By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that the Minister of Finance, Mr. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, will present the FY2026 Supplementary Government Budget and Statement of Economic and Financial Policies to Parliament on Friday, 31 July 2026 and dismissed a fake public notice circulating on social media.
In an authentic public notice issued on 27 July 2026, the Ministry stated that the budget presentation will take place in the Chamber of the Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone at 10:00 a.m.
The clarification follows the circulation of a falsified document bearing the Ministry’s letterhead, which falsely claimed that the government had announced a 100 per cent salary increase for all teachers, effective immediately, as part of the supplementary budget.
The fake document carried the Ministry of Finance seal and was dated 27 July 2026, making it appear similar to the official notice. However, the Ministry has since identified it as fraudulent and warned the public against relying on the information contained in it.
The Ministry emphasized that its official notice did not contain any announcement regarding an increase in teachers’ salaries.
In the genuine notice, the Ministry invited Vote Controllers, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), State-Owned Enterprises, representatives of development partners, institutions, non-governmental organizations, District Budget Oversight Committee members, local community representatives, non-state actors, civil society organizations, and members of the general public to attend and witness the budget presentation.
A supplementary budget is presented by government to adjust its approved revenue and expenditure plans during the financial year. It usually addresses emerging priorities, funding gaps, or unforeseen circumstances requiring additional financial adjustments.
The accompanying Statement of Economic and Financial Policies provides an overview of government’s fiscal direction, economic outlook, and policy measures for the remainder of the financial year.
The Ministry urged the public to disregard the fake notice and rely only on official communication channels for accurate information.
“For more information, contact: +232 78 584006 or asesay@mof.gov.sl,” the Ministry stated. The authentic notice was signed and officially stamped by the Ministry of Finance on 27 July 2026.
The circulation of fake government documents has become a growing concern, with misleading claims about salary increases, recruitment exercises, and policy changes frequently spreading online and causing confusion among citizens and public sector workers.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that it will continue to provide timely and accurate information through official platforms.
Minister Bangura’s presentation is expected to provide updates on domestic revenue mobilization, public expenditure, and priority programmes for the remainder of FY2026. Key stakeholders, including government institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations, are expected to attend the event.
Sierra Leone operates a January-to-December fiscal calendar, and any adjustments to the approved national budget must receive parliamentary approval to ensure accountability and alignment with national development priorities.
The Ministry concluded its notice by soliciting the continued cooperation of the public as preparations continue for the supplementary budget presentation.