By: Aminata Sesay
The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Environment has highlighted its efforts to strengthen climate governance, environmental protection, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone through enhanced oversight, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with key partners.
Presenting the Committee’s activity report before Parliament, Chairman Hon. Yusuf Mackrey said the Committee remains committed to promoting effective environmental governance by engaging stakeholders, reviewing policies, and supporting initiatives aimed at addressing climate-related challenges.
A key highlight of the Committee’s activities was a one-day participatory workshop held in Bo in collaboration with the Global Climate Finance Initiative under the theme: “Green Financing for Climate Action.”
The workshop, held at Paradise Hotel, brought together Members of Parliament, government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and private sector representatives to discuss opportunities for mobilizing climate finance and developing strategies to support climate-resilient investments in Sierra Leone.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Energy emphasized the urgent need for increased access to climate finance to address critical environmental challenges, including coastal erosion, sustainable energy development, and climate adaptation.
Participants at the workshop also underscored the important role of Parliament in ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective implementation of climate-related programmes and investments.
Hon. Mackrey further informed Parliament that the Committee facilitated a Climate Investment Dialogue, which brought together investors, project developers, financiers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for expanding green investments and promoting sustainable economic growth.
As part of its oversight responsibilities, the Committee conducted field visits to selected project sites and communities across the country to assess compliance with environmental regulations, project standards, and operational requirements.
The visits provided Members with the opportunity to engage directly with project operators and local communities on issues relating to environmental protection, corporate social responsibility, and adherence to regulatory frameworks.
Concluding his presentation, Hon. Mackrey expressed appreciation to the leadership of Parliament, development partners, and other stakeholders for their continued support toward the Committee’s work.
He reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary oversight and advancing policies that safeguard Sierra Leone’s environment while promoting sustainable development, climate resilience, and green economic opportunities.