On Thursday, November 8, 2024, the Parliament of Sierra Leone concluded its debate on the Motion of Thanks to President Bio following his address at the State Opening of the Second Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone on August 6, 2024.
During the final day of the debate, Honourable Abdul Karim Kamara from Kambia District emphasized the importance of prioritizing development over political interests, noting the President’s acknowledgment that the true power lies with the people. Addressing agriculture, he recognized the Feed Salone initiative’s intent to address food security, urging that food affordability should not be politicized and that the government has a duty to ensure people can feed themselves. Regarding health, he criticized the government’s claims of progress, stressing that medication affordability must be addressed to meet people’s basic needs. He concluded by urging the President to focus on nation-building and treat citizens with respect.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma from Tonkolili District, voiced criticism of the President’s unfulfilled promises, asserting that they were there to serve the people, not to appease the President. He pointed out that projects in Port Loko were not government-funded but came from Mercury International’s Corporate Social Responsibility. He decried the rising cost of food commodities, including eggs, and questioned the viability of the Feed Salone project. Hon. Koroma argued that the President failed to meet his 2019 pledge to achieve food sufficiency by underfunding the Agriculture Ministry. He also raised concerns about inflation, high mobile tariffs, and insufficient energy sector involvement from the private sector. He further criticized the President’s frequent travel, calling it a waste of resources amid economic hardship and poor conditions for teachers and other public workers.
Chief Whip Hon. Dickson Momoh Rogers from Pujehun District commended President Bio’s nationalistic address and acknowledged improvements in MPs’ welfare. He praised the Free Quality Education initiative and progress in agriculture under Bio’s administration, expressing optimism for future food security through Feed Salone. He highlighted infrastructure projects like the Hill Cut Bypass Road and contrasted the current administration’s achievements with alleged corruption and human rights issues during the previous Koroma administration.
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Comrade Sacky, shared progress in education since 2018, including the recruitment of 14,840 teachers, training programs, and classroom rehabilitation. He emphasized increased teaching and learning resources, contrasting these efforts with the previous administration’s recruitment figures.
Deputy Minister of Finance, Kadiatu Allie, reported on economic policies to reduce inflation, increase domestic revenue, and attract donor support, including the Millennium Compact from the United States to boost electricity supply. She highlighted various government-funded rehabilitation projects backed by donor support.
Minister of Political Affairs and Public Administration, Amara Kallon, shared the ministry’s goals of improving public service delivery, mentioning ongoing civil service code and constitutional reviews. He noted plans to transform the Civil Service Training College for better civil servant training.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture 1, Theresa Tenneh Dick, mentioned funding challenges with the Torma Bum project but reaffirmed efforts to shift from subsistence to mechanized farming. She encouraged collaboration with MPs, especially female MPs, and highlighted her open-door policy for engagement.
In closing the debate, Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma from Koinadugu District, thanked President Bio for fulfilling his constitutional duty and urged Parliament to remain accountable to their constituents. He raised concerns about poverty and child mortality, opposing recent tax increases on essentials like rice and building materials. He acknowledged the administration’s 79% score in anti-corruption efforts, while calling for independent accountability bodies. He emphasized that the success of Feed Salone depends on collaboration with the opposition and warned against removing the Auditor General.
The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, praised MPs’ contributions during the debate. He reiterated the President’s commitment to national unity, political cohesion, and democratic development. On agriculture, he commended President Bio’s consistency and donor confidence in the administration. Hon. Nyuma called for collaboration to achieve economic growth, highlighting the administration’s revenue mobilization efforts, human capital development, and international recognition for Sierra Leone. Concluding, he urged all MPs to prioritize Sierra Leone’s interests for continued progress.
