The Ministry of Finance will today commence the 2021 Policy Hearing and Budget discussions at the Ministry of Finance conference hall in Freetown.
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the budget preparation process will commenced with limited number of guests.
This program serves as an opportunity for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) including Local Councils, Parastatals, and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to discuss and review updates on key sectoral policies contained in the National Development Plan.
This forum also provides opportunities for sectors including the business community to discuss and exchange ideas on issues relating to budget formulation and execution over the Medium-Term FY 2021-2023.
The Minister of Finance Mr. Jacob J. Saffa said, “Budget discussions and preparations are the heart of governance. This is what makes Sierra Leone moves forward or backward. The budget process usually starts with issuing circulars to Ministries and they are required to make submissions to us.”
He said it is particularly important that MDAs focus on operational activities for FY2021 especially geared towards the completion of ongoing programs and projects in the Quick Action Economic Response Programme (QAERP) priority projects in the FY2020 Budget and Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan.
“Good quality plans will have a positive impact on resource allocation and budget execution,” he said.
The formal commencement process will tbe followed by a technical session and presentation of sector policies.
The discussions are expected to end on Friday October 16, 2020.
The Chief Minister Professor David Francis is expected to do the Official Opening.
By Hasbin Shaw
1/10/2020. ISSUE NO: 7921