CRN-SL Identifies Gaps in 2024 Budget Discussion
By Mohamed Konneh
The Citizens Right Network Sierra Leone has identifies gaps in the just concluded policy hearing and budget discussion for 2024. The gaps identified were presented to the press over the weekend at the organization’s office, Godrich Street in Freetown.
Addressing journalists on Friday 3rd November 2023, the Executive Director, Bai Koroma said due to the late disbursements of funds to some MDAs, caused the delay in claims, for them to return their PET form returns to the Ministry of Finance.
‘Poor coordination between Ministry of Finance and MDAs in terms of communication and that the director of Finance should not be over-involved to the extent of blocking and discriminating against the CSOs and the Press as their role promotes transparency and accountability of the process, he said.
Mr. Koroma noted that CRN-SL also observed that 90% of MDAs failed to follow the Finance Act of 2018 and this undermines the credibility of the process.
He said the Sierra Leone National Shipping Company (SLNSC) Acts section (31) of the finance act 2019 & 2012, allows for the low turnout of compliance by mining companies.
CRN-SL observed that the Director of Budget at the ministry of finance in group one overruled 80% of concerns raised by CSOs, NSAs and Press during the discussions process.
He however noted that, the presence of Ministry of Planning and Development (MOPED) gave additional value to the FY 2024 budget hearing by asking critical questions to MDAs.
‘The money demanded by the Sierra Leone Police last year is far lower than what they asked for the 2024 budget hearing, while noting that Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Company is facing challenges by private companies in the area of financing to buy products in the market.
He said the presence of Chief Minister’s Office in group one gave an additional value to the FY 2024 budget hearing and this was good for the process.
The report by the Citizen’s Right Network Sierra Leone recommended that for the sake of transparency and accountability, the ministry of finance should provide CSOs, NSAs to stand down MDAs based on improper presentations.
The report also states that the Ministry of Finance should be vigilant for timely disbursements to all and single out those MDAs who were efficient and effective when presenting.
‘We advised the ministry of finance to allow the CSOs, NASs, DBOCs and the press to cover both banks and the security apparatus during presenting their budgets so as to know the financial status of these important government institutions.
Mr. Koroma noted that the Ministry of Finance should have prepared a well-structured agenda so that the CSOs, NSAs, DBOCs and Press will be able to monitor the process with ease.
The Citizen Rights Network Sierra Leone (CRN-SL) is of the firm belief that the right of citizens must be guaranteed and that every citizen of Sierra Leone must be given a fair chance to participate in the budget discussion for the general good of the state and for best practice and good governance.
The report therefore has been undertaken in good faith to help address the countless challenges that eclipsed the FY2024 budget bilateral discussion. It is hoped that the government, Ministry of finance, and the wider public make use of this report and findings contained therein to address the challenges affecting this year FY2024 Budget bilateral discussion.
