By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S
The Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) and the National Council of Paramount Chiefs (NCPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen transparency, accountability and access to public budget information at chiefdom level across Sierra Leone.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Freetown, and seeks to improve collaboration between the two institutions in monitoring development projects and promoting effective use of public resources.
Under the partnership, Paramount Chiefs will have access to simplified information on local council budgets, procurement processes and audit reports to enable them play a more informed role in development activities within their chiefdoms.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, BAN Coordinator Abubakar Kamara said the agreement is designed to support national development by strengthening cooperation between civil society and traditional authorities.
Kamara noted that Paramount Chiefs play a critical role in chiefdom development but are often unaware of projects being implemented in their communities, making monitoring and accountability difficult.
“You will all agree with me that you often see an ongoing project in a chiefdom that the Paramount Chief knows nothing about,” Kamara said.
He said BAN will help address the information gap by simplifying local council budget information and providing clearer details on public expenditure, procurement and audit findings.
The initiative is also expected to improve revenue generation and resource management at chiefdom level, where traditional leaders often have development plans but face financial constraints.
In her remarks, BAN Acting Chairperson Marcella Samba-Sesay emphasized the importance of traditional leadership in governance, noting that over 70 percent of Sierra Leone’s population falls under chiefdom governance.
She said effective governance at chiefdom level could significantly improve national development, adding that Paramount Chiefs have a vital role in ensuring development initiatives respond to community needs.
Samba-Sesay clarified that BAN will not interfere with the administration of chiefdoms, but will provide technical support and make financial information accessible to traditional leaders.
She said the partnership is built on mutual respect and cooperation, with both institutions sharing a common interest in promoting responsible management of public resources.
Chairman of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs, PC Dr. Masakina Madibie II, welcomed the partnership, describing BAN as an important partner in chiefdom development.
He said Paramount Chiefs are keen to understand development activities in their communities but often lack the technical capacity to monitor projects effectively, expressing confidence that BAN’s expertise will help bridge that gap.
The MoU is expected to create opportunities for sustained information-sharing, technical support and collaboration in public financial management and development monitoring at the grassroots level.
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