PRESIDENT BIO ASSURES THE NATION ON STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

Consistent with Section 84 subsection (1, 2 & 3) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone  in tandem with Standing Order 61 of Parliament, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Brigadier Retired Julius Maada Bio on Thursday 07/08/2025 opened the the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone. The President whiles addressing the nation on the occasion of the State Opening of Parliament assured Members of Parliament and the nation that his government will improve on achievements made and would also adequately address challenges connected thereto.

Read below the entire Speech verbatim:

GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR. JULIUS MAADA BIO G.C.R.S.L. President of The  Republic and Commander-in-Chief of  The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.

On the Occasion of the State Opening of the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone In the Chamber of Parliament Building Tower Hill, Freetown  On Thursday, 7th August 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

1. INTRODUCTION
2. I am before you today with deep humility and gratitude to open the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.

2. I do so fully aware of the sacred trust our people have placed in us — to lead with integrity, wisdom, and courage.

3. This House is the beating heart of our democracy. It is here that we make decisions which shape every home, every farm, every school, and every market across our nation.

4. It is here that we determine whether Sierra Leone’s future will be defined by unity and progress — or by division and delay.

5. Over the past year, you have chosen service above self. You have debated with vigour, legislated with purpose, and placed country before party.

6. Whether stabilising our economy, reforming the petroleum sector, strengthening national security, or expanding opportunities for our young people and women, you have shown the true character of a Parliament that works for its people.

7. I commend the leadership of this House, every Honourable Member, the heads of all Political Parties, and our Paramount Chiefs. You have fulfilled your mandate with honour and earned the gratitude of a proud and hopeful nation.

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, 

8. I will lay before this Honourable House a comprehensive report detailing our governance record and achievements from the past year.

9. I trust Parliament will give it the careful review it deserves, consistent with your oversight mandate and our shared responsibility for national transformation.

10. My Address, however, is not about reciting every figure. It is a story — a story of progress and possibility. It is a snapshot of where we are, what we have achieved together, the challenges that remain, and the vision that guides us forward.

11. As we open this new session, let us renew our shared commitment — to serve above self, to put country before party, and to build a future worthy of the hopes of every Sierra Leonean.

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, 

12. We meet at a moment of both optimism and responsibility. Across every district, Sierra Leoneans look to us to deliver on the promise of development, opportunity, and stability. It is a profound responsibility and a sacred trust.

13. Through our Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030), we are translating bold aspirations into measurable progress — bringing services closer to our people, restoring confidence in public institutions, and laying the foundations of a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Sierra Leone.

14. This mission is bigger than politics, bigger than any one of us. It is the task of a generation.

1. THE BIG FIVE GAME CHANGERS – OVERVIEW

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

15. Our vision is anchored in the Big Five Game Changers — the core priorities at the heart of our national transformation agenda.

16. I will highlight the key progress we have made in transforming agriculture, expanding human capital, empowering our youth, driving digital and infrastructure growth, and building a transparent and accountable public service.
17. These are practical steps that are already changing lives — how we grow our food, educate our children, empower our youth, power our economy, and make governance more accountable.

III. GAME CHANGER 1 – FEED SALONE

1. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

18. When we launched the Big Five Game

Changers in 2023, we set out a simple truth: Sierra Leone must stand on its own feet. We cannot truly prosper if we depend on ships sailing to our shores for our daily bread.

19. That is why Feed Salone sits at the heart of our agenda. Food security is about dignity, independence, and a future where every family can put food on the table.

20. Last year, rice production grew by 8 percent, cutting imports by 13 percent and saving us 15 million dollars in foreign exchange. The price of rice has fallen by over 20 percent, giving families some relief.

21. We have opened three new rice mills, reducing waste and boosting local processing.

22. For the first time, the World Food Programme buys 30 percent of its rice from our farmers, a dramatic shift from years of near-total import dependence.

23. The story is similar for other foods. Egg imports have decreased by 21 per cent, local onions are now cheaper than imported ones, and we are exporting vegetable oil for the first time.

24. Behind these results is real investment — over 800 million dollars pledged, with 205 million dollars already committed to livestock, cassava, and rural roads. We launched a 10 million US dollar credit facility for modern equipment and Sierra Leone’s first crop insurance scheme.

