Obstacle to Effective Financial Policy Implementation in the Local Government System in Sierra Leone

Abstract

Financial policy making and implementation is one issue that cannot be over emphasized because of the important role it plays in the life of any organization wishing to survive and to grow in the face of dynamic environment, based on the need for organisations to achieve their objective. This research is conducted to study the obstacles to effective financial policies Implementation in the local government system in Sierra Leone with a particular reference to Waterloo Rural District Council. Public policy plays a crucial role in both local and national institutions in Sierra Leone. Whereas, public policy implementation has been fundamental to Sierra Leone since independence, the paradox of public policy Implementation has continued to militate the realisation of policy objectives in the country. The study uses a qualitative method to highlight the need for proper and effective policy Implementation while identifying some impediments to be tackled in ensuring that financial policies, particularly those relating to institutional or organizational development are effectively and timely implemented. These impediments include among others; corruption, ethnicity bad leadership, political instability, low public service structures. The study therefore put forward sustainable development measures, such as effective use of political will, eschewing social vices (like ethnicity, favoritism nepotism and mediocrity), continuity of policies between governments, eradication of corruption etc.