By By: The People News Online
The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) on Friday, March 20, 2026, hosted the General Auditing Commission (GAC) for an exit conference, signaling the completion of the Fiscal Year 2024 audit exercise.
The one-day session brought together top officials from both institutions to assess audit observations, clarify outstanding issues, and discuss recommendations geared toward improving systems and strengthening accountability.
Delivering remarks at the opening, Auditor General Garswa P. Jackson described the exit conference as a routine but vital stage in the audit process. He explained that it allows auditors to present preliminary findings while giving the audited institution a chance to respond before the final report is issued.
He noted that the engagement plays a key role in promoting transparency and ensuring that the final audit report reflects a balanced and accurate evaluation.
“The exit conference helps validate findings, resolve concerns, and ensures fairness in the final report,” Jackson emphasized.
Meanwhile, LiMA’s Audit Focal Point, Desire Satia, welcomed the process, highlighting the Authority’s commitment to implementing past audit recommendations. He stressed that LiMA considers audits as a mechanism for improvement rather than fault-finding.
“At LiMA, we embrace audits because they help us reinforce our systems and enhance internal controls,” he said.
Also speaking, Deputy Commissioner for Domestic Vessel Registration and Safety, John F. Harvey, conveyed the satisfaction of LiMA’s leadership, including Commissioner/CEO Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., over the expected outcome of the audit.
Harvey acknowledged ongoing progress but noted that continuous effort is needed to fully address all audit recommendations. He expressed confidence that future assessments will show marked improvement, positioning LiMA among top-performing public institutions.
The exit conference forms part of Liberia’s broader efforts to strengthen public financial management, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery across government agencies.
