By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

On Thursday,15th August, 2024, the Ministry of Finance together with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development launched the 2025 financial year budget at the New Brookfield Hotel, Freetown.

In his submissions, the Coordinator of Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), said the Local Councils must benefit highly in this year’s budget allocation, adding that the transfer of budget allocation should be timely and correct.

He highlighted that transparency, accountability, feedbacks and recommendations must be implemented.  Financial Secretary at Finance, Dr. Matthew  Dingie said inflation had dropped to 30% while the exchange rate is relatively stable, noting that resource mobilization for economic could help a country grow faster.

He talked of some loopholes at the National Revenue Authority (NRA) in terms of revenue collection.

He emphasized that the signing of MCC is underway regardless of the delay in approving it. “We should work towards realizing the ‘Big Five’ of President Bio’s dream, such as Feed Salone pillar, the free education initiative, empowering technology and electricity.”

In his keynote, the Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said the FY 2025 budget is a bridge budget for citizens; and that government is working tearlessly to addressing ” price control in the country, ” something considered as a far-fetched dream by critics.

He assured Sierra Leoneans that the Feed Salone project is highly focused on practical agriculture despite some difficulties over the years. “The budget should focus on deprived MDAs i.e. National Drugs Agencies, SLBC (Sierra Leone Broadcasting Services) , Information Ministry and others, ” he said.

Dr. Jalloh, believed that the free education would be achievable with strong school buildings in place, standard learning environment “because human capital is key to nation building” regardless of government challenges since 2018 to date.

Nonetheless, the management and standards of government hospitals must be improved across the country, and with FY2025 budget, the welfare of teachers and civil employees should be upgraded, adding that teachers and others listed above are playing pivotal roles in the development of the country.