By Sulaiman Jalloh

As Parliament continues to engage Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) on sub-budget appropriation for the 2025 fiscal year budget, Honourable Abdul Latif Sesay, Chairman of Sub- Committee 7, has informed MDAs that Parliament is not witch-hunting anyone, but to scrutinize the budget to ensure government money are justly spent.

Sections 112, subsection 6 Act. No 6 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone and Standing Orders 64(3) and 66(1) of Parliament provide for the Appropriation Sub-committee which has the mandate to review the budget of a fiscal year estimate of MDAs with a view of expediting the debate on the estimates in Committee of supply.

Addressing the Arms and Ammunition Commission on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Honourable Abdul Latif Sesay said the session is an interactive one that brings out key challenges in service delivery, financial constraints, administrative challenges among others, noting it is a traditional functions of the Legislature as enshrined in the country’s law books to inquire into activities of various Ministries Department and Agencies.

His statement encouraged representatives of MDAs to address Members of Parliament without fair. As enshrined in section 93 and in section 96 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone Act. No 6 and the Standing Orders of Parliament 64, the Committee on Supply performs budget scrutiny process on MDAs to access their budgetary allocations, expenditure lines, deliverables and many more during a financial year. “I implore MDAs fullest cooperation by attendance and contribution towards this process. Hon. Members we all work towards one goal to accurately look into the questionnaires and proffer sustainable solutions” he underscored.

The engagement is very important in complimenting government in the area of accountability and transparent utilization of state resources.

Hon. Ibrahim Aziz Bangura, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, encouraged attendees to address the Committee with open mind and say the tell truth, noting that misinforming Members of Parliament is an offence.

Mrs. Mabinty Bindi, Senior Finance Officer of the Arms and Ammunition Commission, thanked Members of Parliament for according them a warmly reception to the House of Parliament while explaining the mandate, mission and vision of the Commission.