Freetown, September 15th 2025- A performance audit of Sierra Leone’s Youth Empowerment Programmes has revealed systemic financial mismanagement totaling over NLe2.8 million between 2020 and 2022, casting doubt on the Ministry of Youth Affairs’ (MoYA) ability to deliver on its strategic plan for youth development.
The audit found that NLe1,546,986, representing 70% of the total contract value, was disbursed to contractors for the construction of car wash centres in Bonthe, Kono, Mile 91, Pujehun, and Lungi. Yet, none of these facilities were completed. In the Western Area Rural, additional centres in Aberdeen and Allen Town received NLe238,634 (30% of contract value), but construction was halted due to unresolved land disputes.
Despite contractual obligations, boreholes and wells were not constructed at the car wash centres. The Project Manager claimed existing water structures were sufficient and that funds were deducted accordingly. However, the audit team found this assertion to be false. Youth groups were forced to fetch water from nearby drainages, such as at the Wellington Choithram Centre, leading to operational shutdowns during dry seasons and a decline in customer patronage.
Physical verification revealed that many tools and accessories provided to youth groups were either missing or non-functional. The lack of maintenance and accountability further undermined the programme’s sustainability.
Perhaps most alarming was the absence of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework. Although NLe1,041,740 was recorded as spent on M&E activities, no reports or documentation were available to justify the expenditure. The audit could not confirm the existence of an M&E unit within MoYA, raising serious concerns about oversight and transparency. Total Funds Flagged for Mismanagement: NLe2,827,360
The audit’s findings point to a broader failure in institutional governance and project execution. With youth unemployment and informal trade on the rise, the mismanagement of empowerment funds not only wastes public resources, it deepens social vulnerability.
