ECOWAS SPEAKER UPDATES PRESIDENT KOROMA

President Ernest Bai Koroma today received in audience at State Lodge the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mohamann Osman, who is in the country to update the President and other stakeholders on developments within the regional institution.

Led by the Speaker of Sierra Leone’s Parliament, Justice Abel Stronge, Speaker Osman thanked President Koroma for receiving him and his delegation in the country, while wishing the government and people of Sierra Leone a happy New Year with best wishes for health and success.

He said in accordance with the treaty and protocols of the ECOWAS Parliament which require a regular updating of the activities of the Parliament to Heads of State and other authorities within the community, he is in the country to do just that. “I know you are aware of this because you were yourself a member of the ECOWAS Parliament. You are one of the first pioneers of this Parliament,” Speaker Osman recalled. He explained that the Parliament is now on the second leg of its transition period, for which objectives were set out by the Conference of Heads of State. He said those objectives have been largely attained, including the setting up of a bureau and standing committees, holding delocalized meetings “to move from an ECOWAS of States to an ECOWAS of people” through sensitization activities. He also explained that in the administrative and technical wing, relevant personnel are being recruited for the effective functioning of the Parliament He commended the Sierra Leone Parliament for having been cooperative in various aspects thus far, but noted that Sierra Leone is one of the countries that are still to ratify certain protocols. “I therefore take this opportunity to appeal to colleague parliamentarians to expedite the process,” he enjoined, noting that the transition period for the ECOWAS Parliament comes to an end on 10^th November 2010, before which date they should have harmonized all the issues of “the fifteen countries with different constitutions and different electoral codes. It will not be good to come to November 10 and discover that all has not been done. An interventionist solution is therefore needed.”

On the political front, Speaker Osman noted that in recent months the most pressing issues came from Guinea and Niger, noting that there are now positive signs with regards resolving the Guinean impasse, while the suspended negotiations on Niger are expected to restart on 26^th January 2010.

Welcoming the Speaker and his delegation to State Lodge and Sierra Leone, President Koroma, in his response, thanked them “for the briefing on pertinent issues relating to the ECOWAS Parliament. I am very pleased to announce that I was a member of that Parliament and participated in your election, for which I am proud; because you are making progress in institutional changes and the reform process by looking inward to create the capacity for the Parliament to carry out its mandate effectively. I must commend you for these strides.”

President Koroma assured the ECOWAS Speaker that the Sierra Leone Parliament will do what it can to facilitate the integration process, noting especially that their presence in the country would help sensitize Members of Parliament on the status of the ECOWAS Parliament, thereby enhancing the integration process. “Sierra Leone is moving in a positive way in that direction, and we’ll work with parliament to ensure that what is left is done,” adding that it is very crucial to play the advisory role. The Head of State said he is very much concerned about the ECOWAS transition with so many things still undone, but assured that every recommendation will be addressed.

On the situation in Guinea, President Koroma welcomed unfolding events, adding that “we must continue to give support to ensure that they succeed, because if one country suffers, all other countries are affected.” He hoped that when talks resume on Niger “the leadership there will move along with the direction provided by ECOWAS.” 

He ended by once again welcoming the delegation, on behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone, enjoining them to find time to sensitise the people and find their stay rewarding. 

PRESIDENT KOROMA DISCUSSES WOMEN AND CHILDREN’S ISSUES WITH AMERICAN ADVOCACY GROUP

Also at State Lodge today, President Koroma received the United States’ predominantly women’s group, ONE, a gender-advocacy organization comprising of  70% women and 30% men from all walks of life in America and primarily addressing matters relating to women and children. Their leader, Cindy McCain, told the President they are in Sierra Leone to update themselves on developments in the country, and also to thank the President “for what you have done for your country and for where you are taking it.”

In his remarks, President Koroma welcomed the group and thanked them for focusing on women and children, “the group that was most affected during the war and now most affected in terms of social services; therefore any organization focusing on them is most welcome.” He said they are coming in at a time when the government is looking at the difficulties of the health sector, “which is mainly responsible for the position in which we find ourselves in the Human Development index.” He disclosed that, in order to make the first move of reversing the situation, his government has taken the bold step of abolishing all user fees for women and children by 27^th April this year, as part of the national health plan that would make health services accessible and affordable for all. He said this vision is very challenging and therefore welcomed the group for its willingness to collaborate with government in making it achievable.

In follow-up interactive discussions, the President disclosed government’s priority being placed on encouraging girl-child education, the need for adult education and skills training for women, and the need to create employment opportunities for the youth.

Former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino was among the visiting delegation and is acting as their press officer.

The group boasts of over two million members.

THE PRESS SECRETARIAT

STATE HOUSE

21 JANUARY 2010