BY PRECIOUS MIRACLE KARGBO
Sierra Leone has demonstrated significant progress in enhancing budget transparency, as revealed by a detailed report released on June 4, 2024. The nation’s efforts have led to a notable climb of 17 places in the global rankings.
Despite these advancements, Sierra Leone still falls below the 60% benchmark, as outlined in the latest Open Budget Survey. The report indicates that Sierra Leone’s transparency score surged from 45% in 2021 to 55% in 2023, surpassing the global average of 45%. Consequently, the country ascended from the 64th to the 47th position out of 125 surveyed nations, outpacing regional counterparts like Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The progress can be attributed to the government’s publication of crucial budget documents, including the Citizens’ Budget, Enacted Budget, and In-Year Reports, in compliance with the 2016 Public Financial Management Act and its 2018 regulations.
Abu Bakarr Kamara, Coordinator of the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), emphasized the necessity of enhanced budget information disclosure. He stressed the importance of publishing the Pre-Budget Statement online at least one month before submitting the Executive’s Budget Proposal to Parliament and the Mid-Year Review within three months after the six-month period.
However, the report also highlights a concerning decline in citizen participation in the budget process, plummeting from 31% in 2021 to 20% in 2023. This decline raises alarms, as public engagement plays a vital role in ensuring the transparent and accountable utilization of public funds.
While Sierra Leone’s audit oversight score improved from 72% in 2021 to 78% in 2023, legislative oversight experienced a decrease from 33% to 30% during the same period.
Anjali Garg, head of the Open Budget Survey, underscored the global trend of weak accountability systems. However, she cited examples such as South Africa and Mexico, demonstrating that progress is achievable with political determination. Garg emphasized the importance of open budget practices in fostering public trust and potentially reducing borrowing costs amid global debt and inequality concerns.
The Open Budget Survey serves as the sole comparative, independent, and regular assessment of transparency, oversight, and public participation in public budgets. In 2023, 125 countries were evaluated, providing critical insights into global budgetary practices and governance.