President Bio Highlights Government’s Year-One Successes and Future Goals
Written By: Edward Dictionary Caulker
On Thursday, July 4, 2024, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio delivered a comprehensive overview of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government’s achievements in its first 360 days in office at State House. Titled “Consolidating the Gains: A 360-Day Accelerated Delivery,” the presentation highlighted advancements across the Legislative, Judiciary, and Executive branches from June 2023 to June 2024.
Speaker of Parliament, Rtd. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, reported that Parliament, consisting of 149 Members, including 135 directly elected from 16 districts and 14 Paramount Chiefs, had been pivotal. Of the directly elected MPs, 81 belonged to the SLPP and 54 to the main opposition, All People’s Congress (APC). Notably, women held 42 seats, comprising 30.4% of Parliament. Since its inception in July 2023, Parliament convened 57 plenary sessions, passing 7 critical bills and handling numerous other legislative matters.
Acting Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Nicholas Colin Browne-Marke, lauded the Government for judicial reforms, emphasizing training, the appointment of new officials, and expediting trials. Key judicial events included hosting the Legal Legacy of the Special Court of Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS Court’s Conference.
Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, PhD, outlined the Government’s flagship initiative, the FEED SALONE Program, which received increased funding and broad stakeholder support. Significant health sector achievements included the establishment of new health facilities, installation of oxygen plants, and progress in reducing maternal mortality rates.
Andrew Lavalie, Executive Director of the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), praised the Government’s transparency efforts, noting substantial progress in fulfilling 79% of pre-election promises. However, he urged addressing losses from recent unrest affecting education, healthcare, and public services.
President Julius Maada Bio expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their support and emphasized peace and stability as foundational to governance. Despite challenges from COVID-19 and political instability, President Bio reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to human capital development, governance transparency, and non-interference in the judiciary and legislative processes.
