AYV News, January 28, 2025
Following the enactment of the Social Protection Act on Thursday 23rd January 2025, by the Sierra Leone House of Parliament, a team of officials from the World Bank, UNICEF and NaCSA paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mr Mohamed Rahman Swarray, at his New England Ville office, to not only congratulate him and the ministry, but to discuss the next steps to a successful and smooth enforcement of the new law.
Dr. Abu Kargbo, representing the World Bank, congratulated and thanked the Minister and his team for their relentless effort towards the successful enactment of the new social protection law. He further expressed that the World Bank team is pleased with the new development, as they have been looking forward to the enactment of the law for a long time, which has finally been achieved.
Dr. Kargbo disclosed that the World Bank and UNICEF have put together a framework for the launch of the new Act, which they expect will attract key players in the social protection sector, with H.E., the president or the vice president to be in attendance. According to him, the visit was to discuss this initiative with the Hon. Minister and to have his blessings to carry on. Among other things, Dr. Kargbo expressed interest in setting up a technical working committee to discuss the roadmap for the launch. He concluded by informing the Minister that the bank is ready to provide more funds for the second phase of the cash transfer payment to the aged, with also funds available to support the development of the National ageing policy into a bill.
Representing UNICEF, Madam Munar, during her statement, inquired, among other things, on the steps taken so far on the setting up of the authority, which is one of the key features of the Social Protection Act.
Among members of the delegation, was Senior Director Idris Turay of the National Social Protection Secretariat / NaCSA. In his brief statement, Mr Turay congratulated the Minister and his team for their hard work and commitment towards the successful passage of the Social Protection Act. He expressed that going forward, there is a need to understand the new law as a necessary means to be well equipped in taking further steps towards the successful implementation of the same.
Responding, The Hon. Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mr Mohamed Rahman Swarray, thanked the visiting team and, in turn, congratulated them for their collective support during all stages of the development of the new Act.
The Minister further expressed willingness and readiness at all times to work with all development partners, especially the World Bank and UNICEF, who have been very reliable in the developmental strides of the country. The Minister assured the team that they should consider him and the ministry very prepared and ready to collaborate for a successful implementation of the new law, among others.
The meeting ended with commitment from all parties to set up a technical working committee to discuss the launch and also the development of the regulation for the new Social Protection Act (2025).
