By Ragan M. Conteh

The Africa Peer Review Mechanism National Secretariat Sierra Leone on Wednesday 9th April 2025 launched the “Strengthening community-led governance through Decentralization Initiative in Sierra Leone.

The event which took place at the Foreign Service Academy, Tower Hill in Freetown drawn stakeholders of government, journalists, CSOs and representatives from local councils.

The proposed initiative aims to catalyze this transformation by embedding the power of governance into the hands of its people.

The project is an innovative leap towards a future where every citizen is not only a guardian of democracy but also an architect of their local governance.

Making his statement, a representative from GIZ, the Advisor-support to the Africa Union for promoting Peace, Security and Governance, GIZ Africa Union, Dr Chijioke Iwuamadi revealed that they are gratified to support governance across the continent, and thank the APRM both local and at the continental level for such initiatives which aim to strengthening governance.

He emphasized that there is no better time to implement this project as it aim to leave no one behind in terms of development.

He said the initiative is more than a policy shift, reiterating that it is a cultural shift towards a governance ethos that voices lead the charge in shaping policies, overseeing project and driving sustainable development.

Representing the Chief Minister, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Sullay Daramy said, the project document initiative is a significant milestone to ensure community development.

He said Sierra Leone has been in a journey for decentralization and transformative process to strengthen governance.

He stated they are not only launching the project but ignite community resilience and transformative development efforts.

He went the launch aim to return power where it belong in terms of decentralization and with a renewed energy and home as it embraces a new era of government.

He pointed their strategies are inclusive and to restore what has been fragmented in terms of governances.

He therefore call on all and sundry to embrace the project and hold their leader’s accountable and to support development trajectory.

He reaffirmed unwavering commitment to build a Sierra Leone that no voice is too small, no boundary.

In his statement, the Deputy Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Hon Philip Tondoneh said the project which focuses of community development enable communities address their unique challenges and to cultivate cultural context.

He said the project seek to empower seeks to empower local voices, ensuring that governance is not only accessible and accountable but also reflective of the diverse needs and aspirations of Sierra Leoneans.

He said the document also seek to enhance the capacity of local communities to engage with an influence governance processes.

According to Minister Tondoneh, the project is to shift governance structures to be more localized and responsive to the specific contexts of communities as well as to develop and implement community led monitoring mechanisms that ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

The Deputy Minister also proposed that the project is realigned with the governance structure to devolve more power and resources to the local authorities and communities.