Civil Society Consortium Calls for Immediate sacking of Finance Minister

On Jan 12, 2026, The National Consortium on Public Accountability (NCPA) has called for the immediate dismissal of Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, citing what it describes as persistent economic deterioration, weak fiscal discipline, and governance failures under his leadership.

In a statement issued on Monday, the civil society group said its call followed a “balanced, policy-focused assessment” of the country’s economic performance, which it argues has stagnated during Bangura’s tenure. The NCPA maintained that civil society has a responsibility to identify policy weaknesses and track government performance in the interest of good governance.

According to the consortium, Sierra Leoneans are facing worsening living conditions marked by high inflation and rising costs of basic goods, particularly food. While acknowledging that supporters of the finance minister often attribute these challenges to global economic shocks, inherited debt, and structural currency weaknesses, the NCPA insisted that domestic policy failures bear significant responsibility.

“The persistent rise in inflation and the cost of living has eroded incomes and savings for ordinary citizens,” the statement said. It added that wage adjustments have failed to keep pace with price increases, forcing households to cut spending on food, education, and healthcare.

The group further accused the finance minister of contributing to rising public debt and fiscal vulnerability, noting that debt servicing now consumes an increasing share of government revenue. It also criticized what it described as weak fiscal discipline, missed revenue projections, expanding recurrent expenditure, and the frequent use of supplementary budgets, which it said undermines transparency and budget credibility.

In addition, the NCPA pointed to what it called policy inconsistency and poor inter-ministerial coordination, alleging that sudden tax increases have been introduced without adequate consultation with key stakeholders, negatively affecting businesses and investment.

A major point of contention raised by the consortium relates to the management of Mineral Wealth Funds Sierra Leone Limited (MWFSL). The NCPA accused the finance minister of misleading the president over the fund’s operations, alleging that management was handed to a foreign firm, Mountview Konzern Management DMCC, under arrangements that lacked accountability and transparency. The group claimed the firm extracted excessive fees—reportedly up to 10 percent of revenues—without delivering effective resource management.

Referencing the World Bank’s economic update and warnings attributed to the Sierra Leone Mines and Mineral Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC), the NCPA argued that the current system threatens long-term economic stability and growth.

In its conclusion, the consortium described the dismissal of the finance minister as “logical and unavoidable,” arguing that it is necessary to restore public trust and investor confidence. It urged President Julius Maada Bio to act swiftly, calling 2026 “a year of tangible action and deliverables” and advocating for the appointment of what it termed a “competent and revered financial expert” to replace Bangura.