By: Abu H. Kargbo
In an effort to enhance accountability and promote efficient service delivery, the Women’s Forum for Human and Democracy (WOFHRAD) on Thursday, February 6, 2025, held a quarterly dialogue at the Pastoral Center in Makeni.
The quarterly dialogue is part of the project titled “Supporting Gender Equality and Social Accountability through a Strengthened Civil Society”, funded by the European Union and Trōcaire.
Fatima D. Kamara, the Project Officer, said the quarterly dialogue serves as a platform where citizens channel their constraints to duty-bearers, as well as holding them to account.
Kamara further revealed that the previous dialogues have prompted swift actions from duty-bearers and facilitated development initiatives in various communities.
Hassan Y. Fornah, the Town Chief of Rokonta, accounted that the quarterly dialogue has brought relief to his people in accessing better healthcare services.
“Before this time, we had an issue with our Community Health Officer for poor service and an immediate transfer after we channelled our constraint through this quarterly dialogue,” Fornah testified.
In the latest quarterly dialogue, members from various communities in the district raised concerns over the lack of access to clean and safe water and poor road network among others.
In his response, Abdul Hassan Kamara, the Social Welfare and Gender Officer of the Bombali District Council, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to addressing these challenges during the implementation of the district development plan which was developed in 2024.
The Women’s Forum for Human Rights And Democracy quarterly dialogue continues to uphold recommendation 292 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, documented in Volume Two, Chapter Three, Page 163 which says “Concerned citizen groups should come together to promote integrity in public service delivery in their areas.”
