By Abdul Rahman Bah
The Sierra Leone Parliament convened on Thursday, 30th January 2025, to deliberate on the Seventh Report of the Committee on Appointment, which included the confirmation of several high-profile nominees for key government positions. Among the nominees were Ms. Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh, proposed as Deputy Minister of Justice, and Mr. Joseph John Senessie, nominated for the position of Director-General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service. Madam Susan Baby Koker was considered for the role of Deputy Director-General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, while Mrs. Edwina Francess Momodu (Esq.) was put forward as a Board Member for the Bank of Sierra Leone.
The session also reviewed the appointments of Rev. Solomon Hindolo Bakiz-Kainjami Butsher as a Member of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) and Mr. John Gbondo Margai as a Member of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority Board (SLRA). Other nominees included Madam Elenorah Jokomie Metzger for the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Mr. Thomas Mustapha Lahai as Chairman of the Sierra Leone Roads Safety Authority (SLRSA), and Hon. PC Bai Shebora Lion II, who was nominated for the Board of Directors of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration. Additionally, Major (Rtd) Fatima was proposed as Commissioner for Arms and Ammunition.
During the deliberations, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, the opposition whip, acknowledged the distinguished backgrounds of the nominees, emphasizing their potential contributions to national development. In his remarks, he stated, “I’m from the land, so I know the waters,” a metaphor indicating his deep understanding of Sierra Leone’s governance and its many challenges. His remarks reflected an expectation that these nominees would navigate the complexities of their respective offices with knowledge and experience.
A significant part of the discussion focused on the empowerment of women in governance. Speaker Hon. Bayless emphasized the importance of gender inclusivity and equal opportunities for women in leadership. He invoked a song that symbolizes the global struggle for women’s rights: “All around the nation, all around the world, women are longing to be free…” He stressed that women should not just be present in decision-making spaces, but should actively contribute to national progress. He highlighted the accomplishments of two distinguished female nominees and encouraged them to take leadership roles in shaping policy and governance.
One of the critical issues raised during the debate was the state of Sierra Leone’s correctional services. Members of Parliament voiced their concerns about the deteriorating conditions in the country’s correctional facilities. They noted the urgent need to restore dignity to the Sierra Leone Correctional Service. The lack of medical facilities within prisons was a pressing concern, as was the issue of severe overcrowding. MPs pointed out that a significant percentage of inmates, particularly young offenders between the ages of 18 and 25, were not being adequately rehabilitated. The failure of the correctional system to reform inmates effectively meant that many left prison more hardened than when they entered.
To address these issues, Parliament called for increased funding for correctional facilities, the establishment of healthcare services within prisons, and investment in skill-based rehabilitation programs. MPs emphasized that correctional centers should serve as places of reform rather than merely punitive institutions.
Road safety and infrastructure challenges were also major topics of discussion. Many MPs expressed frustration over the inefficiency of the Sierra Leone Roads Safety Authority (SLRSA) in addressing the high rate of road accidents, particularly those caused by abandoned vehicles on highways. They noted that these vehicles often lacked proper reflectors or warning signs, making them hazards, especially at night. MPs called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road maintenance.
The discussion also touched on the poor state of roads leading to Parliament itself. Some MPs pointed out the irony of advocating for better infrastructure nationwide while Parliament’s own access roads remained in poor condition. They argued that the state of the roads was a reflection of the government’s overall commitment to infrastructure development and insisted that urgent action be taken.
Water supply and public services were also heavily scrutinized during the session. The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) faced criticism for the slow implementation of water projects, particularly in some area, where a crucial expansion project had been ongoing for seven years with little progress. MPs called for a faster execution of water infrastructure projects to ensure that citizens have access to clean drinking water.
A recurring theme throughout the session was the need for institutional accountability. MPs lamented that while many officials appointed to key government positions were highly qualified, the real problem lay in their lack of productivity. They emphasized that appointees should not merely be celebrated for their qualifications, but should be held accountable for tangible results. Speaker Hon. Bayless reinforced this message by stating, “We do not just appoint people to celebrate them; we appoint them to serve the people.”
As the deliberations concluded, the Parliament approved the nominees while reminding them of their responsibility to serve the nation with integrity and dedication. The session ended with a strong appeal for institutional reforms, better resource allocation, and a renewed commitment to national development.