President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has inaugurated the National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) at State House, underscoring Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to principles of good governance, transparency, and democratic accountability.
This significant event marks a key step forward in Sierra Leone’s ongoing governance reform efforts and reaffirms the nation’s active and engaged participation in the APRM. The APRM is a continent-wide initiative that promotes self-assessment, strengthens institutions, and facilitates valuable peer learning among African member states.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs and the designated APRM National Focal Point, Hon. Amara Kallon, emphasized the crucial role of the APRM in building democratic resilience, enhancing governance systems across various sectors, and fostering inclusive national dialogue. Minister Kallon highlighted that the newly inaugurated Council will be responsible for overseeing Sierra Leone’s second country self-assessment and peer review process, ensuring broad and inclusive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, and supporting the implementation of policy measures designed to improve governmental efficiency and enhance public accountability at all levels.
Professor Duramany Lakkoh, the newly appointed Chairperson of the APRM National Governing Council, delivered his inaugural statement by outlining the core mandates of the Council. In addition, Professor Lakkoh announced that the Council will take on the significant responsibility of coordinating the 3rd High-Level Forum on South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development, positioning Sierra Leone as a key hub for peer learning and collaborative governance initiatives within the African continent.
In his address following the appointments, President Julius Maada Bio extended his congratulations to the newly appointed members of the Council, commending their demonstrated dedication and wealth of expertise. He charged them with the crucial task of upholding the fundamental principles of transparency, integrity, and inclusive governance as they lead Sierra Leone’s APRM endeavors. The President reiterated the paramount importance of strong leadership and robust institutional accountability, emphasizing the vital role of the APRM in ensuring that national governance structures remain responsive, efficient, and consistently centered on the needs and aspirations of Sierra Leone’s citizens.
“With the establishment of the APRM National Governing Council, Sierra Leone further strengthens its commitment to democratic resilience, comprehensive governance reforms, and meaningful regional cooperation,” stated President Bio. He further emphasized, “The APRM provides an invaluable framework for critical self-reflection, beneficial peer learning with other African nations, and evidence-based policymaking—ensuring that our national governance structures continuously evolve to effectively meet the aspirations of our people.”
Through this significant inauguration, Sierra Leone solidifies its standing as an active and forward-looking member of the African Peer Review Mechanism, proactively aligning its national governance practices with established continental and international democratic standards, thereby reinforcing its commitment to good governance on the African stage.
ABJ/APA