AYV News, November 14, 2024
In its effort to increase its engagement with citizens and to bring governance closer to the people, the Parliament of Sierra Leone, with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), in collaboration with the Parliamentary Civil Society Organization Network (ParlCSONet).
The event aimed to implement the “Taking Parliament to The People” initiative, led by the Parliamentary and Public Relations Department (PPRD), facilitated by the ParlCSONet, and the Open Government Partnership (OGP) of the National Council for Civic Education (NaCEED).
In their respective statements, district stakeholders appreciated Parliament, WFD, and the government for bringing Parliament to the Koinadugu District. The Chiefdom Speaker, Chief Yembe Marah, reiterated that the direct engagement with Parliament through the Town Hall meeting is the first he had witnessed in the District. The Chairman of the Koinadugu District Council, Lawrence Teeth Conteh expressed appreciation for the program. He emphasized the need for an inclusive development approach for the development of Koinadugu District irrespective of party linages while calling for Parliament to strengthen oversight for implementing laws passed by Parliament.
Distinguished facilitators shared their insights at the Town Hall Meeting, including Former Leader of Government Business and Majority Leader of Parliament representing the All Peoples Congress in Parliament, a seasoned parliamentarian Hon. Mohamed K. Thollie, a former Member of Parliament from the Sierra Leone Peoples Party and current Members of Parliament Hon. Hawa Conteh (APC) and Hon. Farah Mansaray (SLPP). The audience comprised stakeholders such as Traditional Authorities, the District Council, CSOs, schools, traders, bike riders, farmers, and women, who warmly welcomed this unprecedented engagement.
During the presentations, Hon. Ibrahim Bundu highlighted the legislative process during the meeting, drawing from his extensive 15-year parliamentary experience. Hon. Mohamed K. Thollie shed light on the responsibilities of Members of Parliament. At the same time, Hon. Hawa Conteh, Member of Parliament of the All Peoples Congress in Koinadugu, discussed the composition and functions of parliamentary committees, and Hon. Konkofa Farah Mansaray, Member of Parliament of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party in Koinadugu, elaborated on the significance of Sub-Appropriation Committees in national budgeting.
The interactive session concluded with engaging discussions between participants and speakers, reflecting a collective commitment to enhancing citizen engagement and transparency in governance. The success of the Town Hall Meeting in Koinadugu District sets a positive precedent for future events, with similar engagements scheduled for Kono and Moyamba in the coming days as part of the ongoing “Taking Parliament to The People.”
Taking Parliament To The People is an infinitive of the Clerk of Parliament to ensure citizens participation in the legislative progress of the country, and to be adequately informed with regards to what happens in Parliament.
