By: Aminata Sesay
Following the death of Hon. Mariama Ella Goba, Hon. Mohamed Festus Lansana of Kenema District was on Thursday, 26 March 2026, sworn in as a Member of Parliament in accordance with the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone (as amended) and provisions relating to the Proportional Representation System.
In his declaration, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas Esq., referenced the applicable 2022 regulations and a notification letter from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone to the Office of the Clerk of Parliament. He confirmed that Hon. Lansana had been duly elected to serve in the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.
Pursuant to Section 83 of Act No. 6 of the 1991 Constitution and Standing Order 1(A), the Speaker invited the Clerk of Parliament to administer the Oath of Office. The Clerk, Karmoh K. Conteh, assisted by parliamentary leadership, administered the oath to Hon. Lansana. Following the ceremony, the new MP was presented with copies of the Standing Orders and the 1991 Constitution to guide his parliamentary duties and participation in debates.
During the proceedings, Speaker Thomas extended his congratulations on behalf of all Members of Parliament. He emphasized the importance of discipline and punctuality, urging Hon. Lansana to attend sittings promptly.
“Please do not come here late. Always ensure you are in Parliament on time, preferably by 10 a.m.,” the Speaker advised.
He further encouraged the new MP to familiarize himself with the Standing Orders and the Constitution to enhance his effectiveness as a legislator.
The swearing-in ceremony marks the beginning of Hon. Mohamed Festus Lansana’s tenure as the representative of the people of Kenema District in the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone