Freetown, Sierra Leone – On Tuesday, February 4, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh lauded the proposed Fiscal Decentralization Policy, describing it as a vital tool for empowering Local Councils to drive development and service delivery at the local level. Speaking at the New Brookfields Hotel, Dr. Jalloh emphasized that the policy provides additional authority and resources to Local Councils, aligning with the 2020 Decentralization Policy.
The Vice President made these remarks while delivering the keynote address as Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance during a workshop organized by the Fiscal Decentralization Division in the Ministry of Finance. The workshop, supported by the World Bank-funded Accountable Governance for Basic Service Delivery Project, focused on the Fiscal Decentralization Policy and its implementation strategy.
Dr. Jalloh highlighted that the policy aims to provide a stable and transparent fiscal framework for the allocation of expenditures, functions, resource mobilization, and inter-government fiscal transfers. He stressed the importance of effective participation from all stakeholders, pledging the support of the Inter-Ministerial Committee.
Abdu Muwonge, the World Bank’s Country Manager in Sierra Leone, acknowledged decentralization as a key reform central to government delivery and the national development plan. He emphasized the need for concrete actions and outcomes in areas such as education, health, and local climate actions.
Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, assured Local Councils of the central government’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the policy. He stated that the policy ensures efficient resource allocation, promotes accountability, and enables citizens to participate in decision-making processes at the local level.
Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, expressed his ministry’s commitment to fully implementing the policy. He emphasized the need for Local Councils to start asset auditing to enhance their revenue mobilization.
Deputy Minister of Finance 1, Madam Kadiatu Allie, who chairs the Accountable Governance Project Steering Committee (PSC), assured donor partners and beneficiary agencies of the PSC’s continued oversight to ensure smooth project implementation and improved service delivery nationwide.
The workshop concluded with a call for strong partnerships and a fundamental shift in how fiscal decentralization is implemented, emphasizing the importance of outcomes and local climate actions. The proposed Fiscal Decentralization Policy is expected to drive significant progress in local governance and service delivery across Sierra Leone.