State House, Freetown,
On Thursday, 9 January 2025, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the Chief Executive Officer of GOAL Global, Siobhan Walsh, and the Chief Executive Officer of Allied Irish Bank, Colin Hunt, during a courtesy visit to State House. The high-level engagement highlighted the shared commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development agenda and deepening the longstanding partnership between the government and these international entities.
The visit served as an opportunity to reaffirm collaborative efforts in addressing critical development challenges and to explore new avenues for cooperation. Madam Kenyeh Ballay, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, introduced the guests and emphasized GOAL Global’s over 40 years of dedicated service in Sierra Leone. She noted the organization’s significant contributions, particularly in the health sector, where it has worked to improve access to essential services and strengthen local systems.
James Riak Mathiang, Country Director of GOAL Sierra Leone, expressed gratitude to President Bio for his continued support of the organization’s mission. He outlined GOAL’s extensive operations across seven districts, which align closely with the government’s Big Five Game Changers initiative. Mathiang highlighted key achievements, including the provision of clean water in operational areas and contributions to the blue economy, an essential component of the government’s Feed Salone initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and food security.
Mathiang also praised the efforts of the Office of the First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, in reducing teenage pregnancies, a critical social issue in Sierra Leone. He acknowledged GOAL’s strong partnership with the First Lady’s office, which has been instrumental in addressing this challenge. Mathiang thanked President Bio for fostering an enabling environment for GOAL’s operations, emphasizing the importance of government support in achieving the organization’s objectives.
In his remarks, President Julius Maada Bio expressed deep appreciation for the impactful work carried out by GOAL Global in Sierra Leone. He commended the organization for aligning its initiatives with the government’s human capital development priorities, particularly in empowering women and girls. The President noted that GOAL’s contributions were not only visible, but also significantly felt across the country, underscoring the importance of their ongoing collaboration.
“GOAL’s footprint across the nation is tangible and appreciated,” President Bio remarked, highlighting the vital role the organization plays in advancing development. He reassured the visiting CEOs of the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting their programs and strengthening partnerships that drive sustainable development. The President emphasized that Sierra Leone would continue to prioritize collaboration with GOAL Global to further the nation’s progress in key areas such as health, education, and economic development.
The meeting also underscored the critical role of international partners like GOAL Global and Allied Irish Bank in advancing Sierra Leone’s development agenda. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the government to address pressing issues and implement sustainable solutions. The discussions highlighted the mutual dedication to fostering development that benefits all Sierra Leoneans, especially the most vulnerable.
This high-level engagement demonstrated the shared vision of the government and its partners to build a more prosperous and equitable Sierra Leone. It also reinforced the importance of strong international partnerships in achieving the country’s long-term development goals. The visit concluded on a positive note, with all parties expressing optimism about the future of their collaboration and the opportunities it holds for the nation.