By: Saidu Jalloh
The National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED) has submitted a budget proposal that exceeds the government’s spending ceiling by more than SLE 23 million, raising concerns over fiscal discipline during the annual budget hearings at the Ministry of Finance on George Street.
Presenting the proposal, NaCCED representative Francis Kobi requested an allocation of SLE 26 million, emphasizing that the funds would strengthen civic education as a critical foundation for national development.
According to Kobi, the proposed expenditure SLE 23,256,200 above the official ceiling of SLE 3,671.3 million reflects the council’s ambitious plans for expansion and capacity building. He explained that the additional funds would be used to engage teachers, extend civic education to universities, establish civic clubs, and equip educators with the necessary tools to nurture responsible and informed students.
“Our goal is to empower the youth and future leaders of Sierra Leone through comprehensive civic education,” Kobi stated. “We believe that investing in civic awareness today will yield long-term benefits for national stability and development.”
NaCCED’s proposal highlights its ambition to foster a more civically engaged population and promote democratic values at all levels of society. However, the proposal has sparked debate among policymakers, some of whom are calling for a more balanced approach that takes the country’s fiscal constraints into account.