UPGRADING THE INTERNAL CONTROLS AT THE MINISTRY OF LANDS, MINES & ENERGY
Monday, 30th November 2009
UPGRADING THE INTERNAL CONTROLS AT THE
MINISTRY OF LANDS, MINES & ENERGY
Following the release of the recent GAC HIPC I audit of the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy, reports have appeared in the media which have the propensity to portray the Ministry in a negative limelight, and thereby bring the management and staff of the Ministry into public disrepute. The Ministry therefore wishes to correct any misconception the negative media publicity might have generated.
In so doing, the Ministry would like to affirm its commitment to the Liberian Government’s policy on zero tolerance for corruption, as clearly enunciated in President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s inaugural message and her many subsequent public pronouncements. Under the current MLME administration, corruption in all its forms and subtle devices will continue to be guided against, because we believe that corruption hinders development and breeds crisis. As custodian of the country’s vast mineral deposits, the MLME is committed to ensuring that the people of Liberia enjoy the benefits of their mineral and energy resources. And, cognizant that an effective internal control system at the Ministry is essential to this endeavour, we are doing everything possible to upgrade our internal control and risk management system to meet international standards.
It was consistent with this goal that the management did not hesitate to begin implementing recommendations made by the GAC following the HIPC I audit. For example, in April the Ministry established an Internal Audit Unit, with Mr. Stephen D. Kofa appointed as head. Mr. Kofa is a product of the UL graduate program in financial management (FMTP) funded by the World Bank.
The Internal Audit Unit has been given the full support of the MLME management team headed by the Minister. The Unit has developed an Internal Audit Charter for the Ministry. The Internal Auditor has also submitted his first internal control assessment report, in which he made several recommendations for the improvement of the Ministry’s overall internal control environment. Those recommendations have been endorsed by the Minister and have since begun to be implemented. It is our conviction that given the presence of an independent Internal Auditor, who is continuously reviewing our systems and procedures, and also routinely conducting training for our finance staff, more improvements will be seen in the internal control and risk management processes at the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy.
The Ministry is also in the process of drafting a Financial Procedures Manual that will detail the steps to be followed in the processing of various financial transactions, ranging from petty expenses to the procurement of capital assets and contractual services. When completed, the manual is expected to be reviewed and approved by the Minister in order for it to become operational.
Finally, management wishes to reiterate that the MLME is committed to the government’s anti-corruption crusade, and is therefore open to all practical recommendations aimed at improving its overall governance activity.
Signed: ______________________________
John C. Nylander
DEPUTY MINISTER FOR ADMINISTRATION
Approved: ___________________________
Eugene H. Shannon, Ph.D.
MINISTER
MINISTRY OF LANDS, MINES & ENERGY
Following the release of the recent GAC HIPC I audit of the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy, reports have appeared in the media which have the propensity to portray the Ministry in a negative limelight, and thereby bring the management and staff of the Ministry into public disrepute. The Ministry therefore wishes to correct any misconception the negative media publicity might have generated.
In so doing, the Ministry would like to affirm its commitment to the Liberian Government’s policy on zero tolerance for corruption, as clearly enunciated in President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s inaugural message and her many subsequent public pronouncements. Under the current MLME administration, corruption in all its forms and subtle devices will continue to be guided against, because we believe that corruption hinders development and breeds crisis. As custodian of the country’s vast mineral deposits, the MLME is committed to ensuring that the people of Liberia enjoy the benefits of their mineral and energy resources. And, cognizant that an effective internal control system at the Ministry is essential to this endeavour, we are doing everything possible to upgrade our internal control and risk management system to meet international standards.
It was consistent with this goal that the management did not hesitate to begin implementing recommendations made by the GAC following the HIPC I audit. For example, in April the Ministry established an Internal Audit Unit, with Mr. Stephen D. Kofa appointed as head. Mr. Kofa is a product of the UL graduate program in financial management (FMTP) funded by the World Bank.
The Internal Audit Unit has been given the full support of the MLME management team headed by the Minister. The Unit has developed an Internal Audit Charter for the Ministry. The Internal Auditor has also submitted his first internal control assessment report, in which he made several recommendations for the improvement of the Ministry’s overall internal control environment. Those recommendations have been endorsed by the Minister and have since begun to be implemented. It is our conviction that given the presence of an independent Internal Auditor, who is continuously reviewing our systems and procedures, and also routinely conducting training for our finance staff, more improvements will be seen in the internal control and risk management processes at the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy.
The Ministry is also in the process of drafting a Financial Procedures Manual that will detail the steps to be followed in the processing of various financial transactions, ranging from petty expenses to the procurement of capital assets and contractual services. When completed, the manual is expected to be reviewed and approved by the Minister in order for it to become operational.
Finally, management wishes to reiterate that the MLME is committed to the government’s anti-corruption crusade, and is therefore open to all practical recommendations aimed at improving its overall governance activity.
Signed: ______________________________
John C. Nylander
DEPUTY MINISTER FOR ADMINISTRATION
Approved: ___________________________
Eugene H. Shannon, Ph.D.
MINISTER
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