25. We have mapped our soils digitally for the first

time and registered 300,000 farmers biometrically, building a modern, accountable farming system. 420 kilometres of feeder roads and new bridges are under construction to connect farmers to markets.

26. Responding to climate change, we are embedding resilience into our food systems under the Paris Agreement.

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

27. Feed Salone is a promise — that Sierra Leone can feed itself, create jobs, and give farmers and young people a future worth staying for.

1. THE FISHERIES SECTOR

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

28. Fishing sustains over a million Sierra Leoneans, especially women and young people in coastal communities.

29. The sector contributes 12 percent of our GDP and must be managed wisely. In 2024, the sector earned over 5 million US dollars, already beating revenue targets. With our new Quota Management System, revenues will more than double while protecting our fish stocks.

30. We have digitised fisheries data, launched an Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Policy, and introduced a closed fishing season to help stocks recover. Industrial fish production is set to rise to 150,000 metric tonnes.
31. A landmark partnership with Egypt is opening doors for joint ventures in commercial fishing and shrimp farming.

32. The reforms in the fisheries sector will establish a modern Blue Economy that creates jobs now while safeguarding our oceans for the future.

1. GAME CHANGER 2 – HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
2. BASIC AND SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

33. No nation can rise above the quality of its people. Education is the ladder families use to climb out of poverty and the foundation on which nations build prosperity.

34. When I visit schools, I see children full of hope.

Some walk for miles. Some study by candlelight. Yet they keep dreaming.

35. We promised that education would never again be a privilege for the few but a right for every child. Today, we are delivering on that promise.

36. Since 2018, enrolment,  retention,  and

completion rates have all risen. We have built over 1,500 classrooms and upgraded school water and sanitation facilities. We have trained more than 20,000 teachers, including 14,500 in early-grade literacy and numeracy. We continue to pay fees for NPSE, BECE, and WASSCE for every child.

37. Girls are thriving as never before. More girls are completing school and passing exams. Free sanitary pads, school feeding, and targeted support for child mothers are helping them return to school and succeed.

38. Independent assessments show our students are now matching their peers in Africa’s bestperforming education systems.

39. Education is our moral duty. An educated child is a free child, a productive citizen and a future leader.

1. TECHNICAL AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members,

40. Education must prepare our young people for the jobs of tomorrow.

41. In our first term, we laid the foundation. In this term, we are consolidating that work — building a competitive, future-ready workforce.

42. We are reforming technical and higher education to match skills to jobs. The WokDonCam Project, backed by the African Development Bank, is revitalising technical institutes to train youth in agro-processing, waste management, digital  skills,  and entrepreneurship.

43. The Centre of Excellence for Automotive Training, a 3.5 million dollar partnership with Japan and UNIDO, offers 960 hours of certified training in 39 modules — creating opportunities, especially for young women.

44. Through the Recognition of Prior Learning Programme, informal workers in construction and HVAC are getting certified for skills they already have.

45. Digital connectivity is transforming learning. With ELCOME and Starlink, we connected nine universities across 23 campuses to affordable internet, reaching over 10,000 students in just 90 days.

46. This year, with UNDP’s Timbuktoo Initiative, we will launch UniPods — hubs for digital entrepreneurship and innovation.

47. We passed two landmark laws — the revised Tertiary Education Commission Act and the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education Act — to strengthen governance and quality. A National Research and Innovation Policy is being developed to position universities as drivers of industrialisation and climate science.

48. We are upgrading Milton Margai and

Bunumbu campuses, fast-tracking Kono University of Science and Technology, and producing 14,000 school furniture units locally, creating employment.

49. The digitised Sierra Leone Student Loan Scheme has supported over 1,000 postgraduates and will soon extend to undergraduates, ensuring that no dream ends for lack of money.

50. Every country’s greatest wealth is its people. By investing in their skills, we invest in Sierra Leone’s future.

1. HEALTHCARE: BUILDING A RESILIENT AND INCLUSIVE SYSTEM

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

51. A nation’s wealth means little if its people are unhealthy. No mother should die while giving life. No child should die due to a lack of care.

52. We have strengthened our healthcare system — building hospitals, training doctors, and expanding services to every district.

