John Kelly marah
At the event of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education Government weekly Press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Room on the 16th July,2024.
Chaired by Chernor Bah, the conference spotlighted key announcements, including the upcoming National Town Hall featuring President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the launch of the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024-2030 in Moyamba. Highlighting innovations such as the Sierra Leone Labour Market Information System and impactful policy reforms under Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray, the conference underscored the government’s proactive approach towards inclusive growth and societal progress.
Furthermore the according to the Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, introduced the Sierra Leone Labour Market Information System. This platform tracks employment data across formal and informal sectors, including migrant workers. It also facilitates citizen access to job opportunities by allowing CV uploads, supporting President Bio’s commitment to creating 500,000 jobs. Nexus to that Minister Swaray reported on the government’s review of work permit fees, highlighting an increase in revenue generated through revised fee structures. Providing statistics, he revealed that in 2022, the total work permit fees raised was NLe8,307,429, and 7,136,834 in 2023 but as a result of the review under his stewardship, NLe16,887,845 was raised this year and directly sent to the consolidated fund. He also discussed ongoing efforts with Immigration to digitize the residence and work permit process, aiming to streamline procedures and enhance transparency. Additionally, he outlined a policy initiative focusing on dignified and cost-effective labor migration, particularly to the Gulf States.
Minister Rahman Swaray disclosed that Sierra Leone is now a fully paid-up respected member of the International Labour Organization(ILO), emphasizing the benefits of training and workshops provided by the organization. He also highlighted plans to organize a Structured Social Dialogue to address challenges related to graduate unemployment, fostering collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions to meet contemporary skills demand
Minister Swaray informed the press about the progress of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, currently under parliamentary review. This legislation aims to update workplace safety regulations to address modern challenges effectively. Additionally, he announced the upcoming rollout of a Social Safety Net program, supported by the World Bank, targeting over 11,000 vulnerable individuals across various districts.
Chelcy Alma Heroe, Executive Member of the Sierra Leone Labor Congress, underscored the Congress’s role in advocating for workers’ rights, including improved wages, salary conditions, and workplace terms. Dr. James Edwin, Director General and Chairman of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Agency (NAMEA) highlighted the agency’s mandate to ensure accountability and transparency in national projects. He noted significant achievements in overseeing various infrastructure projects and enhancing public trust through rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes.
