By: Mohamed Sahr mohamedsahrpro@gmail.com
In an effort to deepening democracy and good governance through civic education, public engagement and knowledge management for sustainable national development among others, National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED) has commenced the Open Government Partnership’s fifth national action plan development process on Thursday 7th December, 2023 at Freetown City Council building.
Kalilu Totangi, Chairman of National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED) said with the commitment of government and Civil Society Organizations in shaping the open government challenges, the actions and imbalances would be firmly solved through the shared partnership to strengthening Sierra Leone’s democracy. He mentioned that the open government partnership identifies thematic areas that aim to reform the country’s democracy ranging from anti-corruption, environment and climate change, public participation, a broader civic space, physical openness, gender inclusion, access to information, justice media freedom and digital governance.
Mr. Totangi added that in the last four cycle of the Open Government National Action Plan, NaCCED strived to emphasize on some of these divisions.
He commented the active role played by the Sierra Leone Parliament through their openess with regards to accessibility and commitment in the discharge of their legislative duty. “We want to work in tandem with government to the implementation of its Big Five Game Changers,” NaCCED Chairman affirmed.
He urged the ACC to be proactive in major procurement activities across Ministries, Departments and Agencies for the enhancement of service delivery and fair understanding.
Mr. Totangi emphasized that the Open Government Partnership National through the development of the fifth action plan puts premium on the issues surrounding President Bio’s Big 5 Game Changers. He called on all MDAs to step up their game in service delivery and transparency
Cherinor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education said President Bio’s commitment to open government democracy serves as a demonstrating feat in the achievement of good governance and democracy. He furthered that access to information gives the opportunity to citizens to effective and open information. “Democracy requires inclusive work across all sectors,” Minister Bah stated.
He encouraged MDAs and partners to work together in order to ensure good governance and commitment.
Gibert Bosco Nhabay, Acting Deputy Clerk of Parliament and Director of Programme said parliament’s contribution to the Open Government Partnership fosters the path to leveraging the dynamism of the cooperation process with the Executive arm and CSOs across the country.
He stated that meeting the demands and expectations of citizens require the work of not only government but also proactive citizens as well as civil societies to leading the process. “Open Government Partnership gives us the platform to recalibrate our efforts in both the delivery of service and enhancing transparency and accountability,” Mr. Nhabay added.
Mrs. Isatu Jabbie Kabbah, Gender Adviser to the President said the event shows Sierra Leone’s commitment to democracy and good governance backed by the global norms and practices. She noted that the Open Government Partnership is a global process that brings altogether good governance, transparency, political participation, gender mainstreaming and accountability. “Financing the GEWE Act stands as one of the challenges despite the successes in recent times,” madam Kabbah said.
