By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a groundbreaking move to bridge the gap between citizens and lawmakers, the Parliament of Sierra Leone, with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and the Parliamentary Civil Society Organization Network (ParlCSONet), hosted a Town Hall Meeting in Kabala.
Marking the first-ever Parliamentary town hall hosted in Kabala, Koinadugu District on Monday, 11th November 2024, the event was part of the “Taking Parliament to The People” initiative, which aims to promote transparency, civic participation, and bring governance closer to communities across the country.
Led by the Parliamentary and Public Relations Department (PPRD) and facilitated by ParlCSONet, the initiative also included the Open Government Partnership (OGP) from the National Council for Civic Education and Development (NaCEED). The town hall format allowed residents to directly engage with Members of Parliament and ask questions about pressing local and national issues, offering them a rare and historic opportunity to make their voices heard.
Local leaders welcomed the event as a milestone for Koinadugu District. Chiefdom Speaker Chief Yembe Marah remarked on the significance of direct parliamentary engagement, noting this was the first occasion he had witnessed such interaction in the district. Chairman of the Koinadugu District Council, Lawrence Teeth Conteh, praised Parliament’s outreach efforts and emphasized the importance of a development approach that transcends party lines to address the needs of all citizens. He also urged lawmakers to exercise robust oversight to ensure laws passed by Parliament are enforced for the district’s benefit.
The meeting attracted a distinguished panel of speakers with extensive parliamentary experience, including former Leader of Government Business Hon. Mohamed K. Thollie, a longtime member of the All People’s Congress (APC), and current Members of Parliament, Hon. Hawa Conteh (APC) and Hon. Farah Mansaray (SLPP).
Key stakeholders in attendance included traditional authorities, district council members, civil society organizations, students, traders, farmers, and representatives from various local groups. The atmosphere was one of unity and active dialogue, with attendees expressing deep appreciation for the initiative.
Throughout the event, each parliamentarian shed light on crucial aspects of governance and parliamentary work. Hon. Ibrahim Bundu, with 15 years of legislative experience, guided attendees through the legislative process, underscoring the importance of citizen input.
Hon. Mohamed K. Thollie discussed the role and responsibilities of Members of Parliament, while Hon. Hawa Conteh explored the functions of parliamentary committees, detailing how they influence national policy. Hon. Farah Mansaray highlighted the role of Sub-Appropriation Committees in shaping the national budget, emphasizing their impact on resource allocation to districts like Koinadugu.
The session culminated in a lively Q&A, with participants seizing the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and offer recommendations. Topics ranged from local development projects to national legislative priorities, with all present expressing a collective commitment to improving Sierra Leone’s democratic engagement and transparency in governance.
Parliament’s efforts in Kabala set a promising precedent for similar events in Kono and Moyamba as the “Taking Parliament to The People” initiative continues. This visionary program, driven by the Clerk of Parliament, is designed to deepen citizens’ understanding of parliamentary affairs and enhance their involvement in the legislative process.
