Karmoh K. Conteh, the Clerk of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, has been elected as the First Vice President of the Association of Clerks and Secretaries General of African Parliaments (ASGAP) during its 6th Annual Conference held at the Pan African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand, South Africa.
Conteh’s election, which was the result of his exceptional eloquence and in-depth knowledge of parliamentary administration, underscores Sierra Leone’s growing influence in African legislative affairs. The conference, which opened on September 27, 2025, gathered Clerks and Secretaries General from across African Parliaments, focusing on strengthening collaboration and enhancing the role of parliamentary institutions in Africa’s democratic governance.
The opening session of the conference was presided over by Mr. El Khadi, Vice President of ASGAP (Morocco), and Ms. Lindiwe Khumalo, Clerk of the Pan African Parliament. Both leaders emphasized the need for stronger cooperation to advance Africa’s governance agenda, with Clerks and Secretaries General playing a pivotal role in parliamentary administration.
Ms. Khumalo described Clerks and Secretaries General as the “custodians of parliamentary integrity and institutional memory” and the “unseen architects of legislative effectiveness.” She highlighted the importance of ensuring that treaties and decisions made in Addis Ababa are domesticated and effectively implemented in national and regional parliaments.
Mr. El Khadi urged delegates to engage in deeper debates on the objectives of ASGAP and the broader role of parliamentary institutions in Africa’s sustainable development.
During the conference, Mr. Conteh made an important contribution regarding the financial sustainability of ASGAP. He proposed that the association should integrate membership contributions with the African Union’s system to avoid placing an additional financial burden on governments. He further recommended that ASGAP formally request financial support in a manner similar to provisions made for Members of Parliament, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial management.
Mr. Conteh’s contributions, combined with his wealth of experience in parliamentary administration, led to his unanimous endorsement by the Executive Members to chair the afternoon session of the conference.
The conference concluded with several significant outcomes, including election of officers, president: Morocco, first vice President: Sierra Leone, second Vice President: Burundi, (Each region was represented by two states: Northern Africa -Morocco and Libya; Central Africa – Chad & Burundi; Western Africa- Sierra Leone and Benin; Southern Africa- Botswana & Angola; Eastern Africa – Kenya and Somalia.) Adoption of revised constitution and rules of ASGAP, review of AU Treaties and Decisions, strategies were discussed to accelerate the domestication and implementation of African Union (AU) and Pan African Parliament (PAP) commitments. Africa’s Role in Global Parliamentary Networks. Discussions on opportunities for coordinated action and strategic engagement in global parliamentary networks.
The election of Karmoh K. Conteh as First Vice President of ASGAP represents a significant milestone for Sierra Leone, affirming the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s legislative and governance landscape. Karmoh Conteh’s leadership marks a new chapter for Sierra Leone’s active participation in the development of Africa’s parliamentary institutions.
Karmoh K. Conteh was recently appointed as the Clerk of the Parliament of Sierra Leone by President Brigadier Retired Dr. Julius Maada Bio, in accordance with constitutional provisions. His appointment follows the resignation of the former Clerk, and he is now tasked with overseeing the administration of the Parliament of Sierra Leone.