By Sheku Putka Kamara
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Ballay has officially launched the Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition at State Avenue, Tower Hill Freetown. The ceremony which took place on Thursday March 7th, 2024 attracted several stakeholders and dignitaries.
The call to order was done by the Commission’s Communication Officer, Jestina Manley who equally introduced the event’s chairperson, Col. Rtd. Brima Massaquoi, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Defence who remarked that the launch was welcoming, noting that it signifies transformation.
SLeCAA Commissioner, Col. Rtd. Binneh K. Conteh said that the event was historic and that the new Act No. 24 of 2023 is well placed, adding that the commission now has a wider mandate of controlling the proliferation of arms and ammunition. He said that they are also now positioned to mark and destroy weapons and to efficiently train personnel. He noted that the reviewed legislation therefore makes every sense and that it was a move in the right direction. Mr. Conteh stated that his commission has also completed processes of the Arms Trade Treaty and that at regional level, Sierra Leone stands very proud to have faithfully submitted its annual report of 2023. He said however that even with the numerous success stories, there is need to uplift the headquarters of the commission, stating that relocating to a more decent structure will be a step in the right direction.
Chairman of the SLeCAA Advisory Committee, Com. Millar said that he was delighted for the opportunity, adding that as committee members, they had closely been following and guiding the entire process. He commended the commissioner and staff, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Law Officers’ Department and Parliament for the harmonization which he said has now brought about renewed vigour and enthusiasm at the commission.
Delivering the keynote, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Ballay said that she was making the statement with esteemed pride and pleasure. She noted that the new act and mandate specify a historic milestone which could aid in arms control and the promotion of peace and stability. She said that Sierra Leone now stands at a safer place in the Mano River Union, stating that it was pleasurable that the country is considered as a founding force to reckon with. She said that the commission is now poised to prevent the illicit trading of arms, citing numerous other benefits that come with controlling arms. She said that such best practices should be promoted because they have the propensity to promote national security etc. She made reference to the coordination of relevant stakeholders, adding that such implementation of vigorous policy mechanisms can promote the respect for human rights and the aiding of stronger partnerships and collaborations.
Before the unveiling of the new signage bearing the new name, there was an educative skit performance by the drama group, Freetown Players (‘Freetong’ Players).
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, March 11th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
