By: Hassan Bangura
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has issued a stern ultimatum to Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), emphasizing mandatory participation in the ongoing deliberations on the 2025 National Budget.
Addressing Parliament on the First Allotted Day of the debate, Hon. Thomas announced that any MDA absent from discussions starting Thursday, November 22, 2024, risks having their budget allocations withheld. He stressed that all vote controllers must be present to engage in and observe the debates as part of ensuring accountability and transparency in national fiscal planning.
“Effective tomorrow, we will conduct a roll call of all MDAs present,” Speaker Thomas declared. “Failure to attend will leave the House with no option but to withhold their budgets.”
In a bid to ensure meaningful contributions, the Speaker mandated that only senior officials, holding the ranks of Directors or Deputy Directors and above, will be permitted to represent MDAs. This measure is designed to guarantee that knowledgeable personnel are available to answer questions and provide clarity during the discussions.
The directive underscores the critical role of MDAs in shaping Sierra Leone’s fiscal priorities. Speaker Thomas warned that noncompliance would attract “punitive measures” and urged full attendance over the five-day debate period.
The parliamentary debates on the 2025 National Budget will resume on Thursday in the Chamber of Parliament, with attendance closely monitored. The move highlights Parliament’s commitment to fostering accountability and ensuring that budgetary decisions are well-informed and inclusive.
