The Parliament of Sierra Leone debated and ratified several significant agreements aimed at bolstering the country’s socio-economic development on Thursday, 31st October 2024. The ratified agreements encompass agriculture, public debt management, financial inclusion, education, and healthcare, signaling a comprehensive approach to national advancement.
The ratified agreements include:
Global Agriculture and Food Security Program Grant Agreement – Second Additional Financing for the West Africa Food System Resilience Program, in collaboration with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, dated 4th August 2023.
Letter of Agreement on Transition Support Facility (TSF) Pillar III – Enhancing Efficiency in Public Debt Management Institutional Support (EEPDMIS) Project, dated 5th July 2023.
Sierra Leone Financial Inclusion Project Financing Agreement—Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the International Development Association (IDA), dated 29 June 2023.
Agricultural Value Chain Development Project Amendment – Amendment to the financing agreement involving loan and grant elements, dated 22nd March 2023.
Second Additional Financing for the Free Education Project – Agreement with the International Development Association, dated 29th September 2023.
Rural Finance and Community Improvement Programme II (RFCIP2) – Additional grant from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), dated 24th October 2023.
Loan Agreement for the Construction and Equipment of the Riyadh Referral Hospital – Agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development, dated 9th November 2023.
Second Financial Inclusion Project Financing Agreement – Agreement with the European Commission, dated 26th October 2023.
Protocol of Agreement with the African Development Fund – For the Mano River Union Road Development and Transport Facilitation Programme Phase IV, dated 5th February 2024.
Subsidiary Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Bank of Sierra Leone – Related to financial transactions within Moyamba District.
Deputy Minister of Finance Kadiatu Alie presented the agreements to Parliament, highlighting their importance in fostering economic growth and national development. She provided insights into each agreement, underscoring how they align with the government’s development objectives.
During the parliamentary debate, Hon. Mustapha Sellu urged rigorous oversight to ensure the effective implementation of these agreements. Hon. Daniel Koroma emphasized the need to add value within the agricultural sector, advocating for support in processing and finishing agricultural products. He also urged caution in implementing certain agreements to safeguard national interests.
Hon. Rugaitu Bangura from Tonkolili District appealed to the Minister for additional support for Master Farmers and increased assistance for the farming sector.
In concluding remarks, Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, expressed optimism regarding the impact of these agreements on the nation’s development, emphasizing that their benefits would be far-reaching.
The Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Daniel Koroma, reiterated the call for effective implementation and oversight, ensuring that the agreements fulfill their intended purpose and contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone's progress.
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