Speaker of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas has issued a strong directive to all the newly formed Parliamentary Committee Chairpersons, urging them to immediately commence their oversight duties.

Speaking during a parliamentary session, on 13 January 2025, Hon. Thomas emphasized the importance of committees in ensuring accountability and effective governance.

He instructed committee chairpersons to draft and submit their oversight concepts to their respective leaders for vetting and for approval before proceeding with their activities.

“I urge all committees to do the necessary work. Draft your concepts for oversight, and once they are ready, send them to your leaders for vetting and approval. Oversight activities must commence immediately,” the Speaker stated.

This directive comes at a crucial time when Parliament is expected to strengthen its role in monitoring government activities, ensuring transparency, and holding public institutions accountable.

Parliamentary committees play vital role in scrutinizing government policies, budget expenditures, and service delivery.

The Speaker’s call signals the need for a more proactive approach in addressing national issues through legislative oversight.

With this renewed mandate, committee chairpersons are now expected to take swift action, ensuring that parliamentary oversight is not just a formality but an active mechanism for national development and good governance.