By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio presented the achievements of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government during its first 360 days in office on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at State House. The presentation, titled “Consolidating the Gains: A 360-Day Accelerated Delivery,” highlighted progress across the three branches of Government—Legislature, Judiciary and Executive—from June 2023 to June 2024.
Speaker of Parliament, Rtd. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, reported that the Parliament comprised 149 Members of Parliament (MPs), with 135 directly elected from the country’s 16 districts and 14 being Paramount Chiefs elected from the fourteen rural districts. Of the 135 directly elected MPs, 81 were from the governing SLPP and 54 from the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC). Women held 42 seats, representing 30.4% of the Parliament. The Speaker noted that since its first session in July 2023, the Parliament held 57 plenary sittings, enacting 7 critical bills, 12 statutory and constitutional instruments, ratifying 13 rules, grants and agreements, 4 protocols, conventions and treaties and approving 144 presidential nominees.
Acting Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Nicholas Colin Browne-Marke, expressed gratitude to the President for his appointment. He highlighted significant reforms in the judiciary, including training, appointing new court officials, and expediting case trials. Notably, the judiciary hosted the Legal Legacy of the Special Court of Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS Court’s Conference in Sierra Leone, with support from President Bio.
Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, PhD, detailed the Government’s flagship programme, the FEED SALONE Initiative, which received increased budgetary allocations and support from various stakeholders. He also announced the construction of six new peripheral health units, the installation of 12 oxygen plants, the establishment of the National Public Health Agency, the construction of a pediatric hospital, a reduction in maternal mortality and the nationwide employment of more health practitioners.
Andrew Lavalie, Civil Society Representative and Executive Director of the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), commended the Government’s efforts in transparency. He noted that of the 536 promises made by the Government before the election, 79% were nearly completed. However, he urged the Government to consider the nation’s losses due to recent unrest, which affected schools, health centers, markets and overall Government function.
President Julius Maada Bio expressed gratitude to his Ministers, the judiciary, the legislative arm of Government, development partners, civil society and the media for their support and attendance. He emphasized the importance of peace and political stability for his Government and acknowledged the challenges faced, including the impact of COVID-19 and political instability. President Bio assured that his Government would maintain its commitment to human capital development and non-interference in the legislative and judiciary branches, promising continued transparency and improvement in governance.
