Members of Parliament have continued debating President Julius Maada Bio’s State Opening Address, with lawmakers highlighting Government achievements while raising concerns over the cost of living, unemployment, poor infrastructure, education and drug abuse.
The debate, held on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, forms part of a motion of thanks following President Bio’s address at the State Opening of the Fourth Session of the Sixth Parliament on 7 August 2026.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Fatmata Bintu Bockarie of Bonthe District welcomed the President’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Action, particularly the focus on food production, electricity and clean water. She, however, called for measurable results and urged constructive engagement between the Government and Opposition. She also appealed for the construction of the Java-to-Oyahu road.
Hon. Abdul Latif Sesay of Port Loko District said the Government should be judged by tangible results, citing incomplete projects, poor roads and bridges, youth unemployment, financial constraints facing local councils and inadequate telecommunications services.
Defending the Government’s record, Hon. Engineer Fallah Tengbeh of Kailahun District highlighted improvements in fiscal management, infrastructure, electricity generation and digital transformation. He referenced the 108-megawatt power project and Mission 300 Energy Compact, while calling for greater investment in cybersecurity.
On agriculture, Hon. Mohamed Shebureh Bangura of Kambia District questioned food security claims amid rising food and transportation costs. He called for the rehabilitation of the abandoned agricultural facility at Mambolo and improved infrastructure connecting island communities to markets.
Hon. Rev. Fatmata Sarah Soukenah praised Government initiatives in women’s empowerment, gender equality, education and child protection, particularly the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act. However, Hon. Mohamed Papa Bangura raised concerns over the country’s 2026 WASSCE performance and called for equitable distribution of infrastructure projects and completion of the National Stadium.
Hon. Joseph Williams Lamin of Bo District defended Government’s development achievements and urged increased investment in the Feed Salone initiative to reduce rice imports.
Meanwhile, Hon. Mariama Bangura highlighted rising living costs, unemployment, inadequate electricity and water supply, poor roads and drug abuse among young people, calling for urgent intervention.
Tourism also featured in the debate, with Hon. Zainab Bah of Western Rural District identifying Kent, Banana Island and Wango Waterfall as important tourist destinations requiring improved roads, electricity, water and sanitation facilities.
However, Hon. Amidu H. Mansaray of Koinadugu District questioned the distribution of the 23 bridges reportedly constructed nationwide, arguing that 18 were in the South-East, two in the North and three in the Western Area. He also called for improved drug rehabilitation facilities.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Alice Jebbeh Kumabeh, Hon. Musa Lahai, Hon. Juliana Fatorma and Hon. Ing. Habbie Fabbeh, commended Government’s efforts in infrastructure, healthcare, education, peacebuilding and national development.
The debate is expected to continue, with lawmakers further examining the President’s development priorities and the challenges confronting their constituencies.