By Alieu Amara Suwu
M.B Daboh, Director General, Ministry of Defence (MOD), presenting the Ministry of Defence Strategic Plan and Budget Estimates for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (2023-2025) at the budget policy hearing, has said the MOD (together with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF)) has planned to train 250 specialist personnel as one of their 2023 Financial Year deliverables.
Daboh further said this is because as a ministry that operates under Section 61 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone is primarily responsible, together with the RSLAF and other security agencies, for the defense of Sierra Leone and it provides the necessary support to build and maintain a well catered for, professional and mission-ready armed force for the defense of Sierra Leone by Land, Air, and Sea.
Other deliverables he mentioned are the establishment of the Armed Forces Construction Corporation, completion of Warrant Officers and Sergeant Mess at Wilberforce Barracks, cultivation of 250 acres of rice farm at Mano Daseh in Moyamba District, resumption of construction of Kambia Barracks, and procurement of major equipment for peace support operations (PSO).
Brima Khadri Kamara, the Principal Accountant, giving an analysis of the budget, said to achieve these deliverables, the Ministry is requesting a budget of Nle 244,543,7 though the budget ceiling is Nle 141, 801.6
On key achievements in 2022, Lt. General P.K Lavahun, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), said they have commissioned the Myohaung Officers Mess and Single Accommodation at Wilberforce Barracks, acquired major equipment for Armed Forces Engineering Regiment, completed the Gondama Barracks accommodation blocks, acquired four inshore and offshore patrol boats, constructed 2.1 km road network at 34 Military Hospital, established the Armed Forces Endowment Loan Scheme and Completed the military Guest House at Kingtom.
