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Sulima Beach Declared as Tourism Development Destination

By Amin Kef Sesay

President Julius Maada Bio together with the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt has over the weekend conducted a tour to Sulima, showcasing the beauty of Sulima beach and declaring it a tourism development destination.

Sulima is a coastal town in the South of Sierra Leone that borders Sierra Leone and Liberia by sea. It is known for its natural endowments, segmented ports for fishing and over 40 kilometers of beach layout. Last year, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs with support from UNDP trained women of Sulima on entrepreneurship development skills for alternative livelihood enhancement, for which the Minister was pleased to see display of Handicrafts by Sulima women.

In her statement, the Tourism Minister, Dr. Memunatu Pratt told the President that just after her appointment as Minister in 2018, she undertook a general study of tourism development in Sierra Leone and found out that Sulima has huge tourism potential because of its over 40 kilometers of beach and a very rich culture, that if developed will create jobs and improve the lives of the people of Sulima.

She stated that the Ministry interviewed people of Sulima and realized that even though they are engaged in fishing, they need alternative livelihood to grow their lives, and it was against that backdrop that the Ministry with support from UNDP conducted series of skills training for women, and the Ministry is also trying to incorporate women of Sulima into the MUNAFA Micro Enterprise Programme that was recently launched by President Bio.

She maintained that the purpose of the visit was to survey Sulima 40 kilometers beach to ascertain its shape and design in order to have a tourism development plan for Sulima, noting that the beach is strategically located very close to Liberia, supported by rich island that is good for investment. She assured the President that with tourism as one of the key areas to transforming the economy, Sulima presents a very big opportunity because it is a virgin area and that the Ministry’s intervention in Sulima will become prosperous by using tourism to eliminate poverty in Sierra Leone.

Addressing the people of Sulima, President Bio assured that Government wants to make Sulima a center for tourism, where people will be coming from Freetown and even abroad to spend quality time. To achieve that, he called on the people of Sulima to play good host to tourists, because for tourism to thrive, the community has a pivotal role to play, he stated. He commended the women for the display of handicrafts and encouraged them to have an attitude that will attract tourists. The President reminded the people of Sulima that they are part of Sierra Leone and that development will reach them.

Surveying the Sulima 40 kilometers beach, President Bio said the visit is to showcase Sulima beach, inviting all Sierra Leoneans to enjoy the beauty of the country. He noted that he is impressed with the beach which is why the Government is promoting local tourism.

CHRDI & Stakeholders Engage Residents of Kailahun on Human Rights Issues

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Election Conflict Prevention and Mediation Group (IRC, CHRDI, EWSL), National Electoral Commission (NEC), together with other stakeholders have engaged the Kpeje-Bongre and Penguia chiefdoms stakeholders and community members in  Kailahun district, Eastern region.

During the event the Chief Executive Officer of Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), Abdul Fatoma, highlighted that human rights cement the bond between individuals and promote peaceful coexistence, thereby making societies more resilient.

He furthered that sustaining peace further promotes a holistic approach integrating all three pillars of the UN’s engagement, human rights, peace, security, and development so as not only to contain the immediate consequences of conflict but also to prevent the outbreak of violence by addressing the root.

According to him, non-prosecution for certain violations are often drivers of conflict maintaining that monitoring human rights therefore could provide early warning of and help prevent destabilization of societies.

“We provide support to political parties, civil society organisations and the community in protecting and promoting human rights, including the equal rights of men and women, while ensuring security,” he disclosed.

Abdul Fatoma pointed out that their work includes efforts to improve the protection of human rights in the security sector, to support women’s participation in promoting peace and security, to strengthen democratic institutions and practices, including elections, and to bolster the rule of law.

He urged all to respect the law and conduct themselves properly against the forthcoming bye-election in Constituency 010 within Kailahun District in order to prevent degeneration into a full blown chaos and anarchy in that part of the country.

