Nairobi, Kenya – March 27, 2025
The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Mr. Aidan Eyakuze, commended Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts in advancing its Open Government National Action Plan. This recognition came during his opening address at the official dinner and a dedicated meeting with the Sierra Leone Delegation at the OGP Africa and Middle East Regional Meeting.
In his remarks, the CEO acknowledged Sierra Leone’s steady commitment to openness, transparency, and accountability. He highlighted the country’s progress in strengthening the Multi-Stakeholder Forum, effectively leveraging OGP mechanisms, and actively promoting public participation. He further emphasized the importance of developing practical tools to transform ideas into actionable initiatives.
In a Bi-Lateral meeting with the Sierra Leone delegation which comprised the Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Bockarie Abdel Aziz Bawoh, Chairman- Mr. Joseph Munda Bindi for National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), OGP Coordinator, Mrs. Hannah Hamida Jimmy, Mr. Abdul M Fatoma, Chief Executive, Campaign for Human Rights and Development International, Mr. Mohamed Alpha Jalloh, Director of Strategy and Training, Mr. Tejan Israel Jah, Ombudsman and Rev. Alusine Diamond Suma, Country Representative, Westminster Foundation for Democracy.
The Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), Mr. Joseph Munda Bindi, provided insights into the key steps Sierra Leone has undertaken in this journey. He underscored the cooperative engagement of Civil Society Organizations and the private sector in the co-creation processes. Additionally, he noted the country’s efforts in integrating the justice sector through the Office of the Ombudsman into governance frameworks, ensuring alignment across all three branches of government with OGP principles.
In response, the CEO stressed the importance of maintaining political momentum to sustain Sierra Leone’s strong performance in meeting OGP commitments. He also highlighted the innovative work of the Parliament-CSO Network as a valuable model for global learning and collaboration.
During the discussion, Rev. Alusine Diamond Suma shared Sierra Leone’s experiences advancing parliamentary openness. He detailed how the Parliament of Sierra Leone has exceeded expectations by enhancing citizen engagement in law-making through online and offline platforms, improving disability access, and establishing new departments to strengthen legislative review processes. Mr. Mohamed Jalloh, the OGP focal point for Parliament, further elaborated on Parliament’s commitments and the operational dynamics of its steering committee.
The meeting concluded with a message of appreciation delivered by the Chairman of NaCCED, who doubles as the Country’s Point of Contact, conveyed Sierra Leone’s gratitude for the CEO’s leadership and extended congratulations from His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, who has demonstrated high commitment to OGP work in Sierra Leone. As a gesture of recognition, the OGP Coordinator for Sierra Leone, Mrs. Hannah Jimmy, presented a certification plaque to the CEO, accompanied by a citation highlighting Sierra Leone’s dedication to the OGP movement. In his response, the CEO expressed strong support for Sierra Leone’s efforts and accepted an invitation to undertake an official state visit within the next six months.
This engagement reaffirms Sierra Leone’s leadership in the Open Government Partnership and sets the stage for further collaboration in advancing transparency, accountability, and inclusion on a global scale.
