By Josephine W. Lagawo
The Senior Director of Support Services at the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) Kofi Addai has revealed the commission’s financial needs for the upcoming fiscal year. Speaking during a press briefing, Kofi Addai disclosed that NaCSA is requesting NLE 20 million for its 2025 budget, with a particular focus on recurrent expenses and capital projects. He noted that 80% of NaCSA’s funding comes from international donors, while the Sierra Leonean government provides the remaining 20% based on agreed allocations.
Kofi Addai highlighted that for 2024, the commission had initially requested NLE 10 million, but received NLE 8.64 million for its recurrent projects, primarily focusing on community-driven development initiatives. A larger project, the Rapid Community Development Initiative, is also on the agenda, for which NaCSA is receiving strong support from the government.
Key deliverables for NaCSA include supporting the “Feed Salone” initiative, improving human capital, increasing youth employment, and driving technological improvements in public service. These initiatives are being implemented in all 16 districts of Sierra Leone.
While donor funding has been steady, Mr. Addai noted that government allocations have been slow but are generally delivered on time after negotiations. Looking ahead to 2025, NaCSA aims to complete the nationwide cash transfer program for 27,600 households, provide micro-grants to 500 persons with disabilities, and train youth groups in livelihood development. Of these beneficiaries, 25% will be persons with disabilities and 60% women.
Mr. Addai also outlined plans to establish solar-powered mini-irrigation systems in 57 communities, link agro-products to markets, and construct grain stores in various districts. He emphasized the challenges faced in 2024, including increased demand for services, delays in government disbursements, and resource shortfalls that have impacted project timelines and staff welfare. Additionally, mobility challenges in accessing remote areas and the need for better employee benefits have been key concerns for the commission.
In another development, the ministry of Lands has requested 30% of its generated funds amidst funding challenges. Moinina V.J.L Kopoi, Principal Accountant at the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, has expressed concerns over the Ministry of Finance’s failure to allocate the 30% of revenue the Ministry had requested to support its operations. According to Kopoi, the Ministry of Lands plays a crucial role in generating revenue for the Sierra Leonean government, raising Le 21 billion (old Leones) in 2021 under the leadership of Minister Dr. Turaud Senessie, a significant increase from the Le 3 billion it raised in previous years.
In 2022, the Ministry submitted a budget request asking for 30% of its generated revenue to be allocated for further development, but this request was not granted. Kopoi made these remarks during the Ministry’s presentation of its 2025 budget to the Ministry of Finance, reiterating the need for this allocation to allow the Ministry of Lands to continue fulfilling its mandate effectively.
Kopoi revealed that the Ministry raised NLE 38 million in 2023 but has only received NLE 1.2 million from the Ministry of Finance. The balance of NLE 2.5 million has not been disbursed, and delays in funding have affected the Ministry’s ability to execute government functions. By July 2024, the Ministry had raised NLE 14.42 million, with the potential to generate much more if it receives the requested 30% of its revenue.
The Ministry of Lands, according to Kopoi, has been heavily impacted by fiscal constraints, with global economic challenges such as the war in Ukraine and regional conflicts affecting revenue generation. Nevertheless, he assured that the Ministry is making efforts to support government operations through digitalization initiatives aimed at increasing transparency in revenue collection.
Kopoi stressed that no cash transactions are handled manually by the Ministry, with all payments being made electronically via Smart Kopo or Airtel Money. This digital system ensures transparency, as all payments are tracked through the National Revenue Authority (NRA). Receipts now include a QR code for easy verification of land lease or purchase details, further enhancing accountability and reducing the risk of fraud.
Kopoi concluded by urging the Ministry of Finance to provide the necessary support and funding to ensure that the Ministry of Lands can continue generating revenue and meeting its financial targets for the government.