Martha Sumaila Emerges Newly Elected President of Orange-SL Women’s Organization

Martha Sumaila as President of the Orange Sierra Leone Women’s Organization

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a recent and positive development, female employees of Orange-SL have elected Martha Sumaila as President of the Orange Sierra Leone Women’s Organization to mann the affairs of women within the organization. The Orange Sierra Leone Women Organization is aimed at enhancing women’s empowerment and fostering positive development amongst women in the company.

The new administration is expected to work towards strengthening a more cordial and friendly relationship wherein all female staff members will have a voice on issues affecting their wellbeing in the company. The organization’s main focus will be to champion issues affecting women and seeks to find a common ground to address challenges they face on a daily basis.

In an exclusive interview with the newly elected President of the, Martha Sumaila, she kicked-off by stating that everywhere in the world, women face social, cultural and emotional barriers to equality.

“These barriers are not always from external forces, they are mostly invisible barriers and they are self-imposed,” she averred adding that it is no secret that women have always been seen differently and treated unfairly in comparison to men.

According to Martha, whether it is within the political arena or in the workplace or at home, a woman’s role is often downplayed and sometimes the only knowledge left is often what she has to offer in her appearance.

She pointed out that in as much as women have made great strides over the past few years in the gender ratio they still have some work to do in some areas.

“In as much as there has not been a lot of buzz going on around on the topic of improvement in women empowerment, there is no proof to back the claim,” she intimated maintaining that it was stated that all these shortfalls in women empowerment course must CHANGE!

“But this change will only happen if all invest in women and their power,” she underscored.

Martha stated that there are key projects on women empowerment she is determined to implement.

“In the spirit of inclusion and positive collaboration, that is….LEAVE NO WOMAN BEHIND, I will be implementing them together with Bettie Mason from the Commercial Department who will co-steer this ship with me as the Vice President,” she pointed out.

She said when they assume office their key objectives would be to mediate between the women of Orange SL and Management in order to design policies and programs that women need, ensuring that those policies and programs will be effectively implemented to truly benefit all the women (Every Woman) within and outside Orange.

Dilating on their Organization’s Mission, Martha said it is centred on empowering Orange Sierra Leone women with opportunities and tools to care for themselves, their families and also to strengthen their communities.

She disclosed that they have put together a number of projects they intend to implement during their tenure.

Martha talked about the Female Mentorship Program, stating that Female Managers upwards will be assigned women at lower levels to mentor.

She also mentioned study support, elucidating that they will work closely with the Human Resource and Finance Departments to provide study subsidy to women on a 1st come 1st serve basis.

The result-oriented elected President continued that since promotion period of the institution they are serving is underway her office will lobby for more women promotions across all levels.

She stated that welfare plays a vital role in contributing to the growth of a business revealing that during their tenure they will continue to lobby for better policies that cover staff welfare mentioning Health support, Widow’s Welfare, Maternity leave and a host of others.

Martha ended by informing how they will partner with national and international women groups in order to exchange ideas, contribute to the work they are doing and showcase what they do internally.

Concluding with an inspiring slogan, Martha Sumaila, said: “What better time to be a woman in Orange SL than NOW! OSL Women, we Move! And we leave no woman behind”.

Castrol GTX Promo Continues to Gain Ascendancy

By Amin Kef Sesay

Everyone in life, they say, has lucky moments, extraordinary times of experiencing joy and happiness simply because of making breakthroughs in one form or the other. At this material moment the outstanding, foremost and premier petroleum marketing company in the country, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), has availed its numerous customers the opportunity to try their luck and win very attractive prizes.

The company’s Castrol GTX Loyalty Lucky Dip Promotion started on the 15th February 2021 and will last up to the 14th March 2021, meaning it will last for four weeks as part of the company’s annual activities which is geared towards giving back to its esteemed customers so that the latter will continuously identify with the brand.

For now every time a NP-SL Ltd customer buys 5 Liter of Castrol GTX from any NP Dealer Stations, he or she automatically becomes eligible to be part of the promo and stands to win an attractive prize.

