Sierra Leone has been recognised for its commitment to improving access to justice through a significant initiative that fosters Open Governance and bridges gaps in both formal and informal dispute resolution. This initiative is geared towards promoting access to justice in the country.
At the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Africa and Middle East Regional Meeting in Nairobi, led by the Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie Abdel Aziz Bawoh, Sierra Leone received a certificate of recognition for submitting a challenge under the OGP Global Challenge Initiative.
The Challenge submitted by Sierra Leone focuses on leveraging the Ombudsman’s Office to address the inefficiencies of formal judicial processes, which are often costly and time-consuming. By exploring global best practices, this commitment aims to enhance access to justice, ensuring that both formal and informal dispute resolution mechanisms effectively serve the citizens of Sierra Leone. The Challenge will also examine amending the Ombudsman Act of 1997 to enhance access to justice.
The OGP Global Challenge, launched in 2023, encourages member states to raise their ambitions in key areas to enhance global democratic governance. Sierra Leone’s participation demonstrates its dedication to legal frameworks prioritizing citizen engagement and responsive governance.
The delegation that received recognition was a diverse group, which included the Chairman of National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), Mr. Joseph Bindi; OGP Coordinator, Mrs. Hannah Hamida Jimmy; the Ombudsman, Mr. Tejan Jah; the Chief Executive of Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), Mr. Abdul M Fatorma; Mr. Alusine Diamond Suma, Country Representative for the Westminster Foundation for Democracy; and Mr. Mohamed Alpha Jalloh, Director of Training and Strategy, who represented Sierra Leone Parliament. This varied representation reflects Sierra Leone’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration in its governance and open governance reform efforts.
Sierra Leone’s efforts will now be assessed alongside other global submissions, with a final recognition set to take place in Spain at the upcoming OGP Global Summit, a testament to the country’s international recognition.
This milestone signifies a significant step in Sierra Leone’s open government journey, reinforcing the nation’s unwavering commitment to justice sector reforms that prioritise efficiency, inclusivity, and accessibility.
