His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio called for a renewed national conversation focused on the adoption of proportional representation in a historic speech to kick off the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic. Beyond parliamentary elections, this appeal is being made for its implementation in the executive branch and the larger public sector. The strength of the country lies in shared responsibility and collective leadership, according to President Bio, who underlined the need for reforms that advance unity, equity, and inclusion.
According to President Bio, “leaders entrusted with our nation’s future must continuously advocate for reforms that foster unity and inclusion.” “A renewed national conversation on implementing proportional representation is essential, not only for parliamentary elections but also for the executive and public sectors.” The Chamber of Parliament, which he referred to as the “beating heart of our democracy,” is where important decisions that affect homes, farms, schools, and marketplaces across the nation are made.
President Bio thanked Parliamentarians for putting the interests of the country ahead of party affiliations and expressed gratitude for the confidence that has been placed in leaders to govern with courage and integrity. During the previous legislative year, he recognised their efforts to stabilise the economy and increase opportunities for women and young people. The President emphasised the value of accountability in leadership and urged lawmakers to carefully examine the governance report that details the accomplishments of the administration.
President Bio emphasised the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) in his speech, which attempts to turn lofty objectives into observable results. Restoring public confidence in governmental institutions and increasing access to necessary services are the main goals of this plan. The government’s flagship program, Feed Salone, which has increased rice production by 8% and decreased imports by 13%, was a major topic of discussion during his speech. In addition to saving the nation $15 million, this initiative has caused rice prices to drop by more than 20%. In addition to improving post-harvest processing, the construction of three new rice mills is fortifying regional value chains.
President Bio praised the advancements in Sierra Leone’s human capital development, reaffirming his conviction that “no nation can rise above the quality of its people.” He mentioned that more than 20,000 teachers had been trained, with an emphasis on early-grade literacy and numeracy, and that more than 1,500 classrooms had been built. Exam fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and National Primary School Examination (NPSE) are still covered by the government. According to independent evaluations, students in Sierra Leone are currently outperforming their counterparts in some of the best educational systems in Africa.
Additionally, the President highlighted the $3.5 million Centre of Excellence for Automotive Training, a joint venture between UNIDO and Japan that offers certified training in 39 modules with a focus on empowering young women in technical fields. The hiring of more than 14,000 health workers, the doubling of medical school enrollments, and the advanced specialist training of more than 40 physicians have all been made possible by the 2 percent increase in domestic health spending that he also announced. The construction of the new Julius Maada Bio Paediatric Centre of Excellence in Lumley, which has 166 beds, improvements to regional and district hospitals, the deployment of ambulances throughout all 16 districts, and the installation of oxygen plants are all significant milestones in the health sector. Along with increased vaccination rates across the country, these initiatives have helped to reduce maternal and newborn deaths by an astounding 70%.
President Bio reiterated Sierra Leone’s unwavering dedication to diplomacy while simultaneously stating that the country is ready to legally defend its sovereignty in response to the ongoing Yenga dispute. He described his position as ECOWAS Chair as a source of pride for the country and a chance to lead regional projects centred on infrastructure development, trade, peacebuilding, and democratic transitions.
President Bio called on Parliament and the public to reject complacency and renew their commitment to the values of justice, fairness, and inclusion. He said, “Let us build a country where everyone in Sierra Leone can live with dignity, pride, and hope, where justice is not selective, and where opportunities are not limited to the privileged few.” “May our beloved Republic be blessed by the Almighty God. May God lead us as we work in this Parliament and across our nation. And may we consistently serve Sierra Leone with dignity, modesty, and unflinching honesty. This stirring speech set a positive tone for the upcoming legislative session and emphasised President Bio’s commitment to creating a united and equitable Sierra Leone.