When the customer buys 5L Castrol GTX (20w50 or GTX Diesel) he or she will have the chance to have one dip and for the GTX Ultraclean product he or she has 3 dips.

There are two things to be discovered on the slip after any dip which are WINNER or Sorry! Buy More GTX.

The winner leaves his or her name and telephone number with the Station Manager of the Filling Station where the Castrol lubricant was bought and he or she will be  later contacted by the Sales Supervisor.

As far as the promotion is tailored no customer goes empty handed as even losers will have some form of compensation at the end of the day.

Already there are flyers that provide information about the promotion and certain sales points have been activated in order to give the Promo wider coverage.

It must be noted that the Ultraclean 10w40 Castrol Oil is a multi-grade oil that can be used in hotter countries. GTX 20w50, though good for petrol engines, is also a  multi-purpose oil.

It has been established that the Castrol oil in the white rubber is the one that is most often used as it maintains temperature and can be used on petrol engines.

This medium learnt that, NP-SL Ltd, from time to time conducts trainings for automobile mechanics and the company’s pump attendants in order for them to know the various specifications which could help them to guide customers on the actual type of Castrol GTX that will suit them.

It was also learnt that the Ultra-clean Castrol oil is going for Le250, 000 and the others (Castrol Oil) for Le200, 000.

What is certain is that Castrol GTX is more than just an ordinary oil as it is considered to be liquid engineering.

From an in-depth investigation conducted it was discovered that the Castrol GTX is less costly in the sense that it can last longer compared to other lubricants of inferior quality meaning that when consideration is taken of the amount of money spent on changing engine oil of inferior quality in comparison to Castrol GTX, then it discerns that indeed it is one that is cheaper because unconsciously much money is spent on procuring inferior engine oil of various variety than what is spent on Castrol GTX within the period of purchase under review.

Besides lasting longer, Castrol GTX lubricant enhances the good performance and efficiency of motor engines, minimizes hazardous gaseous emission and helps to properly clean motor engines or machines that may have been clogged by particles.

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd) is one that has dominated the petroleum business landscape in this country for quite a long period of time now and it is still positioned to make good use of opportunities in order to grow to another level.

It will be totally erroneous to conclude that the 100% indigenously owned company is unfairly being commended, but the truth or reality of the situation is that there is no other entity doing business in petroleum products in this country in such an impressive manner than the way NP-SL is currently doing.

When rating privately run business entities in this country, attributes such as efficiency and effectiveness in timely service delivery must come out vividly in order for successful transactions to occur.  The company is well renowned for his pro-active stance in always trying to optimize customer care, which it holds in high esteem with the view that in the absence of its numerous customers then the company’s existence is meaningless.

To the shareholders and Management of the company, achieving customer satisfaction is very precious and key which is why it does everything within its reach and reasonably to give customers high grade petroleum products at affordable prices. Through its pro-activeness and the ultimate need to succeed, latest innovative and technological techniques were installed and applied at the company’s various Filling Stations, one of which are calibrated pumping machines that pump the appropriate quantity of petroleum products paid for. As they are very transparent, these calibrated pumping machines continue to instil confidence in customers that they are dealing with a very transparent company as well as feeling that they are getting their money’s worth.

Within the same ambit of bringing technology closer to its customers for enhanced transactions, the idea of availing its customers the use of NP Smart Card was borne. Today we hear of “fuel on your smart card” which figuratively could be interpreted within the context of using a financially loaded NP Smart Card to purchase the right number of petroleum products one intends to utilize without any physical monetary transactions. Using NP Smart Card guarantees safety, saves time and gives air of importance to the holders, some considering them as the crème-de la crème of society, when in actual fact anyone can make use of it. It creates a situation where a customer will intermittently know the balance of finance on his card and use such information to make informed decisions as to further top up or utilize, for example, the quantity of fuel that the balance amount could procure.

