The Deputy Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Philip Tetema Tondoneh, has commended the National Commission for Democracy (NCD) for its unwavering commitment to promoting democratic governance in Sierra Leone. Speaking on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Foreign Affairs Academy in Tower Hill, Freetown, Hon. Tondoneh delivered the keynote address during a ceremony marking NCD’s 30th anniversary, themed “NCD @30: Towards the Promotion of Democratic Good Governance in Sierra Leone.”
Addressing an audience that included representatives from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), civil society, youth groups, women’s organizations, traditional leaders, political institutions, and international stakeholders, Tondoneh underscored NCD’s pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey. He praised the institution for its contributions to the nation’s transition to multiparty democracy in 1996, less than two years after its establishment in 1994.
“The celebration marking 30 years of NCD is to rekindle the passion that was unleashed in 1994, restoring the nation’s democratic aspirations,” he stated, highlighting the institution’s role in upholding the 1991 Constitution, which enshrines the principles of freedom, democracy, and justice.
The Deputy Minister called for continued efforts in advancing democracy, noting that it is a continuous process requiring collective involvement. “Democracy is a process, not an event. Everyone must come on board to make Sierra Leone’s democracy a model for other nations,” he said.
Tondoneh also stressed the need for strengthening the NCD’s legal framework to ensure it evolves to meet 21st-century standards. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting this transformation, stating, “The Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs remains committed to enhancing the legal framework of the NCD to position it for greater effectiveness.”
Recognizing the NCD’s contributions over the past three decades, the Deputy Minister urged all stakeholders to support the Commission in its efforts to foster good governance. “NCD’s role in advancing democratic values should not only be acknowledged but given the necessary resources and encouragement to thrive,” he emphasized.
The event, which brought together a cross-section of national and international stakeholders, served as a platform to reflect on NCD’s achievements and chart a way forward for sustaining democracy in Sierra Leone.
