The Parliament of Sierra Leone has unanimously approved two presidential nominees and ratified several significant agreements, marking a day of substantial legislative activity.
The Tenth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, chaired by the Leader of Government Business, Honourable Mathew Sahr Nyuma, was debated and approved in Parliament on Thursday. The approved nominees are:
1. Ibrahim Sannoh – Minister of Youth Affairs
2. Mohamed Alie Bah – Member, National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA)
Presenting the report, Deputy Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, assured Parliament that the nominees were thoroughly vetted under oath, with scrutiny on their educational backgrounds, asset declarations, tax obligations, and strategic plans for their respective offices.
Youth Empowerment Under Spotlight
Seconding the motion, the Opposition Whip acknowledged the appointment of Ibrahim Sannoh as a promising young leader but emphasized the urgent need to address youth-related issues beyond politics.
“You have a unique opportunity to set an agenda that benefits all young people, not just party loyalists,” he stated, urging Sannoh to focus on youth empowerment initiatives to address crime and unemployment.
Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay of Moyamba District expressed optimism about the nominees, urging them to work in the national interest. She described Sannoh as a consistent and hardworking leader, encouraging him to represent all youth across the political spectrum.
On the appointment of Mohamed Alie Bah to NaCSA, MPs expressed concerns about the misuse of public funds meant for vulnerable citizens. The Acting Leader of Opposition, Hon. Aaron Koroma, noted that despite funds being allocated for public welfare, many beneficiaries remain excluded. He called on the new NaCSA appointee to prioritize transparency and equitable distribution of resources.
Call for Youth-Centric Policies
Hon. Koroma also highlighted the systemic challenges facing young people in Sierra Leone, from high communication tariffs to limited skills development opportunities. He urged Sannoh to push for policies that promote youth employment and skills training.
Acting Majority Leader, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of youth in national development. He advised the Ministry of Youth Affairs to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to implement sustainable skills development programs for young people.
Agreements Ratified
In addition to approving the nominees, Parliament also ratified key agreements aimed at advancing climate change adaptation and digital infrastructure. The agreements include:
1. West Africa Science Service Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL):
• Cooperation agreement for the creation of WASCAL.
• Additional Act to the WASCAL Cooperation Agreement.
• WASCAL Constitution as adopted by the Council of Ministers.
2. Unified E-Resident and Work Permit System:
• Agreement and schedule of conditions for the development and housing of a unified electronic resident and work permit system, to be implemented through a partnership between the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Constrat System Limited.
The ratification of these agreements underscores Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to address climate change and streamline immigration services through digital solutions.
By James Brima