With a view to make people gain easy access to a device that could be suitable for various cooking purposes, NP Gas was introduced and since gas is one of the petroleum products that is up for sale then it just falls in place that it will be prudent to make it convenient for people to access them at their filling stations and from authorized dealers, going at affordable prices. It had been undoubtedly proven that they are environmentally friendly and safe to use as well as refill.

Strengthening relevant institutions as it did some time ago  in capacitating the Kissy Branch National Fire Force with a standard water facility to capably respond to fire emergencies is just one way through which NP is complementing efforts being made by both the central and local Governments in fostering development interventions geared towards improving overall standards of living. NP Gas has now become the ubiquitous cooking friend in many households and many are trying not to miss out on it.

When job opportunities are created from time to time, the negative impacts of poverty subside with a corresponding upsurge in peace and tranquillity. Instead of tempers rising, daggers drawn out there will be joy and harmonious co-existence. Through its expansionist drive and to match up with modern trends, NP-SL has been providing various jobs for many who were hitherto at the lower ends of society. Family lives have been transformed for the better and there is room for future positive outcomes.

As a matter of fact, NP-SL-Ltd has been recognized for being a company that has doggedly insisted on maintaining its indigenous posture. Its shareholders are all Sierra Leoneans, it places premium on maintaining an indigenous stance with majority of its staff being indigenes. The company is very mindful that with the implementation of the Local Content Policy it is positively contributing to the socio-economic development of the country. NP is committed to serving the people of this country.

Martha Sumaila Becomes Newly Elected President of Orange-SL Women’s Organization

Newly elected President, Martha Sumaila

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a recent development, female employees of Orange-SL, have elected Martha Sumaila as President of the Orange Sierra Leone Women’s Organization to mann the affairs of women within the organization.

The Orange Sierra Leone Women Organization is aimed at enhancing women’s empowerment and fostering positive development amongst women in the company. The new administration is expected to work towards strengthening a more cordial and friendly relationship wherein all female staff members will have a voice on issues affecting their wellbeing in the company. The organization’s main focus will be to champion issues affecting women and seeks to find a common ground to address challenges they face on a daily basis.

In an exclusive interview with the newly elected President, Martha Sumaila, she said everywhere in the world, women face social, cultural and emotional barriers to equality.

“These barriers are not always from external forces, they are mostly invisible barriers and they are self-imposed,” she averred adding that it is no secret that women have always been seen differently and treated unfairly in comparison to men.

According to Martha, whether it be politics or in the workplace or at home, a woman’s role is often downplayed and sometimes the only knowledge left is often what she has to offer in her appearance.

She pointed out that in as much as women have made great strides over the past few years in the gender ratio they still have some work to do in some areas.

“In as much as there has not been a lot of buzz going on around on the topic of women empowerment, there is no proof to back the claim,” she intimated maintaining that it was stated that all these shortfalls in women empowerment cause must CHANGE!

“But this change will only happen if all invest in women and their power,” she underscored.

Martha stated that there are key projects on women empowerment she is determined to implement.

Newly elected President, Martha Sumaila

“In the spirit of inclusion and positive collaboration that is….LEAVE NO WOMAN BEHIND, I will be implementing them together with Bettie Mason from the Commercial Department who will co-steer this ship with me as the Vice President,” she pointed out.

She said when they assume office, their key objectives would be to mediate between the women of Orange SL and Management in order to design policies and programs that women need, ensuring that those policies and programs are effectively implemented to truly benefit all the women (Every Woman) within and outside Orange.

Dilating on their Organization’s Mission, Martha said it is centred on empowering Orange Sierra Leone women with opportunities and tools to care for themselves, their families and also to strengthen their communities.

She disclosed that they have put together a number of projects they intend to implement during their tenure.

Martha talked about the Female Mentorship Program stating that Female Managers upwards will be assigned women at lower levels to mentor.

She also mentioned study support explaining that they will work closely with the Human Resource and Finance Departments to provide study subsidy to women on a 1st come 1st serve basis.

The result-oriented elected President continued that since promotion period, of the institution they are serving, is underway her office will lobby for more women promotions across all levels.

