04/12/2025
Speaker Thomas Announces Penalties for MDAs Skipping 2026 Budget Debate
The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Segepoh Solomon Thomas Esq., has on Thursday the 4/12/2025, warned that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) who failed to attend the ongoing debate on the 2026 National Budget will face punitive action. Speaking on the second allotted day of the budgetary discussions, Speaker Thomas reiterated his instruction to the Clerk of Parliament to ensure that senior representatives of all MDAs are present to witness the deliberations.
“The 2026 budget is the lifeline that will fund the programmes of every Ministry,” Speaker Thomas said. “It is incumbent on MDAs to witness how Members of Parliament scrutinise the allocation of resources, because that debate shapes the implementation of government policies.”
He praised those MDAs that turned up for the first day of the debate, noting their presence as a sign of commitment to transparent governance.
However, he expressed disappointment at the number of agencies that were absent, describing their non‑attendance as a breach of parliamentary directives.
“The Clerk will record every MDA that ignores this directive,” the Speaker warned. “When the time comes for the appropriation of budget, Parliament would take action against those in contempt, which may include suspension of funds or other sanctions.”
The Speaker’s remarks came as legislators continue to examine the budget line by line, highlighting priorities in health, education, infrastructure and social protection.
Observers say the enforcement of attendance could set a precedent for future parliamentary proceedings, thereby reinforcing the principle that MDAs must be accountable to the legislature for purposes of enhancing the budgetary approval processes for the services and development of Sierra Leone and to provide for other related matters connected herewith.
Parliament is expected to conclude the budgetary debate later this week, after which the appropriation bill will be considered by Parliament for final approval, through its Committee of Supplies relating to the approval budgetary allocations, heads and estimates by Members of Parliament.
However, the Clerk has been instructed by the Rt. Hon. Speaker to compile a list of absentee MDAs for the Speaker’s review before penalties would be applied.
Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, Parliament of Sierra Leone.
Contacts:
+23278625950/+23278426851/+23278697776/+23277473804/+23275710747.
