By: Festus Justus Margai-MoICE Strategic Regional Coordinator South in KENEMA
Kenema, March 30, 2026 – The National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED) has held a Citizens Budget engagement at the Kenema District Council Hall, aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance.
The event focused on the 2026 National Budget, themed “Enhancing Domestic Revenue Mobilization for Sustainable Economic Stability and Improved Service Delivery.”
Chairperson of the District Budget Oversight Committee, Madam Adama C. Kallon, explained that the Citizens Budget is a simplified version of the National Budget designed to improve public understanding of government finances. She urged participants to take the message back to their communities and monitor how resources are used.
NaCCED Chairman Joseph Munda Bindi highlighted the importance of citizen engagement in budget oversight, noting that similar engagements will be conducted in all regional headquarter towns. He emphasized that the initiative fosters inclusivity, accountability, and transparency by creating open dialogue between government, civil society, and local communities.
“The Citizens Budget promotes transparency, builds local capacity for oversight, and ensures citizens’ needs are reflected in government priorities,” Bindi said.
Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Sheikh Aziz Bockarie Bawoh, praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, noting that the creation of NaCCED demonstrates the government’s commitment to civic education and participatory governance.
“The Sierra Leone People’s Party is a result-oriented party under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio. His vision is to ensure citizens are informed and involved in governance,” Bawoh stated.
The event featured a PowerPoint presentation and a lively question-and-answer session, where participants sought clarification on budget allocations and implementation. Representatives from civil society, local councils, and traditional authorities expressed support for the initiative, commending the government for promoting budget transparency.
NaCCED plans to replicate the engagement across all regional headquarters, ensuring diverse stakeholders are involved. The initiative is expected to strengthen civic education, promote accountability, and enhance good governance nationwide.