53. Domestic health spending is up by 2%. The Sierra Leone Social Health Insurance Scheme is reducing out-of-pocket costs.

54. The National Public Health Agency and our real-time disease surveillance system mean outbreaks are detected faster and responses are better.

55. We recruited 15 percent more health workers, bringing the total to over 14,000, and doubled medical school enrolment. Over 40 doctors are training locally in specialist fields through the Postgraduate College of Health

Specialties.

56. Key investments include:

• The 166-bed Julius Maada Bio Paediatric

Centre of Excellence in Lumley,

• Modernised regional and district hospitals,
• Ambulances in all 16 districts, and
• Oxygen plants in regional hospitals for critical care.

57. Maternal and newborn deaths have fallen by 70 percent, and immunisation coverage has improved nationwide.

58. Off-grid solar now powers rural health centres, enabling safe night deliveries and vaccine storage.

59. Healthcare is about dignity, survival, and hope.

60. In January, when Sierra Leone recorded its first

Mpox case, our response was swift — emergency systems were activated, testing was decentralised, and health workers trained. Today, there is no active outbreak, but surveillance remains strong.

1. GENDER EQUALITY & CHILDREN’S AFFAIRS

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, 

61. Gender equality remains central to our national agenda. The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act is being implemented through gender units in ministries, gender budgeting, and training.

62. We continue to fight sexual and genderbased violence with stronger legal systems, psychosocial support, and nationwide awareness campaigns.

63. We passed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and laid the Child Rights Bill, which will consolidate legal protections for every child.

1. SOCIAL WELFARE AND PROTECTION

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, 

64. My Government is committed to fostering a just and inclusive society by expanding social protection, promoting disability inclusion, enhancing mental health services, and providing support for the elderly and retirees.

65. Two landmark laws — the Social Work Regulatory Act and the Social Protection Act — are building stronger systems for the elderly, retirees, and persons with disabilities.

66. Through the National Social Safety Net, 84,000 elderly-headed households have been registered digitally, with cash transfers to over 11,000 elderly citizens aged 75+.

67. NASSIT is expanding social security to provide protection to even informal workers.

68. To combat drug abuse, rehabilitation centres in Hastings and Bo have helped over 400 former drug users rebuild their lives. We are also addressing substance abuse among persons with disabilities through programmes combining rehabilitation with vocational training — already 200 people are training in tailoring in Makeni and Freetown.

69. With a US$1 million India-UN grant, we are establishing skills centres and a disability village to empower vulnerable citizens.

70. A nation’s strength is measured not by how it treats the powerful, but by how it protects the vulnerable.
71. WATER AND SANITATION

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, 

71. Clean water and adequate sanitation are basic rights.

72. We created the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, launched the Western Area Peninsula Water Fund, and introduced new regulations on groundwater use, pollution control, and dam safety.

73. Across the country, systems are being rehabilitated in Blama-Bandawor, Kailahun, and Kabala to expand water supply to communities. We are building 100 solarpowered boreholes with tanks and standposts for underserved communities.

74. In Freetown, a multi-donor project is expanding supply — including a 60,000 m³ reservoir at Regent/Babadorie, upgrades to Kongo Dam, and new pipelines.

75. The Guma Valley Allentown expansion will add new sources, 45 km of pipes, six reservoirs, and upgraded pumping stations.

76. Clean water does more than quench thirst — it keeps children in school, reduces disease, and frees women and girls to build their futures.

1. GAME CHANGER 3 – YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

77. Everything we have achieved in education, healthcare, and skills development leads to one goal — creating real opportunities for our young people.

78. If our youth do not find hope at home, they will look for it elsewhere, or worse, fall prey to drugs and violence.

79. Two years ago, I launched the Youth Employment Scheme — a bold pledge to create half a million jobs in five years. This was a promise to fight for the right of every young Sierra Leonean to opportunity, dignity, and hope.
80. Today, we are delivering on that promise. Jobs are being created across agriculture, mining, construction, energy, sports, the creative economy, and the digital sector.

81. Thousands of young people are receiving technical training in various fields, including mechanics, construction, hospitality, welding, and entrepreneurship. Over 250 young women have joined new programmes in digital literacy and business.

