AYV News, March 31, 2026
The National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED) has organized a Citizens Budget engagement in Kenema, held at the Kenema District Council Hall today, March 30th, 2026. The event aimed to promote transparency and accountability in governance by educating citizens on the 2026 National Budget.
Madam Adama C. Kallon, Chairperson of the District Budget Oversight Committee, emphasized that the Citizens Budget is a simplified version of the National Budget, designed to improve public understanding of how government finances are managed. “We are not here to just discuss and have lunch,” she said, urging participants to take the message back to their communities and monitor government resources.
NaCCED Chairman Joseph Munda Bindi, highlighted the importance of citizen engagement in budget oversight, stating that the event would foster inclusivity, accountability, and transparency in governance. He disclosed that NaCCED will conduct stakeholders’ meetings in all regional headquarter towns or cities, involving participants drawn from the districts, including paramount chiefs, Resident Ministers, local council representatives, and civil society organizations. The theme of the 2026 National Budget is “Enhancing Domestic Revenue Mobilization for Sustainable Economic Stability and Improved Service Delivery.”
Bindi noted that the public engagements on the 2026 Citizens Budget promote transparency, build local capacity for budget oversight, accountability, participatory and governance through open discussion between the government, civil society, non-state actors, and local communities. He emphasized that the event aims to solicit citizens’ input and feedback on the budget, ensuring that their needs are reflected in the government’s priorities. The engagement provided a platform for citizens to engage with government officials, ask questions, and provide feedback on the budget. Participants were encouraged to take an active role in monitoring government resources and holding officials accountable.
Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Sheikh Aziz Bockarie Bawoh, praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, noting that the creation of NaCCED demonstrates the government’s commitment to civic education and participatory governance. “The Sierra Leone People’s Party is a result-oriented party under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio,” he said, adding that the president’s vision is to ensure citizens are informed and involved in governance.
NaCCED plans to conduct similar engagements in all regional headquarter towns, involving diverse stakeholders to ensure citizens are informed and involved in governance. The initiative is expected to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in Sierra Leone.
The engagement is part of NaCCED’s efforts to promote civic education and democracy in Sierra Leone. The organization has been working with various stakeholders to promote good governance and accountability in the country.
The event was well-attended by citizens, government officials, and representatives from civil society organizations. Participants praised the initiative, saying it was an important step towards promoting transparency and accountability in citizens budget and governance.
The event featured a PowerPoint presentation, followed by a questions and answers session, where participants engaged with officials and sought clarification on budget allocations and implementation. Representatives from various stakeholders expressed support for the initiative, commending President Bio for promoting budget transparency.
