By: Mohamed M. Sesay
The Final Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone has on Tuesday the 7th of February 2023, ratified several Air Service Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding between Sierra Leone and other countries all geared towards the development of the nation.
Below were the agreement ratified; Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, Record of Discussions between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the United Republic of Tanzania, Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the Czech Republic, Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the Republic of Mozambique, Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Republic of Mozambique, Bilateral Air Service Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the Republic of Kenya, Records of Discussions between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Republic of Kenya, Bilateral Air Services between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of Iceland, and Records of Discussions between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of Iceland and Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the Republic of Niger.
Presenting the agreements to Members of Parliament, the Deputy Minister of Transportation and Aviation Rex Bonapha disclosed that over the years, these agreements were made to bind all air transportation agreements around the world in order to boast the air industry . He spoke on the objectives of the agreements which would enhance the wider economic development of both nations. The Deputy Minister also highlighted the bilateral agreements for both nations on economic developments.
The chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Aviation. Hon Maada Ambrose Lebbie, commended the Transport Ministry for bringing the agreements to Parliament for ratification. He said the agreements have no additional cost to the government of Sierra Leone. He said the agreements are non-controversial and went on to state that the intentional air transportation organization was established to regulate the air agreements. He also commended the government for rebranding the Aviation Industry with a brand new airport.
The Chief Whip of Parliament Hon. Dickson Momoh Rogers commended the work of the Aviation Ministry.
He stated that the ministry has ratified most air agreements with other countries. He therefore, encouraged the aviation industry to bring an airline that is owned by the people of Sierra Leone.
On his part, Hon. Dr. Mark- Mahamoud Kalokoh said the opposition party would always support agreements meant for national development. He added that the agreements had no financial implications on the government and the people of Sierra Leone. He spoke well on the agreements and requested the minister to clarify on matters relating to the agreements
Leader of NGC Hon.Dr. Kandeh Yumkella commended the physical improvement of the new Lungi Airport and went further to state that the improvement on these agreements would link export potential zone and improve economic stability for the nation.
The NGC leader requested the minister to clarify the high tax on air tickets in Sierra Leone than other sub-regional countries.
The acting Leader of Opposition Hon. Hassan Sesay said the agreements are many but they are there to improve the development of the State. He said as an opposition they would continue to support good agreements for the people of Sierra Leone. He spoke on the high air tickets in Sierra Leone and compared to other countries in the subregion and called on the House to look into the matter and address it immediately.
The Acting Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashir Silikie said the agreements would help the People of Sierra Leone and other nations boost air travel capabilities.
The acting Leader of Government Business emphasized that some agreements were signed by the previous government and now it is affecting the People of Sierra Leone. He therefore, called on the ministry to review some of the Airport Agreements .He expressed optimism that the emergence of the new airport would enable tax reduction and create much more capacity and infrastructural development.