She stated that welfare plays a vital role in contributing to the growth of a business revealing that during their tenure they will continue to lobby for better policies that cover them mentioning Health support, Widow’s Welfare, Maternity leave and a host of others.

Martha ended by informing how they will partner with national and international women groups in order to exchange ideas, contribute to the work they are doing and showcase what they do internally.

Concluding with an inspiring slogan, Martha Sumaila, said: “What better time to be a woman in Orange SL than NOW!  OSL Women, we Move! And we leave no woman behind”.

 

 

 

Milla Group Gives Out Educational Support to 36 Beneficiaries

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of implementing their Community Development Action Plan and Corporate Social Responsibility in the country, Milla Group SL Limited in collaboration with the Fisher Lane Development Committee has on Saturday 20th February 2021 dished out educational support worth Eighteen Million Leones (Le18, 000,000) to 36 students within their operational area. The event took place at the Fisher Lane Community in the East End of Freetown.

In his statement, Chairman of the Fisher Lane Community, Senesce Mansaray, revealed that the educational support is geared towards accomplishing the company’s Community Development Action Plan for 2020/2021environmnetal year of which he applauded Milla Group SL Limited for ensuring that they accomplished it.

He added that Milla Group SL Limited, as a company, has been very supportive towards the community as through the implementation of their CDAP they have constructed drainages within the community which is benefitting residents.

He maintained that prior to this support the company also provided a similar support to pupils attending primary and secondary school within the community which, he said, has helped greatly towards the development of their children.

The Chairman encouraged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity Milla Group SL Limited has offered them in order to achieve their dreams and become great people in society underscoring how education is the key to success.

Public Relations Officer/Personnel Manager of Milla Group SL Limited, Alpha D. Kamara, said that as a responsible company they thought it fit to render educational support to the 36 deserving students attending various Colleges, Universities and studying various disciplines. He said they are doing so with the strong belief that such could be helpful especially at this decisive moment.

He added that every year this activity is rolled out as part of fulfilling their Community Development Action Plan. He assured of their continuous support to the development of the Fisher Lane Community.

He motivated the beneficiaries to make good use of this given opportunity.

On his part, the Honorable Member of Parliament for Constituency 119, Hon Wurroh Timbo Jalloh, expressed appreciation to Milla Group SL Limited for the gesture which he described as a timely intervention, adding that the Community Development Action Plan was passed by Parliament in the EPA Act of 2008 which he said many companies within his Constituency and the country as a whole have been flouting but commended Milla Group SL Limited for adhering to their CDAP.

He also maintained that the company had also provided such support to pupils in primary and secondary school furthering that they are very happy that they are here again to give educational support to 36 deserving students in various Colleges and Universities stating that it is a great honour and pleasure to see their dynamic young people achieving their learning aspirations.

Rhoderica Kuangueh a student of IAMTECH, who benefited from the educational support, expressed gratitude to Milla Group SL Limited for the kind gesture which she graciously said is not only important but very timely in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

She disclosed how it had been very difficult for her to raise her fees for this academic year stating that with the support from Milla Group SL Limited she is thankful.

SLPP Intensifies Youth Empowerment in the North…

By Thomas Kembay

In closing up on the gap with the main opposition APC over ownership, the ruling SLPP through the Aspirant for the National Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Alpha Mohamed Kallon, continues to roll out support to various youth groups in the Northern Province running into billions of Leones.

Handing over assorted recreational facility items worth close to Thirty Million Leones to the youth and Executive of Constituency 073 within the Koya Chiefdom  in Port Loko District, the leading aspirant for the National Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Alpha Mohamed Kallon, disclosed that the handing over of the items was just one of the several projects he has undertaken for the youths in that part of the country.

He continued that the donation was to support the passion of the youths for entertainment.

“Entertainment has become a source of unification and happiness among the youth globally and as a party who seeks the interests of our youth, I decided to step in and provide these items to the youth of Koya,” said Pa Kallon, as he is fondly called, noting that the items include 2 DSTV dish, 2, 43inches LED flat screen TV, Chairs and other items.

