By Sulaiman Jalloh

Sierra Leone’s Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas has directed all parliamentary committee chairpersons to immediately commence their oversight functions of government ministries, departments and agencies.

Hon. Thomas made the ruling during the 34th plenary sittings of Parliament on Thursday, February 13, 2025, after he announced names of chairpersons and members of parliamentary committees, emphasizing the importance of committees to ensuring accountability and effective governance for the progress of Sierra Leone.

Speaker Thomas however instructed committee chairpersons to draft and submit their oversight concepts to their respective leaders for vetting and approval before proceeding with their oversight 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 and officials accountable.

According to the Constitution of Sierra Leone, Members of Parliament should perform oversight functions to different government ministries, departments and agencies in the country.

Parliamentary oversight plays a vital role in scrutinizing government policies, budget expenditures, and service delivery. The Speaker’s call signals the need for a more proactive approach to addressing national issues through legislative oversight.

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