Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), Joseph Munda Bindi, has highlighted the importance of the Citizens’ Budget in promoting public understanding of government finances.
He made the remarks at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press conference.
Chairman Bindi explained that the national budget, though approved by Parliament, is often too large and complex for many citizens to understand.
“The national budget is a bulky document that many people find difficult to read and understand,” he noted.
He disclosed that NaCCED, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and with support from experts at Oxford University, has simplified the document into a more accessible format.
“We reduced the large volume into a small, easy-to-read book that anyone, even a primary school pupil, can understand in 10 to 15 minutes,” he stated.
Chairman Bindi further explained that NaCCED is rolling out the Citizens’ Budget Campaign across the country to engage communities directly and improve public understanding of government finances.
“We are going around the country to help people clearly understand the budget,” he said, adding that such understanding builds trust and reduces suspicion about government actions.
He emphasized that the campaign seeks to educate citizens on how government raises and spends public funds.
“We want people to understand how government generates revenue and how it is spent,” he said, noting that taxes remain a key source of national revenue.
He also urged citizens not only to support revenue generation but also to actively monitor how public funds are utilized to ensure value for money.
Chairman Bindi concluded that the Citizens’ Budget promotes transparency and accountability by empowering citizens with knowledge of public financial management.
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