Forensic Audit Report yet to be tabled in Cabinet 

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 30 September 2025: The long-awaited Forensic Audit Report on more than ten government projects is expected to be tabled in Cabinet this week.

The Acting Prime Minister, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o who is also the Minister of Finance told the media that “the report is quite thick” and it is important for the MOF Chief Executive Officer and team to present and explain the report to Cabinet before it is discussed for Cabinets final decision.

The Forensic Audit was initiated by the FAST Government when it took office in July 2021. It was the first time there had been a change of government since 1985 and it was important to have an audit of government’s major projects for the new government to have an idea of where things stand.

Mulipola was the Minister of Finance at the time the Forensic Audit was initiated; however, she was removed from the finance portfolio in a Cabinet reshuffle in 2023.

The audit was conducted by BDO in New Zealand and the report should have been completed and presented to the government in October last year.

“It is important to know the audit outcome, the findings and recommendations and lessons as a guide for the new government going forward,” said Mulipola.

Projects listed for Forensic Audit Phase 1

• The Ti’avea Airport Project
• The $50 Stimulus for National ID
• Sheraton Hotel & Bungalows Apia Beach Fales
• Lease on Samoa Airways Aircraft
• Tanumalala & Vaiaata Prison
• SNPF headquarters in Savaii
• Electoral Office at Mulinuu
• Samoa National Broadband Highway & Submarine-net project
• Satitoa Port/Wharf
• The Nafanua Patrol Boat Incident at Savaii
• Tax Invoice Monitoring System (TIMS)
• Purchase of Computers for the Ministry of Works
• Installment of electricity at Falelatai & Samatau in 2019 & use of EPC funds for election campaigns
• Unforeseen and Unauthorized funds under the Act
• Tenders Board.