In 2019, Open Government Partnership (OGP) was factored into the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), and through the period, NaCCED and OGP developed and completed three cycles of National Action Plans. In his introduction, Mr. Mohamed Alpha Jalloh, Director of Research and Training said that since Parliament joined the OGP in 2019, they have made significant progress in being more open, transparent, and innovative in engaging citizens on the work of parliament.
It is against this backdrop that the new chairman of NaCCED, Mr. Joseph Munda Bindi paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Segepoh Solomon Thomas to discuss the achievements and how to address the challenges in implementing the Open Parliament commitment in the NAP 5.
The Chairman pointed out that Sierra Leone scored 72 percent completion in implementing commitments from NAP 1 to NAP 5. He commended Parliament for their increased commitment in the areas of transparency and accountability in the public sector which is a hallmark in bringing Parliament closer to the people.
Mr. Bindi added that the creation of a Parliamentary Civil Society Network (ParlCSONet) and a platform provided for the inclusion of civil society in Parliament is laudable.
He went on to say that there is room for improvement in the area of feedback mechanisms from civil societies as it will strengthen operations, enhance efficiency and scale up the participation of citizens.
The Chairman of NaCCED reiterated the pivotal role of Parliament of Sierra Leone in the OGP process. The review of the Ombudsman Act of 1997 and the Extractives Industries and Transparency Initiative are all part of implementation of OGP Commitments.
The Speaker in his remarks said that Parliament is committed to working effectively with NaCCED and by extension OGP to improve on the gains made at this global platform.
He further pointed out that Parliament is will continue to share ideas and listen to recommendations so that both institutions will work in the best interests of the people of this country.
“Let’s start telling our own stories, in our own words that speaks to our standards”
Sengepoh said.
The OGP Coordinator, Mrs. Hannah Hamida Jimmy thanked the Speaker and called for the renewal of the membership of the OGP Parliamentary Working Group so that they can be OGP advocates and champions during parliamentary debates.