82. Across the country, youth-led farming and fisheries projects are thriving.

83. Under the World Bank–funded PSSNYE project, 8,000 young people will each receive seed funding to start or grow their businesses.

84. But let me speak directly to our young people. You are the hands that will build Sierra Leone’s future. Your dreams matter more than our diamonds or our gold.

85. Do not let drugs like Kush steal your future. As we continue our fight to combat drugs and substance abuse, do not give in to hopelessness or anger.

86. We are giving you the tools to live dignified lives — free education, vocational training, digital skills, access to finance, and opportunities in agriculture, technology, and enterprise.

87. But opportunity alone is not enough. Discipline, courage, and self-belief must follow. When you choose to learn a skill, to start a business, to grow your own food, you are already shaping Sierra Leone’s destiny. Your hands must build; your minds must create; your voices must lead.

88. This Government will stand with you, invest in you, and fight for you. But you, too, must rise and fight for yourselves. Because the story of Sierra Leone’s next chapter will not be written by politicians or lawmakers alone.

89. It will be written by welders, coders, farmers, athletes, teachers, innovators, and scientists. The future is yours to claim — and we will walk that road with you, every step of the way.

1. GAME CHANGER 4 – TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

90. If we want Sierra Leone to compete in the modern world, we must invest in the tools of tomorrow — technology and infrastructure.

91. These are not luxuries; they are the foundations of jobs, opportunity, and national pride.

1. TECHNOLOGY

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

92. Technology is no longer optional. It is the engine of modern life, powering everything from farming and running businesses to delivering public services.
93. At the 2025 Salone Innovates Digital Government Summit, we celebrated the creativity of our people — young innovators, especially women, designing solutions in AI, cybersecurity, coding, and entrepreneurship.

94. A young farmer even won the Presidential Innovation Prize for a digital farming hub — proof that our youth can lead in innovation when given the chance.

95. Government services are now easier to access. Payroll and attendance are digitised, cutting ghost workers. A new Government Yellow Page connects citizens directly to contacts and services across ministries.

96. These reforms are backed by over $100 million in investments from China EXIM Bank and the World Bank, funding fibre-optic expansion in 14 districts, new digital skills programmes, and modern service platforms.

1. ENERGY: POWERING  PROSPERITY  AND NATIONAL RESILIENCE

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

97. Energy is the backbone of a modern economy. Without power, there can be no industry, no jobs, no future-ready nation. That is why I have taken charge of the energy sector. I believe leadership must be hands-on, as policy without action is ineffective.

98. Last year, we signed a landmark $480 million MCC Compact to expand our transmission infrastructure, support electricity distribution, governance, and sector reform. In January 2025, the US Government launched a global review of MCC compacts.

99. As your “Tok N Do” President, I am proud to report that as of July 24, Sierra Leone’s Compact was among the few approved to continue — a strong endorsement of our leadership, reforms, and US partnership.

100.We joined the Mission 300 Initiative in January 2025, a global effort to halve energy poverty through innovative financing of renewable energy. We are finalising the Mission 300 Energy Compact, targeting $2.4 billion to expand electricity access to 78% of the population and raise renewable energy to 52% by 2030.

101.To meet rising demand, we are expanding our national generation capacity through strategic projects that are already underway:

• 108.5 MW NANT gas-to-energy plant at Kissy Dockyard.
• A Floating LNG hub for the Mano River Union.
• The 40 MW RESPITE Solar Project and the 40 MW SCATEC Solar Plant at Kamakwie.

102.We are upgrading existing generation assets at Kingtom and Blackhall Road, doubling capacity at the Dodo-Goma Hydro Plant by converting it into a hybrid hydro-solar facility, and expanding Bumbuna by an additional 50 MW with support from OPEC.

103.Through CLSG and ESLEAP, power has reached schools, health centres, and rural communities.

104.Our goal is clear: to generate over 1,000 MW of power by 2030.

1. INFRASTRUCTURE – ROADS, BRIDGES, AND TRANSPORT

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

105.Good roads are more than asphalt and bridges — they connect farmers to markets, students to schools, and patients to hospitals. They give every Sierra Leonean a fair chance to thrive. That is why we are investing heavily across the country.

