By Fatmata Grace Okekearu Bo City
On Friday, March 15th, 2024, the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, embarked on a significant initiative aimed at enhancing public awareness and engagement regarding the 2024 citizens budget in Bo District.
The event, held at the Bo District Council Hall in Falaba Section, Bo City, brought together a diverse array of participants including journalists, non-state actors (NSAs), as well as tribal and religious leaders from Bo, Bonthe, Moyamba, and Pujehun districts. The primary focus was to facilitate discussions on the 2024 citizens budget, with a view to providing recommendations to support President Bio’s “Feed Salone” project and bolster revenue mobilization for sustainable infrastructural and human capital development in Sierra Leone.
Kalilu Tutangy, the National Chairman of NaCCED, emphasized the critical importance of including non-state actors, the media, and other stakeholders in governance processes, asserting that their input is indispensable for the effective functioning of any responsible government. He reiterated NaCCED’s commitment to ensuring that the voices and concerns of citizens from various regions are heard and addressed by relevant authorities.
Paul Amadu Sengeh, the Regional Coordinator of NaCCED South, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Finance for their collaboration in disseminating governance information to remote communities through media channels and community town hall meetings. He highlighted the role of community stakeholders in NaCCED’s operations, emphasizing the importance of inclusive governance.
Hawa Campbell, Deputy Mayor of Bo City Council, underscored the crucial role played by the media, stakeholders, and non-state actors in fostering a cohesive and inclusive governance system. She urged all stakeholders to educate citizens on their roles and responsibilities in governance following the event.
Attendees were provided with a 25-page booklet from the Ministry of Finance containing guidance on annual financial disbursements to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), revenue generation strategies, government subvention allocation, and loan criteria.
The event concluded with an open question and answer session, allowing participants to engage in dialogue on governance issues and day-to-day activities.
This collaborative effort between NaCCED and the Ministry of Finance signifies a proactive approach towards promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in Sierra Leone’s governance processes.
