BY: MOHAMED SAHR
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security convened stakeholders at Kenema City Hall today to discuss the development of the Social Protection Bill 2023. This engagement, held in collaboration with social partners, signals a significant stride towards safeguarding the country’s labor force.
Lansana Mohamed Dumbuya, the Deputy Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, underscored the pivotal role of the forthcoming bill in addressing social protection challenges and guiding interventions in Sierra Leone. He emphasized the establishment of a central Social Protection Authority tasked with overseeing various interventions.
Dumbuya reiterated President Bio’s commitment to fostering a fair playing field for workers’ protection. He acknowledged the necessity of broadening the consultation’s scope to include stakeholders previously excluded from discussions, highlighting the aim to tap into diverse expertise and ensure the bill’s national significance.
The consultation aims to gather comprehensive input for crafting enduring legislation that fosters collaboration and serves the interests of the labor industry. Ibrahim Shereef Kanu, Acting Director of the Ministry’s Social Safety Net, outlined the workshop’s objectives and methodology as pivotal steps toward drafting the Social Protection Bill.
Participants will engage in detailed analysis of the draft bill over the next two days, providing additional insights, comments, and recommendations. Their contributions are expected to shape key provisions of the bill, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to bolster social protection mechanisms for its citizens.
