The Government weekly Press conference held on Tuesday 10th September 2024, addressed key national issues and outlined government’s ongoing initiatives. The Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie Abdel Aziz Bawoh, alongside other prominent figures, provided updates on the constitutional review process, infrastructure projects, and upcoming national events. The briefing also featured insights from leaders of political and civil society organizations, emphasizing the role of inclusivity, constructive political engagement, and nation-building in Sierra Leone. The following are the key highlights from the press conference.
♦ Constitutional Review Process
Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie Abdel Aziz Bawoh, stated that the constitutional review process will continue to ensure that the 134 recommendations made by Justice Cowan’s report are properly compiled and sent to Parliament for approval, with the full participation of all parties
♦ Lungi Bridge Project
Addressing the issue around the Lungi Bridge, Deputy Minister Bawoh said the Lungi Bridge, envisioned by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to connect Freetown and Lungi, remains a strong aspiration of the President and discussions exploring the project’s feasibility with investors are ongoing.
♦ Women in Tourism Leadership African Congress and Logos Hope Ship Arrival
Deputy Minister Aziz Bawoh announced that the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with United Nations Tourism, will host the Women in Tourism Leadership African Congress in Freetown from 29th to 31st October, 2024 and that the Logos Hope Ship, the world’s largest floating bookfair, is scheduled to arrive in Freetown on 4th October and leaves on November 1st, 2024.
♦ Role of Opposition Parties
PPRC Executive Secretary Olushogo A. David urged opposition parties to focus on constructive contributions to nation-building, emphasizing their role in holding the government accountable while the APPA Chairman Prince Charles Ramond Coker highlighted the importance of opposition parties in maintaining peace and using dialogue rather than inciting violence.
♦ Inclusion of Underrepresented Groups
Young Women in Governance Network President Kumba Favour Amara praised the Political Parties Act 2022 for its provisions on including underrepresented groups in political parties. She called on the PPRC to ensure compliance and emphasized the importance of young people and women in governance. Madam Kumba talked about the ongoing transformation in bringing young people and women into Governance, noting that young people and women should be at the table of every conversation in shaping nation-building.
♦ Proportional Representation System
All speakers supported the Proportional Representation (PR) System but called for a reduction in the threshold to allow broader participation in Parliament by other political parties.
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