The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development with support from UNFPA has meaningfully engaged Paramount Chiefs and Soweis from across the country. It was a day’s event at Dewizzard Complex in Bo. Chaired by Osman Conteh who is the Deputy Development Secretary in the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
The PCs were selected from every district across the country. The event got off to a purposeful start as Sierra Leone has had a rebel war that was fueled by poor family planning, under development and youth unemployment. Three thematic issues were targeted; family planning, adolescent contraceptive and prevention of maternal deaths. This meeting came after commitments were made in Nairobi, Kenya last year.
Speaking at the event, P. C Fayia Sundufu Brima Sovula of Kamajei chiefdom in the Moyamba district said they are ready to “help government in reducing maternal mortality and also fight against rape and gender – based violence”.
She added that government should not only contact them for implementation but during the planning stage so that they know from the beginning what to do.
On her part, P.C. Matilda Minah told the gathering that “it is unfair for Members of Parliament to leave the bulk of the job with them as they have a wider area to cover unlike them who have a small constituency to cover”.
That sometimes they are not consulted when it comes to development issues which has not gone down well with them. A sowei, from Pujehun district, Madam Kaikai revealed that parents are not playing their parts enough which are the reason the problems persist.
Mr. Banya Brima from Statistics said that with the population data now up to date unlike before it is going to make planning easy for them and underscored the need for partners to work with them closely especially when it comes to issues that affect Sierra Leoneans adversely.
However, achievements were highlighted by a representative from UNFPA which includes, training of midwives, cervical cancer screening, $3 m financial support to government and integration of comprehensive sexuality among others. Dr. Robert Mokuwa rounded up the engagement by highlighting the commitments made and entreated everyone to go back to their respective districts and do the needful. Issues were hotly debated. And vote of thanks was given by Dr. W. I. Yillah