The viewing of the Supersport games for entertainment, he said, is on free of charge basis for the youths, adding that he will foot the bill of two assigned guards to the facility.

He went on to explain that for the party to gain more favor in the eyes of people in the North, he has done several projects in Kambia, Makeni, Magburaka, Masiaka, Mile 91 and Port Loko.

Chairman of the party, Dr. Prince Alex Harding commended Alhaji Alpha Mohamed Kallon for facilitating entertainment for youths as a motivational theory.

Government, he said, cannot do it alone for which the contributions towards youth empowerment from party stakeholders like Pa Kallon is a step in the right direction under the New Direction.

Tracy Jac-During Releases New Single, “Na You Love”

One of Sierra Leone’s finest songwriters and solo singer, Tracy Jac-During

By Amin Kef Sesay

One of Sierra Leone’s finest songwriters and solo singer, Tracy Jac-During, popularly known as Tracy who was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone has released her new classical single love song titled “Na You Love” in a duet with Sahr Andrew James.

The Song “Na You Love” is nothing but an international hard-core Love song which is an expression of positive thoughts and feelings couple do share.

Many have described the song as one that will surely hit the length and breadth of Sierra Leone and beyond.

She started his musical career in 2007 at aged 7 as a Child Choir and because of her passion for music, Tracy Jac-During, worked hard to be among the finalists at the “Be A Star Show Season One” sponsored and organized by AYV and Africell which was a great success for her as it served as a breakthrough for her in her music career.

Tracy Jac-During is a final year student at Fourah Bay College studying Mass Communications. She is also a life band performing musician with deep passion for music.

She has performed in so many events including Housemates Salone Season 2, Peace of Heart which was part of a Football for Peace song project with Masterkraft etc. She is also a member of the Overtone Gospel Musical Brand and Chosen Generation-Sierra Leone.

Fans who want to download her song can access them on audio Mack and YouTube.

Ahead of Elective Congress…   Jennifer A. Thompson Calls for Free, Fair & Transparent SLFA Election

Chief Executive Officer of “No Child Left Behind Initiative”, Jennifer Adeshola Thompson

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As it remains few more days to go for the long awaited Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Elective Congress scheduled to hold on the 26th & 27th February, 2021 in Makeni City which will see another new administration or the continuity of the administration in running the affairs of the football family in the country, the Chief Executive Officer of “No Child Left Behind Initiative”, Jennifer Adeshola Thompson, who arrived in Sierra Leone on Thursday 18th February 2021 from the United States of America (USA) to observe the electioneering process, has called for a free, fair & transparent SLFA Elections. She made this disclosure during an exclusive interview with this Press.

She pointed out that football gives us a great opportunity to be united as a society and to empower children through the values that it brings, adding that elections serve as a formal process of selecting individuals for public offices, of accepting or rejecting a political proposition by voting but said it should not be a do or die thing as such would have the tendency to disunite the football family in the country.

Jennifer noted that it is appropriate to reflect on the positive, constructive roles the game of football can play to enhance peace and development in the county, adding that the contribution of sports in peace building in troubled communities cannot be over emphasized at the community level and that at the community level, sports has the unique power to attract, mobilize and create an atmosphere where people can come together and work together towards the same goal and show respect for one another, furthering that Sports can contribute to development, create jobs, support the economy and promote gender equality.

She went on to state that sports can also serve as a conflict prevention measure, helping to forestall the process that leads to the generation of aggression, hatred and fear which are the key ingredients of conflicts.

In the light of the above, according to her, sporting activities, like football among others, can be used to help build peace in troubled communities maintaining that the football family in the country must stand together rather than fighting each other.

“We have one country, one peace and one SLFA. If we lose this peace, we have nowhere to run to, so let us all maintain the peace, we have to build a peaceful country for the next generation to come,” she admonished.

