By: Saidu Jalloh
In a bold move to strengthen accountability in public fund management, the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) and the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) have launched a technology-driven partnership aimed at enhancing transparency and citizen oversight in Sierra Leone’s public procurement system.
The initiative was unveiled during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Freetown, chaired by NPPA Chief Executive Officer, Fodie J. Konneh, and attended by representatives from civil society organizations, government oversight bodies, and key actors in the procurement sector.
Opening the session, Konneh emphasized the importance of public participation in strengthening governance, noting that citizen engagement is critical to building trust in procurement processes.
“While NPPA has statutory oversight responsibilities, civil society actors are strategic partners who can extend monitoring efforts across the country,” he said, describing the collaboration as a milestone in promoting transparency and accountability. He added that the partnership with BAN represents a strategic step toward ensuring the effective and responsible management of public resources, while enhancing public confidence in procurement decisions.
From BAN’s perspective, Abubakar Kamara presented a draft concept for civil society-led procurement monitoring. The plan leverages digital tools to make procurement processes more open, accessible, and citizen-focused. He emphasized that civil society’s involvement in procurement oversight will be sustained over the long term.
“Civil society will remain actively engaged in the procurement space because budget and procurement oversight share the common goal of promoting transparency and accountability,” Kamara stated. He further clarified that the initiative is designed to support NPPA’s mandate, not replace it, ensuring that citizens’ voices are amplified within the procurement system.
NPPA management welcomed the proposal, noting that it aligns with the Authority’s commitment to value for money, regulatory compliance, and accountability. Officials emphasized that coordinated action between government institutions and civil society is essential to maximize the impact of procurement monitoring and ensure meaningful citizen engagement.
As part of the collaboration, NPPA and BAN will jointly develop a structured monitoring framework, deliver capacity-building support to civil society actors, and explore innovative technological solutions to strengthen procurement oversight.
The partnership is expected to boost public confidence by improving access to procurement information and reinforcing transparency in the use of public funds, underscoring a shared commitment to stronger governance and citizen empowerment in Sierra Leone.