By Marcus Bangura/Op-Ed
More than two decades after the guns fell silent in Sierra Leone, the country continues to struggle with a critical question: how can governance be restructured to deliver basic services equitably, efficiently, and transparently? While successive governments have made notable efforts to rebuild institutions and expand access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, many citizens, particularly in rural and underserved communities, still face daily struggles accessing essential services.
This reality reflects a deeper governance challenge. For Sierra Leone, public service delivery is not merely a matter of resources, it is a reflection of how power is structured, how decisions are made, and how responsive the state is to the people it serves. In other words, it is a matter of accountable governance.
In the years following the war, the country initially leaned heavily on a centralized governance model. This was understandable given the need to restore control and ensure national unity in a fragile post-conflict environment. Centralized governance, after all, allows for swift policy decisions and can create a sense of stability. However, over time, it became clear that centralization alone could not meet the diverse needs of Sierra Leone’s population. Rural districts remained neglected, public services were unevenly distributed, and local communities were disempowered.
In 2004, the government took a significant step by introducing local councils, marking the beginning of a decentralization process intended to bring government “closer to the people.” In theory, decentralization should empower local authorities to identify priorities, allocate resources, and be held accountable by the communities they serve. And in some cases, it has worked. Access to education has improved, particularly with the introduction of the Free Quality Education (FQE) initiative. Health services have expanded, and digital governance tools are being piloted to improve transparency.
Yet, these gains remain fragile. Many local councils lack the capacity, both in skills and in financial autonomy, to effectively manage service delivery. Their dependency on central government allocations limits their ability to respond to local needs. In some instances, decentralization has become more symbolic than functional, replicating the same inefficiencies and power dynamics that plague national institutions.
At the heart of these challenges lies the issue of accountability. Sierra Leone continues to contend with entrenched corruption, weak oversight mechanisms, and limited civic participation. Public funds are often mismanaged, procurement processes remain opaque, and enforcement of anti-corruption measures is inconsistent. While the Anti-Corruption Commission has made important strides, including the prosecution of high-profile cases, systemic issues persist. Without accountability, reforms risk becoming cosmetic exercises, well-intentioned but ultimately ineffective.
The solution, therefore, must involve a renewed commitment to accountable governance, not just governance that functions, but governance that is transparent, inclusive, and responsive. This requires bold but practical actions.
First, decentralization must go beyond structural reforms. Local councils need real fiscal autonomy and technical support to fulfil their mandates. Granting them greater control over local revenues and expenditure decisions would not only improve service delivery but also strengthen the social contract between citizens and the state.
Second, public sector reform is overdue. Civil servants, both at national and local levels require continuous professional development and adequate resources to perform effectively. Investing in digitization can also improve efficiency and reduce opportunities for corruption.
Third, anti-corruption efforts must be deepened. This includes not only prosecuting wrongdoing but also building systems that prevent it. Transparent budgeting, citizen audits, and performance monitoring can create a culture of accountability that permeates all levels of government.
Fourth, international partners must align their efforts with national and local priorities. While foreign aid has been crucial in Sierra Leone’s recovery, donor-driven initiatives have sometimes created parallel systems that undermine local ownership. Sustainable progress depends on building domestic capacity, not substituting for it.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, citizens must be empowered to hold their leaders accountable. Civic education, free media, and community monitoring initiatives are essential tools in strengthening democratic governance. Accountability cannot be imposed from above, it must be demanded from below.
Sierra Leone’s journey from conflict to recovery has been marked by resilience and progress. But the next chapter requires a more ambitious vision, one that transforms governance from a bureaucratic structure into a tool for genuine public service. The foundation has been laid, but the house remains unfinished.
Only by moving towards accountable governance rooted in transparency, inclusion, and responsiveness, can Sierra Leone chart a new path for public service delivery that benefits all, not just the few. The time for piecemeal reforms is over. What’s needed now is a bold commitment to building a governance system that truly serves its people.
