Sierra Leone’s parliament has condemned the 2025 sub-appropriation process as the worst in its history after dozens of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) failed to appear before legislative committees to defend their budget proposals, lawmakers said
Members of parliament said the widespread absence of senior officials during a critical stage of budget scrutiny disrupted hearings, forced repeated adjournments and, in some cases, led to cancellations, undermining parliamentary oversight of public spending.
“This is the worst sub-appropriation process we have ever witnessed,” a committee chair told reporters. “If MDAs cannot present themselves to account for taxpayers’ money, then the entire essence of the budget process is called into question.”
Under Sierra Leone’s budget procedures, MDAs are required to appear before parliamentary committees to justify expenditures and explain proposed allocations. Lawmakers said the unprecedented non-attendance left committees idle for hours and weakened the credibility of the process.
Several MPs said the failure to attend amounted to a disregard for parliamentary authority and raised concerns about transparency and accountability in government spending, particularly as the country faces economic pressures and tight fiscal conditions.
Civil society groups echoed the criticism, calling the situation alarming and warning that weak oversight could encourage unchecked spending and institutional complacency. Parliamentary oversight, they said, is a cornerstone of democratic governance.
Some lawmakers have called for sanctions against officials who ignore parliamentary summons, arguing that such actions erode public trust and the authority of the legislature.
As debate on the 2025 budget continues, MPs said it remained unclear whether the government would introduce stronger enforcement measures to ensure MDAs comply with parliamentary oversight in future budget cycles.
By Lamin Koroma
