, emphasizing that local participation is critical for capacity building and professional growth.
Expressing gratitude for the Ministry’s persistent support, Williams noted that Kargbo’s ministerial appointment stands as a significant benchmark of pride for the nation's accounting community.
The high-level meeting underscores ongoing efforts to align state financial management with professional standards and advance the development of accountancy in Sierra Leone.
Comments