106.Through public-private partnerships, we are financing the Koblo-Gulama (Mabang) Bridge and the 86 km Moyamba–

Gbangbatoke Junction Road. Proposals for the 85 km Mano Junction–Tongo–Bumpeh (Koidu) Road are also under review.

107.In 2024, the Road Maintenance Fund supported the upkeep of 1,403 km of roads, culverts, bridges, and ferries and created a modern road condition database with the ILO. This year, NLe 39.7 million has been allocated to local councils for road maintenance and rehabilitation.

108.Beyond roads, transport is also about connecting people and building inclusion. We launched 50 Waka Fine buses, serving 25,000 passengers daily — nearly half of them women and people with disabilities.

109.At Lumley, we opened a modern Public Transit Terminal and are building a marketplace with daycare for 2,500 traders — giving working mothers a safer, more supportive space.

110.And because the future must be green, we are developing a national policy for electric buses in partnership with South Korea.

111.To curb fraud and improve traffic security, we introduced RFID vehicle licenses, biometric driver’s licenses, and digital number plates.

112.New service centres and mobile registration units are bringing services closer to remote communities.

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

113.These achievements ensure fairness, dignity, and shared prosperity. Development must reach every Sierra Leonean, not just those in Freetown.

VII. GAME CHANGER 5 – REVAMPING THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

114.Good governance begins with a public service that truly serves the people — one that is efficient, fair, and accountable. A Government can only deliver when its institutions are strong, trusted, and focused on results.

115.Over the past year, we have taken bold steps to transform our public service into a modern, professional institution that delivers for every Sierra Leonean.

116.For the first time since 2011, we updated the Civil Services Code, introduced clear performance appraisals, and digitised key HR processes — from recruitment to training. These changes are building a culture of professionalism and accountability.

117.Soon, this House will receive a new Public Service Policy and Bill to strengthen the legal framework. For the first time, our draft revised Constitution will dedicate an entire chapter to the public service — embedding integrity and merit at the heart of governance.

1. ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

118.Accountability is not optional. Citizens deserve to know how their taxes are used. The AntiCorruption Commission continues to act independently.

119.In 2024 alone, it recovered nearly NLe 35 million and achieved 90% compliance through its online asset declaration system. Sierra Leone is now ranked among the Top 10 most improved countries on the Mo Ibrahim Governance Index and 7th in Africa for anticorruption.

120.We have launched a 5th Generation AntiCorruption Strategy — a homegrown, techdriven plan to fight corruption in both the public and private sectors.

1. DIGITALISING PAYMENT SYSTEMS AND AUDIT SERVICES

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

121.We  are  also  modernising  how  the Government manages money.

122.The Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) is now live in 20 MDAs, making payments faster, more transparent, and harder to abuse.

123.Gratuity payments to retirees are now automated, ending years of frustrating delays.

124.Audit Service Sierra Leone has expanded its coverage to 88% of public spending and now conducts performance audits to ensure that resources deliver real value for citizens.

125.These reforms boost trust in our institutions. A nation can only succeed when its people believe that public resources are used for the public good.

126.This is the Government we are building — a Government that works, delivers, and remains accountable to the people it serves. We are laying the foundation for a public service that is honourable, professional, and citizenfocused. Because good governance is not about grand speeches; it is about results that people can feel in their daily lives.

VIII. CRITICAL SECTORS  AND  CROSSCUTTING AREAS

1. THE ECONOMY

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

127.Let me now highlight other critical sectors and cross-cutting areas, beginning with the economy — the engine of our national transformation.

128.Our economy has weathered difficult global storms — rising energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Yet, Sierra Leone has remained resilient.

129.In 2024, GDP grew by 4%, driven by mining, agriculture, construction, light manufacturing, and tourism.

130.Inflation fell sharply from 54.5% to 9.38% by April 2025, and the Leone depreciated by only 5.7% against the US dollar. These gains show that our fiscal and monetary reforms are working.

131.Domestic revenue reached NLe 14.6 billion, the fiscal deficit narrowed to 4.8% of GDP, and public debt declined to 39.5% of GDP through disciplined repayment and exchange rate stability.

132.But let us be frank: we cannot build our future on aid. Sierra Leone must fund its own development. That is why we are expanding our revenue base, improving tax collection, and plugging illicit financial flows that rob us of billions of Leones each year.

