The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) is currently under investigation following a recent report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which uncovered significant anomalies in the agency’s withholding tax payments. According to the report published this month, the PAC identified a total of Le710,149,449.28 (approximately four hundred and fifty-four million, seven hundred and ninety-five thousand Old Leone) in withholding tax discrepancies.
The investigation revealed that the SLCAA failed to deduct withholding taxes amounting to Le454,795,28 from payments made to suppliers. This lapse indicates that the agency did not comply with tax deduction regulations for a substantial sum, raising concerns about potential tax evasion or administrative oversight. Additionally, the PAC found that another Le255,354,10 was deducted from payments to suppliers but, troublingly, there was no evidence presented to confirm that these funds were remitted to the National Revenue Authority (NRA). This lack of proof raises questions about the transparency and accountability of the agency’s financial operations.
The PAC report further highlighted that, due to financial difficulties, the SLCAA engaged with the NRA to develop a payment plan aimed at settling the outstanding tax liabilities. The Committee emphasized the importance of strict adherence to this agreement and urged the SLCAA’s management, particularly the Director General, to ensure timely and full remittance of all pending taxes. The Committee’s findings underscore the need for improved financial management and compliance within the agency to prevent future irregularities and uphold fiscal integrity.
The revelations have sparked calls for greater oversight of government agencies to ensure adherence to tax laws and proper financial conduct. The SLCAA is now under pressure to rectify these discrepancies and demonstrate transparency in its financial dealings moving forward.
