By: Mohamed Sahr
In a bid to enhance inclusive and effective governance, Presidential Advisers from the Office of the President convened a high-level consultative meeting with political party representatives on Tuesday, 19th August 2025, at the Foreign Service Academy in Freetown.
The meeting aimed to foster a model of “consiociational democracy” as a means to improve governance particularly in areas such as re-districting, decentralization of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), housing, transportation, health, and NGOs.
Professor Alpha Wurie, Presidential Adviser on Human Capital Development, emphasized that since gaining independence in 1961, Sierra Leone has largely maintained the governance framework inherited from the British colonial system. Over six decades, this system has resulted in an over-centralization of government institutions and services in Freetown.
“This centralization has contributed to economic disparities, political discontent, and limited public trust in governance,” he noted.
He further stressed that successive changes in political leadership have failed to resolve these structural imbalances, adding that it is imperative that we, as political actors and public institutions, work collectively to reimagine our governance architecture one that unites the nation, promotes fairness, and strengthens the social contract.
Referencing President Bio’s State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday, 7th August 2025, Prof. Wurie highlighted the President’s call for national unity through inclusive governance: “A nation draws power from the contributions of all its people across every region, faith, and background. As leaders, it is our solemn duty to champion political reforms that unite us rather than divide us.”
He mentioned that the President has proposed a reinvigorated national dialogue on adopting proportional representation (PR), not only for parliamentary elections but also within the executive branch and public service appointments.
He underscored that benefits of Proportional Representation including inclusive power-sharing among political parties and ethnic groups, empowerment of minority communities, equitable distribution of resources and opportunities and reduction of political polarization and regional tensions.
Prof. Wurie laid out a comprehensive decentralization strategy intended to promote regional development and national unity particularly relocation of selected MDAs and possibly full ministries to regional cities and district headquarters, appointment of regional deputy ministers in key ministries like Education, Health, and Agriculture ensuring they are indigenes of those regions, establishment of a university in each region, supported by community colleges in districts separation of the Health Service Commission from the Civil Service for more localized recruitment and deployment and creation of a factory per district based on local resources to drive industrialization and employment.
He noted that NGO and foreign relations reforms seek to align activities with regional needs; embassies to promote trade and cultural ties for specific regions.
Affordable housing initiatives via a national mortgage system in regional cities.
Regional Transport Authorities to manage and maintain road infrastructure.
Energy and mining reforms, including government stakes in mining companies and local beneficiation of minerals.
Discussing on Local Government and Administrative Reforms, Prof. Wurie highlighted plans including creation of new districts such as Panguma (East) and Lungi (Northwest) to ensure each region has four administrative districts.
Reorganization of the Western Area, with Urban areas restructured into boroughs and Rural areas into administrative zones.
Prof. Wurie emphasized that proportional representation and decentralization are not partisan agendas, but national imperatives.
“Let us move beyond rhetoric to concrete action building a Sierra Leone where opportunity and governance are shared by all, irrespective of geography.”
Alpha Kanu, Presidential Spokesman echoed the importance of Proportional Representative, stating that it enhances inclusion and stability in diverse societies like Sierra Leone. He said Proportional Representation (PR) gives minority parties and underrepresented communities a real seat at the table. It reduces political tensions and the stakes of competition.”
He cited successful implementations in South Africa, Rwanda, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, and EU countries, arguing that PR reduces election costs and eliminates the need for by-elections.
“We must rise above cold colonial constructs designed to divide and rule. The ‘winner-takes-all’ model is a divider. PR is the unifier.”
Lansana Dumbuya, Secretary-General of the All People’s Congress (APC), acknowledged the relevance of the dialogue but expressed concerns over limited prior consultations.
He stated that Resolution 78 of the Tripartite Commission seeks to adopt a political system that avoids future political confrontation. However, I believe the consultation process needs to be more inclusive.
Batilo Songa, newly elected SLPP National Chairman, reiterated the President’s call for multi-party involvement in cabinet governance, stressing that inclusive participation enhances stability and national development.
The consultative session concluded with contributions from various political party representatives and the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), all recognizing the importance of a more inclusive and decentralized governance model.
The consensus was clear; Sierra Leone must move toward a system that reflects its diversity, promotes fairness, and unites its people through shared responsibility and opportunity.