133.Every Leone lost to tax evasion or illegal transfers is a classroom not built, a road not paved, a hospital not equipped. So, I call on every citizen and business to pay their fair share in taxes. National pride involves not just waving the flag; it also means contributing to the nation we aspire to create.

134.The IMF’s 243 million dollar Extended Credit Facility, approved in November 2024, is not a handout. It is a vote of confidence in our reforms and leadership.

135.We are diversifying our economy — investing in agriculture, tourism, and value-added mining — while building a stronger private sector to create jobs and expand exports.

136.Progress is real, but the road ahead requires discipline, sacrifice, and shared responsibility.

1. TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

137.Sierra Leone is open for business. We have signed new trade and investment agreements with partners from Türkiye to South Korea, Saudi Arabia to the UAE.

138.We became the first African country to complete the AfCFTA Readiness Assessment, giving us a roadmap for regional trade and investor confidence.

139.To protect citizens from volatile global markets, we introduced a transparent pricing formula for essentials like rice, flour, sugar, cement, and petroleum — helping to stabilise living costs.

140.Our manufacturing sector now contributes 22% to GDP, with growth in food processing, cement, aluminium, copper, recycling, and plastics. This progress shows that smart policies and private enterprise can drive a more diverse, resilient economy.

1. DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM SECTOR

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

141.We are building a secure, competitive energy market that gives citizens and businesses access to affordable, reliable fuel.

142.The new National Petroleum Regulatory

Authority (NPRA), strengthened by the 2025 NPRA Act, now ensures a reliable fuel supply, better infrastructure, and fair competition. 143.Petroleum imports grew by 56% in 2024, while storage capacity expanded by 86% to

250,000 metric tons. With World Bank support, we modernised the pricing formula, making it transparent and responsive to global markets.

1. UPSTREAM AND MIDSTREAM PETROLEUM SECTOR

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

144.Sierra Leone is boldly positioning itself as West Africa’s next frontier for oil and gas exploration. Our offshore basin, though largely underexplored, holds immense geological promise. With the right investment, our upstream petroleum sector could be transformative for our economy and people. 145.A landmark offshore study identified over 80 deepwater exploration leads, with early estimates of 30 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas.

146.We completed a $30 million 3D seismic survey, the first in over a decade, adhering to global safety and environmental standards. The data will guide drilling decisions planned for 2026, attract investment, and develop local expertise by offering training and capacity building for Sierra Leoneans in various fields.

147.Sierra Leone is one of 13 signatories to the $25 billion Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project — a transformative initiative to connect West African gas to European markets.

148.The project will spur regional industrial growth, create jobs, increase transit revenues, and develop a domestic gas market for power and exports, delivering affordable energy for households and industries.

149.With responsible management, our upstream petroleum sector can usher in a new era of national prosperity. My Government is committed to leading this effort with clear vision and accountability for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans.

1. MINING

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

150.Mining remains a cornerstone of our economy. In 2024, mineral exports generated $1.12 billion, with growth in iron ore, rutile, and mineral sands.

151.Reforms under the 2022 Mines and Minerals Development Act have strengthened transparency and community benefits.

152.This year, we disbursed $6.7 million in Community Development Funds for schools, clinics, and water systems in Port Loko and

Tonkolili.

153.Non-tax mining revenues rose by 34% to $28 million due to better oversight and increased production. But our vision goes beyond exporting raw minerals. We are adding value locally, diversifying exports, and ensuring sustainable practices.

154.Our natural resources must work for the people — today and for generations to come.

1. THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

155.Climate change is not a distant threat — it is already here. Heavier rains, floods, and landslides are destroying lives and livelihoods. That is why climate resilience is now a national priority.

156.We are embedding climate action in all development planning, implementing our updated Paris Agreement commitments, reforesting degraded areas, protecting biodiversity, and tackling illegal construction on waterways.

157.Our approach is focused on safeguarding homes, farms, and communities while securing the future of Sierra Leone.

158.In July, the Gola Rainforest National Park and the  Tiwai  Island  Wildlife  Sanctuary ─

collectively called the Gola-Tiwai Complex ─ were officially designated as Sierra Leone’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This momentous achievement reflects our nation’s rich biodiversity and underscores the global ecological importance of these pristine natural ecosystems.

