By: Aminata Sesay
The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday officially welcomed Hon. Mohamed Shebura Bangura as a duly elected Member of Parliament (MP), following a declaration by the Speaker in accordance with the Public Elections (District Block Proportional Representation System) Regulations, 2023, and a notification letter from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
The Clerk of Parliament administered the oath of office to Hon. Bangura, in line with Section 83 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6 of 1991). Hon. Bangura solemnly swore allegiance to the Republic of Sierra Leone and pledged to uphold and defend the Constitution, vowing to faithfully and conscientiously perform his duties as a Member of Parliament.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Speaker of Parliament extended a warm welcome to Hon. Bangura, congratulating him on his election victory and advising him to familiarize himself with parliamentary procedures and the Standing Orders.
“You are now a full Member of Parliament,” the Speaker stated. “Today, you are the most junior member of this House, but you will learn from the seniors. You have been provided with the Standing Orders and the National Constitution read them, understand them. Parliamentary sittings begin at 10 a.m. sharp, so ensure you are always punctual.”
The Speaker also announced that Hon. Bangura would temporarily occupy the seat formerly held by the late MP, Hon. Ernest Dura, whose passing had created the vacancy.
During the same parliamentary sitting, several key documents were laid on the table, including the Right to Access Information Commission Annual Report for 2024, the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Regulations for 2025, made under the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008 (Act No. 12 of 2008), and the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) Annual Report for 2024. These reports were presented for the attention of Members of Parliament.
The day’s sitting highlighted Parliament’s continued commitment to upholding constitutional mandates and ensuring transparency through institutional reporting and accountability.