By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Sierra Leone are boosting their capacity to engage with local governance structures through a training workshop aimed at enhancing their understanding of local councils and their functions. This initiative is part of a broader project titled Enhancing CSOs Participation in Governance and National Level Policy Processes in Sierra Leone, which is funded by the European Union.
The workshop, led by Project Manager Alphonzo Steven Kamara, focuses on strengthening CSOs’ abilities to advocate effectively for community development and improve local governance practices. Kamara emphasized the importance of equipping CSOs with the knowledge needed to understand how local councils operate, particularly in managing public resources like taxes.
“Well-informed CSOs can play a critical role in ensuring that councils collect taxes fairly and utilize them transparently for community development,” Kamara explained, highlighting the potential impact of the training on local governance. By understanding the structure and functions of local councils, CSOs can hold them accountable and ensure the equitable use of public funds.
Participants from across Sierra Leone have welcomed the training initiative, acknowledging its significant role in enhancing their ability to engage with local authorities and demand accountability. Adama B. Sesay, Vice Chairperson of the Bombali District Human Rights Committee, shared her excitement about the initiative, noting that CSOs from the three districts involved have been collaborating effectively since the project began.
“This training is a continuation of our efforts to improve governance and enhance our involvement in policy discussions and accountability within our communities,” Sesay said. She emphasized that the knowledge gained from the workshop is already being applied to increase effective engagement with local authorities and strengthen the CSOs’ role in local governance.
The inclusivity of the project is another key aspect that has been lauded by participants. Abu Bakarr Kamara, Director of Hope for the Blind and focal person for Bo district CSOs, praised the efforts of ActionAid, the implementing organization. Kamara highlighted that the project ensures the active involvement of marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“This project consistently involves these groups in discussions and decision-making processes, ensuring that they have a voice in governance,” Kamara said. He expressed his appreciation for the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, pointing out that this approach fosters a more diverse and representative governance framework.
One of the central objectives of the training is to empower CSOs with effective advocacy strategies that can encourage citizens to comply with tax obligations, while also ensuring that local councils are held accountable for the transparent use of public funds. Kamara stressed that good governance requires an informed, engaged civil society capable of bridging the gap between the authorities and the citizens they serve.
The participants are confident that the knowledge gained from the training will be applied in their communities to encourage greater participation in governance and ensure that local authorities are held to higher standards of transparency and accountability.
The Enhancing CSOs Participation in Governance and National Level Policy Processes in Sierra Leone project is set to continue until mid-2025. As it progresses, there is growing optimism that CSOs will play an increasingly active role in shaping governance at the local level. Participants are encouraged to not only implement what they’ve learned but also share these insights within their networks, thus broadening the reach and impact of the initiative.
As the project continues, its success will likely be measured by the increasing participation of CSOs in local governance processes and the greater accountability of local councils to their constituents. Through this capacity-building effort, CSOs are expected to strengthen their advocacy and ensure that governance is more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all Sierra Leoneans.
