By Socrates Smythe Saywon | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The General Auditing Commission (GAC) has announced a significant increase in its audit activities, revealing that it completed and published 61 audit reports during the first half of 2026, while dozens more are expected before the end of the year as the institution intensifies efforts to strengthen public financial accountability.
The update was delivered on Thursday, July 23, 2026, during the GAC’s first General Staff Meeting of 2026, where Auditor General Hon. P. Garswa Jackson Sr. outlined the Commission’s accomplishments, ongoing challenges, and strategic priorities for the remainder of the year.
Held under the African Organization of English-Speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E) framework, the meeting served as an internal platform for management and staff to assess institutional performance and discuss progress made during the first six months of 2026.
Providing an overview of the Commission’s work, Auditor General Jackson disclosed that the GAC completed and published 61 audit reports, including 26 government audits and 35 donor-funded project audits.
He further revealed that 60 additional audits are currently awaiting his review and approval, while another 40 government audits are scheduled to be commissioned before the close of 2026, signaling an ambitious agenda for the Commission.
Jackson said several recently completed audits have already generated significant public and legislative attention, particularly the Revenue Reconciliation Audit, the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Road Project Compliance Audit, and the Nimba and Grand Bassa County Administration Audits.
The findings from these reports have been reviewed by the Joint Legislative Public Accounts, Audit and Expenditure Committee, prompting increased scrutiny of public financial management across government institutions.
The Auditor General also reported progress in monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations. According to him, Phase Three of the Audit Follow-Up Recommendations now covers 80 audited institutions, 338 audits, and 504 audit reports, reflecting the Commission’s continued efforts to ensure that audit findings translate into corrective actions.
Jackson further announced that the Annual Consolidated Financial Statement Audit of the Government of Liberia is expected to be released by August 2026, in accordance with the Public Financial Management Law.
Beyond audit delivery, the Auditor General unveiled the Commission’s new 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, which is designed to strengthen the institution’s independence and improve operational performance.
The plan is built around five strategic priorities: transforming audit delivery, pursuing financial independence, enhancing operational independence, leveraging technology and digital transformation, and improving organizational culture and staff development.
Jackson said the strategy will guide the Commission’s work over the next five years while reinforcing its oversight role in promoting transparency and accountability in public sector governance.
In a move aimed at strengthening field operations, the Auditor General announced the acquisition of 15 new pickup trucks dedicated exclusively to audit assignments, along with one additional vehicle for security operations. The procurement fulfills a commitment previously made to improve the Commission’s logistical capacity and operational efficiency.
The meeting also celebrated the achievements of several GAC employees who attained academic and professional milestones. Among those honored were Sumo Mulbah and Melvin Zewey, who successfully completed the examinations for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), one of the world’s leading professional accounting qualifications.
Their accomplishment was recognized as part of the Commission’s broader commitment to building a highly skilled and professionally competent workforce.
As part of activities marking Liberia’s Independence Day celebrations, Auditor General Jackson and the Commission’s management presented employees with bags of rice and gallons of cooking oil in appreciation of their dedication and service.
The meeting was attended by members of the GAC’s senior management team, including Deputy Auditor General for Administration Hon. Foday G. Kiazolu and Deputy Auditor General for State-Owned Enterprises and Specialized Audits Hon. G. Cecil Dole.