1. NATIONAL COHESION AND DEMOCRACY

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

159.The true strength of a nation is not measured only in GDP figures or kilometres of new roads. It is measured in the bonds that hold its people together — in the trust that, no matter our differences, we share one destiny.

160.Over the past year, national dialogue has helped us confront hard truths, seek reconciliation, and reaffirm a simple but powerful truth: Sierra Leone must always come first.

161.Like our great rivers, which gather strength from many tributaries, our nation draws power from its diversity — from every region, every faith, and every community.

162.Sierra Leone today remains one of Africa’s most peaceful nations. According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, we are the 2nd most peaceful in West Africa, 5th in Africa, and 57th globally. This is not by chance. It is the result of years of tolerance, vigilance, and deliberate effort.

163.Through the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, we have institutionalised peace. The Commission mediates disputes, promotes reconciliation, and strengthens early warning systems to prevent conflict.

164.But peace is like a bridge — it must be maintained constantly, or it will weaken and collapse.

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

165.Let me address the dangers of the persistent election denialism and reckless conspiracy theories. We cannot love Sierra Leone while undermining the very institutions that allow our democracy to thrive.

166.Denying legitimate elections is not free speech — it is a direct assault on our stability and future. If we are to truly honour the sacrifices of those who built and preserved our peace, we must defend it with unity, courage, and unwavering resolve.

167.In addressing the challenges within our electoral systems and institutions, my Government has chosen the more challenging yet commendable path: to reform what we have inherited as flawed.

168.For decades, inefficiencies in Sierra Leone’s electoral systems have undermined public trust. We are the first administration bold enough to confront these systemic weaknesses head-on.

169.The Tripartite Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review is conducting a historic review of more than 80 reform proposals. This is a thorough, citizeninformed process designed to enhance transparency, inclusion, and credibility.

170.I commend the multi‑partisan collaboration that has made this possible. Through open consultations nationwide, we are shaping reforms that will restore public trust, strengthen electoral justice, and leave behind a democracy that works for all Sierra Leoneans. 171.This Government will fully implement these reforms, because a democracy is only as strong as the systems that protect it.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members,

172.As leaders entrusted with our nation’s future, we must continually champion reforms that foster unity and inclusion. It is time to renew national dialogue on adopting proportional representation — not just for parliamentary elections, but across the executive and public sector.

173.This very House demonstrates its value, having increased women’s participation across party lines. We must build a governance architecture that truly reflects the diversity and pluralism of Sierra Leone.

1. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT  AND  PUBLIC INFORMATION

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

174.Democracy thrives when citizens are informed and engaged. That is why we continue to work closely with civil society and our independent press. These institutions amplify citizens ’voices, strengthen transparency, and hold leaders to account.

175.Through the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, we launched the National Civic Education and Engagement Initiative — a platform for open, timely, and inclusive communication between the Government and the people.

176.This includes weekly press briefings in Krio, nationwide civic events, an annual civic festival, and the Presidential Town Hall Meeting.

177.Our efforts are paying off. Sierra Leone has risen nine places on the Global Press Freedom Index and now scores 91% on the MCC

Freedom of Information indicator.

178.This progress is proof that open governance and a free press are not threats to power — they are the lifeblood of democracy.

1. NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE RULE OF LAW

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

179.Peace is precious, and it is guarded every day by the men and women of our security and intelligence services. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them for their discipline, sacrifice, and patriotism.

180.They ensure that no ambition rises above the Constitution and that Sierra Leone remains stable and secure.

181.Our community policing model is reducing crime — including homicide, robbery, trafficking, and drug-related offences. Strategic investments in infrastructure, communications, surveillance, and welfare have made our police more effective.

182.New legislation to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and community engagement in policing will soon come before this House.

183.The Office of National Security has improved early warning systems, crime response, private security regulation, and regional cooperation — reinforcing internal stability.

184.The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), under its new Tri-Service structure, continues to defend our sovereignty while adapting to modern threats. Its first National Defence Policy now aligns its mission with national development.

1. FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

185.Today, Sierra Leone stands taller on the global stage than at any time in our history.

186.We are serving simultaneously as a Non‑Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council and as a Member of the African Union Peace and Security Council.

