By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
Members of Parliament have strongly criticized the 2025 Sub-Appropriation process, describing it as the worst in Sierra Leone’s parliamentary history due to the widespread failure of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to appear before parliamentary committees.
Lawmakers said the credibility of the budget scrutiny process has been severely compromised as many MDAs failed to present themselves to justify proposed expenditures and defend their budgetary allocations.
During the sub-appropriation hearings—considered a crucial stage in the national budget cycle—Parliament witnessed unprecedented absenteeism by senior MDA officials. Several parliamentary committees were reportedly left idle for hours, leading to repeated adjournments, delays and, in some instances, the cancellation of scheduled sessions.
MPs expressed deep frustration, noting that the absence of MDA representatives amounted to a direct affront to the authority of Parliament and significantly weakened the country’s accountability and oversight mechanisms. Some lawmakers described the no-shows as a deliberate attempt to evade scrutiny over the use of public funds.
“This is the worst Sub-Appropriation process we have ever witnessed,” a committee chairman was quoted as saying. “If MDAs cannot appear to account for taxpayers’ money, then the entire essence of the budget process is undermined.”
Observers say the situation has heightened public concern over transparency in government spending, particularly at a time when the country is grappling with economic pressures, fiscal constraints and increasing demands for accountability.
Civil society organizations have also condemned the mass non-attendance, describing it as alarming and unacceptable. They warned that parliamentary oversight is central to democratic governance and that continued disregard for committee hearings could open the door to unchecked public spending.
In response, several MPs have called for punitive measures against officials who ignore parliamentary summons, insisting that such actions erode public trust and weaken legislative authority.
As deliberations on the 2025 budget continue, questions persist over the government’s commitment to accountability and whether stronger enforcement mechanisms will be put in place to ensure MDAs fully comply with parliamentary oversight.
