By: Aminata Sesay
On Thursday, July 3, 2025, the Parliament of Sierra Leone officially welcomed Hon. Abu Bakarr Fofanah as the newest Member of Parliament (MP) representing Kenema District, following his formal swearing-in ceremony during a plenary session.
His entry into Parliament comes after the passing of Hon. Musa Peter Moigua in May 2025, which necessitated a by-election in the district. In accordance with Section 83 and the Third Schedule of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6 of 1991), as well as Standing Order 1(a) of the Parliamentary Standing Orders, Hon. Fofanah was duly declared elected by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL).
Announcing the development, Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament Segepoh Solomon Thomas informed MPs that the ECSL had formally communicated the election result, confirming Hon. Fofanah’s victory. In line with constitutional and parliamentary procedures, the Speaker instructed the Clerk of Parliament to administer the Oath of Office. In the Clerk’s absence, Deputy Clerk Gilbert Bosco N’habay administered the oath.
During the ceremony, Hon. Fofanah solemnly pledged his loyalty to the Republic and Constitution of Sierra Leone, vowing to faithfully and conscientiously discharge his duties as a Member of Parliament:
“I, Honourable Abu Bakarr Fofanah of Kenema District, having been elected as a Member of Parliament, do hereby, in the name of Allah, swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of Sierra Leone as by law established, that I will uphold and defend the Constitution of Sierra Leone, and that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties of a Member of Parliament. So help me Allah.”
Following the oath-taking, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas congratulated Hon. Fofanah and welcomed him back to the parliamentary chamber. He encouraged the new MP to carry out his legislative responsibilities with commitment, punctuality, and a strong sense of duty to both his constituents and the nation.
In a light-hearted but firm tone, the Speaker reminded MPs of his practice of recognizing members who attend sittings promptly, stressing the importance of visibility and accountability in parliamentary service. He urged Hon. Fofanah to uphold the values of integrity and dedication as outlined in his oath.
With this ceremony, Hon. Abu Bakarr Fofanah officially begins his tenure as the elected representative of Kenema District in Sierra Leone’s Fifth Parliament.