President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, officially inaugurated the National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) at State House, marking a major step forward in Sierra Leone’s pursuit of good governance, democratic accountability and transparency.
The ceremony signaled Sierra Leone’s renewed commitment to the Pan-African self-assessment framework designed to promote institutional strengthening, peer learning and homegrown solutions to governance challenges across the continent.
Speaking during the event, the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs and APRM National Focal Point, Hon. Amara Kallon, underscored the significance of the APRM in reinforcing democratic institutions and enabling inclusive dialogue. He noted that the newly inaugurated Council will guide Sierra Leone’s second self-assessment and peer review process, while promoting stakeholder engagement and championing reforms that enhance governance efficiency and accountability.
Professor Duramany Lakkoh, Chairperson of the newly appointed APRM Governing Council, outlined the body’s key responsibilities. Among its priorities, he said, is the coordination of the upcoming 3rd High-Level Forum on South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development, positioning Sierra Leone as a regional leader in governance innovation and knowledge-sharing.
President Bio, in his keynote address, congratulated the Council members and praised their commitment to public service. He charged them to execute their duties with integrity, transparency and a strong sense of civic responsibility. The President emphasized that their work is vital to sustaining democratic gains and ensuring that public institutions remain citizen-focused and results-driven.
“With the establishment of the APRM National Governing Council, Sierra Leone takes another bold step toward institutional reform, democratic consolidation and regional collaboration,” President Bio declared. “The APRM provides a vital platform for reflection, dialogue and policymaking based on evidence and best practices. Our task now is to ensure that governance truly responds to the needs and aspirations of our people.”
The inauguration of the Council reaffirms Sierra Leone’s active participation in the African Union’s APRM framework and demonstrates its resolve to align national governance practices with continental and international democratic standards.
With the country preparing to undertake its next self-assessment, the National Governing Council is expected to play a central role in deepening accountability, fostering inclusive participation and advancing governance reforms that enhance the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