Jennifer called for Free, fair and transparent elections, underscoring that any form of manipulation in the electioneering process has the tendency to create negative impacts within the football family in the country which she said should not be our goal.

Jennifer Adeshola Thompson, who is a true philanthropist whose compassionate gestures have left indelible footprints in the realm of development, especially positively impacting the lives of young people in the country, believes that “unity in the football family in the country will enhance growth within the sporting discipline”.

She categorically stated that she will continue to support football in the country especially in creating female football teams asserting that when one invests in the youth, one is investing in their future and the country as a whole because the youth are the future leaders.

It could be recalled that out of her passion for football, Jennifer Adeshola Thompson adopted a female Football Team in a village within Bo District which she intends to develop with Bo players bringing them together, making a forceful impact.

What Africanist Press Is Saying Is That… Democratic Governance Goes With Accountability

Chernoh Bah

By Amin Kef Sesay

No doubt, the Africanist Press has ruffled the feathers of the ruling SLPP Government by demanding from it accountability in the use of public funds; implying how judiciously and responsibly those funds alleged to have been misused were used.

It is good that the Speaker of Parliament, Dr Abass Bundu has rose up to the occasion by, based on the 2018 and 2019 Auditor General’s Reports, calling for a debate on the Auditor General’s reports and allegations of financial impropriety by officials of this administration; as had been demanded about three months ago by Hon. Dr Kandeh Yumkella, seconded by Hon. Hassan Sesay.

In all representative democracies, Parliaments perform a vital role not only in improving the quality of governance by ensuring transparency and accountability, but also in shaping the public’s expectations and attitudes to democracy.

Constitutionally, Parliament is the single most important institution in overseeing Government activity, scrutinizing legislation and representing the public’s concerns to those in power.

Their performance in holding Government to account and engaging with voters helps to establish the norms and values of a democratic culture.

The overarching purpose of parliamentary oversight is to hold Government to account. While Governments are directly accountable to voters at elections, in between elections it is the duty of Parliamentarians to hold Ministers and their Departments to account on the public’s behalf.

Parliamentary oversight is the main means by which Government is held to account; Parliament should ensure Government departments are run efficiently and that Ministers are regularly called to account for their actions, policies and spending.

As such, Parliament has four key oversight roles:

  • Transparency and openness. Parliament should shed light on the operations of Government. It provides a public arena in which Government’s policies and actions are debated, exposed to scrutiny and held up to public opinion.
  • Delivery. Parliamentary oversight should test whether the government’s policies have been implemented, and whether they are having the desired impact.
  • Value for money. Parliament needs to approve and scrutinize Government spending. It should highlight waste within publicly-funded services, and aim to improve the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of Government expenditure.
  • Tackling corruption and misuse of power. Parliament should protect the rights of citizens by detecting and preventing abuse of power, arbitrary behaviour and illegal or unconstitutional conduct by government.

In short, a Parliament’s role is to provide a check on the activity of government. The role might be thought of as providing “Government by explanation”. That is, highlighting issues of concern and ensuring that Government is able to justify its actions to the public, or where that policy is deficient, forcing a change.

The tools available to MPs to achieve these objectives vary from Parliament to Parliament, but they tend to be pursued through three main routes, namely via the plenary session (through questions and debates), the committee system (through investigations) or in conjunction with outside agencies that report to Parliament.

It is in this last area where Parliaments have the potential to be most effective in strengthening systems of domestic accountability. Parliaments derive much of their authority from the fact that a number of accountability institutions usually report to them.

These range from the supreme audit institution, the Ombudsman and the Electoral Commission, through to utility regulators, inspectorates and agencies.

Such institutions provide a wealth of information on the performance of Government in specific policy areas, and provide the evidence on which Parliament can hold Ministers, and Ministries, to account.

In other words, Parliaments should sit at the centre of a web of accountability, liaising with the range of independent experts and institutions, absorbing the detail of their investigations and drawing out the salient political points for which the Executive should be held to account.

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