By Lawrence Williams
Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) last Thursday launched its new advocacy resource, Navigating Power Play, aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) to influence policy and governance processes in Sierra Leone.
The book was unveiled during a ceremony held at Elgreco Restaurant in Aberdeen, with support from Christian Aid.
Delivering the welcome address, BAN’s National Coordinator Abu Bakarr Kamara described the publication as a practical guide intended to help civil society actors better understand power dynamics and engage effectively in advocacy work. He noted that the initiative reflects BAN’s ongoing commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance.
Chairperson Mattia Koi Demoh said the launch created an opportunity for reflection on the evolving challenges facing civil society and governance institutions. She stressed that change is rarely linear, describing it instead as a dynamic and complex process that requires strategy, awareness and persistence.
“This will help us navigate,” she told participants, urging stakeholders to pay close attention to the lessons and tools contained in the book.
During the presentation, Abu Bakarr Tarawally outlined the publication’s central objective of equipping CSOs with practical approaches for driving change in complex political and institutional environments.
He explained that advocacy goes beyond public campaigning and includes influencing laws, public policies, national budgets and institutional practices. According to him, effective advocacy also requires confronting power imbalances and expanding civic space so that citizens can participate meaningfully in decision-making.
Tarawally highlighted several core pillars identified in the book as essential for successful advocacy. These include strong contextual analysis, inclusive participation, strategic engagement with stakeholders, awareness of the operating environment, risk management and the ability to adapt strategies as circumstances evolve.
He further emphasised the importance of coalition-building among civil society groups, noting that partnerships can amplify influence, distribute risks and enhance credibility when engaging policymakers and public institutions.
Adding to the discussion, Morie Lansana from the Audit Service Sierra Leone encouraged participants to recognise their individual and collective power in promoting accountability and social progress. He said meaningful change often begins when citizens and institutions actively use their influence to demand results.
“When power speaks, something must change,” Lansana said, while pointing to the persistent challenge of implementing audit recommendations as an example of why sustained advocacy and follow-up are necessary.
Participants at the event included civil society representatives, development partners and governance stakeholders, who discussed how the resource could be used to strengthen advocacy planning, monitoring and engagement with decision-makers.
BAN officials expressed hope that Navigating Power Play will serve as a practical reference for organisations working on governance, public finance oversight and citizen rights, helping them design more strategic interventions and build stronger alliances.
The launch forms part of BAN’s broader efforts to enhance civic engagement and support reforms that promote accountability, transparency and inclusive development in Sierra Leone.