187.This rare dual role allows us to shape conversations on peace, security, and global justice — and to amplify Africa’s voice where decisions are made.

188.During our Presidency of the UN Security Council last year, Sierra Leone convened 20 formal meetings, adopted four key resolutions, and led historic debates on Africa’s representation and a new global agenda for peace.

189.As  Coordinator  of  the  African  Union

Committee of Ten on UN Security Council Reform, we achieved a breakthrough long thought impossible. For the first time, the United States publicly supported two permanent seats for Africa. Hosting the C‑10 Retreat in Freetown further reinforced our leadership on this vital reform.

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

190.I am aware of the criticisms that sometimes follow my overseas travels. Detractors will say,

“Di Pa don travel back.”

191.Let me assure this Honourable House that every mission I undertake serves the national interests of Sierra Leone.

192.Sierra Leone must be present at the global table — not as a mere spectator, but as an active contributor — ensuring that our voice plays a role in shaping the decisions that will define our future.

193.The truth is that investment, partnerships, and opportunities do not come to those who stay silent or invisible.

194.As a small nation, we must work twice as hard to secure our rightful place in the world, and that is exactly what we are doing. I do not particularly enjoy flying — but I go because Sierra Leone must be seen, heard, and respected.

195.These engagements have yielded tangible results, unlocking financing for transformative projects in areas such as roads, energy, agriculture, digital infrastructure, and climate resilience.

196.Additionally, they have often led to new trade agreements and strengthened international partnerships.

197.To expand our reach and support Sierra Leoneans abroad, we have opened new diplomatic missions in Algeria, France, and Ireland.

198.On the current occupation of Yenga, our position is peaceful but resolute. We are firmly committed to a diplomatic solution — but we will always defend our sovereignty through lawful means.

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

199.And in June 2025, I was deeply honoured to assume the role of Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. This is a national responsibility and a source of pride.

200.It gives Sierra Leone a leading voice in advancing regional peace, democratic transitions, economic integration, trade, and infrastructure development.

1. CONCLUSION

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

201.As we open this new session of Parliament, let us remember that the strength and destiny of our nation lie not in the power of a few, but in the unity of all.

202.For over six decades, Sierra Leone has known hardship and triumph. Yet through every trial, by the grace of God and by our collective will, we have stood — resilient, unbroken, bound by a shared purpose.

203.Today, I call on every one of us — across this House, across our political divides, across every district and community — to rise above division. Let us choose cooperation over conflict, reconciliation over rancour, service over self.

204. Our Medium-Term National Development Plan is not just a document; it is a roadmap for a Sierra Leone that is just, inclusive, and prosperous.

205. The Big Five Game Changers are laying that foundation — from education to agriculture, from youth employment to technology, from public service reform to stronger governance.

206. The results are real: inflation is falling, the Leone is stabilising, prices are easing, and investments are creating jobs.

207. Our classrooms are full, our health systems are stronger, maternal and infant deaths are declining, and women and children are more protected than ever before. Press freedom thrives. The death penalty is gone. Justice is more accessible.

208.Sierra Leone now stands tall — at the United Nations, the African Union, and ECOWAS — as a voice for democracy, peace, and principled leadership.

209. To our Development Partners and friendly nations, I express deep gratitude. Your trust and support have helped us build roads, light homes, grow food, and expand opportunity.

210. But the greatest thank you goes to the people of Sierra Leone. Our farmers and traders, teachers and nurses, soldiers and police officers, young people with dreams and elders with wisdom — whose daily sacrifices keep our nation moving forward.

211. Our development journey continues. Peace remains delicate. Democracy requires constant vigilance. Prosperity demands courage and sacrifice.

212.So let us celebrate how far we have come — but refuse to be complacent. Let us pledge to build a country where justice is not selective, where opportunity is not limited to the privileged, where every Sierra Leonean, regardless of background, can live with dignity, pride, and hope.

213.May the Almighty God bless our beloved

Republic. May God guide our work in this Parliament and across our land. And may we always serve Sierra Leone with honour, humility, and unshakable integrity.

I THANK YOU. 

SHARED BY:

Parliamentary and Public Relations Department

Parliament of Sierra Leone

+23278495023/+23278426851/+23278697776