By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a continued effort to deepen transparency and public engagement, the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, officially launched the Citizens’ Budget for the 2025 Financial Year on Monday at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room in Freetown.
The initiative, aimed at breaking down complex government financial documents into simpler, more accessible formats for everyday citizens, was praised by both institutions as a vital tool in promoting civic awareness and democratic participation.
Speaking at the event, Joseph Bindi, Chairman of NaCCED, emphasized the importance of the Citizens’ Budget in helping Sierra Leoneans understand the financial operations of the government.
“This budget explains, in plain language, how government raises and spends money,” Bindi said. “Our aim is to make sure that every citizen knows how public resources are being managed and how these resources are meant to improve their standard of living.”
Bindi noted that the 2025 Citizens’ Budget aligns with the theme: “Improving the Wellbeing and Quality of Life of Sierra Leoneans,” stressing that the theme reflects government’s commitment to enhancing socio-economic conditions and addressing key areas such as health, education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
He also highlighted the ongoing partnership between NaCCED and the Ministry of Finance under the flagship project “Education for the People,” which is designed to simplify technical financial data and make it understandable for ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
“This collaboration transforms the voluminous, technical national budget into a version that people can actually relate to,” he said. “The budget belongs to the people, and they have a right to understand and participate in the decisions that affect their lives.”
Bindi further encouraged civil society, media, and citizens across all districts to take an active role in spreading awareness and fostering accountability around the use of public funds.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, commended NaCCED for its instrumental role in civic education and public engagement.
He reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that citizens must be at the heart of public financial management.
“We believe that when people understand the budget, they can hold us accountable. That’s why this initiative is so important,” Minister Bangura stated. “The Ministry of Finance is always ready to work with NaCCED and civil society groups to ensure that everyone, no matter the level of education, has access to the information that affects their communities and families.”
He further assured the public of government’s commitment to making the budgeting process inclusive and citizen-centred. “This is your budget,” he said. “You have the right to know where your taxes go, how we invest in services, and what our financial priorities are.”
As the country moves forward into the 2025 fiscal year, the Citizens’ Budget is expected to serve as a powerful tool in enhancing transparency, boosting civic participation, and ensuring that the goals of the national budget translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
The launch concluded with a call for continuous collaboration between government institutions, civic bodies, and the media to make national budgeting more inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs of the people.
