At the the debate President Bio address, Hon Alpha Ben Mansaray, who serves as the Deputy Parliamentary Spokesman for the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party, articulated a series of pressing issues that have surfaced following the presidential address delivered during a recent  event.

The session took place in the esteemed Well of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, where the air was thick with anticipation and the hum of legislative discourse.

Hon. Mansaray commenced his poignant remarks with a respectful homage to the representative from Bo, praising their clarity and eloquence. However, his tone shifted to one of pointed critique as he expressed disappointment regarding the accomplishments highlighted in the presidential address, arguing that they lacked concrete evidence or genuine progress when speaking of the improvement for the nation. His concerns resonated through the House of Chambers, capturing the attention of his colleagues and the public alike.

In a heartfelt plea for civility and collaboration, Hon. Mansaray urged his fellow parliamentarians to engage in what he referred to as a “democratic dialogue.” He passionately emphasized the urgent need for a unified purpose and collective action, advocating for a shared commitment to advancing sustainable development and robust economic growth that benefits all Sierra Leoneans. His fervent speech underscored the notion that the issues before them extend beyond political affiliations, carrying far-reaching implications for the lives of everyday citizens and the enduring prosperity of their nation. He insisted that the decisions made within the chamber must be geared toward cultivating a stable and flourishing future for Sierra Leone, irrespective of differing political perspectives.

Turning his focus to the critically important issue of electricity, Hon. Mansaray meticulously detailed the significant contributions made by the previous APC administration toward the establishment of national energy infrastructure. He articulated the notable achievements in stabilizing the power supply and reducing electricity tariffs, improvements that substantially affected the lives of ordinary citizens and served as a catalyst for economic development. He highlighted the Rural Renewable Energy Projects undertaken between 2016 and 2017, which successfully illuminated 54 rural communities, bringing light and opportunity to approximately 360,000 residents. In stark contrast, he lamented that the current administration had only managed to extend energy services to a mere 40 additional communities, illustrating a troubling deceleration in progress and a disappointing lack of continuity in this vital service.

Shifting his focus to infrastructure development, Hon. Mansaray shed light on some pivotal projects which he said he believed were essential for the nation’s advancement. He reminisced about the construction of the Rogbere Bridge and the Mabang Bridge, Moyamba-Moyamba Junction Road, both initiated under the leadership of former President Ernest Bai Koroma and completed during this regime. As a passionate advocate during the inception of these projects, he recounted the original contracts aimed at improving road connectivity and fostering regional trade.

In a profound examination of human capital development, Hon. Mansaray conveyed deep concerns regarding what he characterized as a disjointed and fragmented approach by the present government. He posed critical inquiries regarding whether adequate research informed the formulation of policies designed to nurture the country’s human capital, drawing attention to a disconcerting shift in focus from “human development” to a more restricted concept of “human capital development.” He argued that authentic advancement in this area requires a comprehensive and long-term strategy that transcends mere basic education. Citing the exemplary model of Singapore, which has successfully cultivated one of the world’s most robust human capital frameworks through substantial investments in health, education, and vocational training, Mansaray urged the government to evaluate Sierra Leone’s existing talent pool, particularly within critical sectors like healthcare. He called for a systematic tracking of professionals— doctors, nurses, and specialists across various disciplines such as dentistry, psychiatry, and pathology—to better understand the current state of the nation’s human capital.

Mansaray underscored that grasping the realities of existing human capital is essential for effective planning to meet the future needs of the nation. He implored the government to establish specific, measurable goals for training healthcare professionals over a designated timeframe, especially given Sierra Leone’s burgeoning population. He stressed that this initiative is crucial for addressing the current shortage of qualified personnel, a gap he believes hinders the nation’s healthcare system and stalls broader socioeconomic development.

Hon Ben brings attention to the challenges in accessing medical services, particularly regarding ambulance availability and the impact of doctor absenteeism. A recent incident where a pregnant woman lost her life due to delayed medical attention underscores the urgent need for improvements in the healthcare system.

Hon Mansaray addresses several hurdles within the education sector, such as the difficulty in securing approvals for schools to provide free quality education amidst bribery concerns. The speaker advocates for enhanced oversight and more effective resource allocation to ensure that all schools receive the necessary support.

Deputy parliamentary spokesman Hon Ben expresses concern about the increasing school dropout rates, particularly as financial pressures and limited access to exams hinder students’ academic progression. He emphasizes the need for systemic support to assist students, especially young girls, in maintaining their educational journey.

Hon Ben Mansaray highlights the issue of insufficient teacher salaries against a backdrop of rising inflation, creating challenges for educators in making ends meet. He makes a compelling case for prioritizing funding to ensure that teachers receive fair compensation for their crucial role in shaping future generations.

Hon Ben emphasizes the significance of investing in human capital by advocating that education must be viewed as a long-term commitment rather than a temporary or political agenda. He calls for a consistent and sustainable approach to education, urging the government to honour its commitments and work towards a robust educational framework.

In his powerful closing remarks, Hon. Mansaray reiterated with fervour the significance of approaching these critical issues with the seriousness they warrant.

He emphasized that this parliamentary session represents a pivotal opportunity for fostering meaningful democratic discourse, urging his colleagues to rise to the occasion for the benefit of the nation and its citizens.