The Kambia District Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, conducted a landmark bilateral budget discussion on Wednesday. The meeting brought together various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and key stakeholders across the district. It aimed to strengthen transparency and accountability in budget planning and implementation for the district.
The discussion, the first of its kind in Kambia, drew broad participation from civil society organizations, Paramount Chiefs, women’s groups, the Traders Union, the Budget Oversight Committee, and media representatives. The gathering highlighted the district’s commitment to involving the community in the budget process.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Sankoh, the head of the Ministry of Finance delegation, emphasized the meeting’s significance. He called on the MDAs to ensure that funds allocated are utilized effectively for their intended purposes, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in public financial management.
During the meeting, various ministries presented their activities for the 2024 fiscal year and outlined their budget proposals for 2025. The dialogue provided a platform for MDAs to engage directly with stakeholders, ensuring that budgetary decisions are made in the community’s best interest.
Madam Hawa Coomber, Chief Administrator of the Kambia District Council, shared the Council’s achievements and challenges during the 2024 fiscal year. She underscored the critical role of transparency in the budget process and called on all MDAs and stakeholders to maintain open communication with the community.
The meeting concluded with an interactive session where participants posed questions and provided feedback, reinforcing the district’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Correspondent: Kenneth Kamanda