On Tuesday, 25th July 2023, Mohamed Bangura, an esteemed Member of Parliament representing the Karene district and a member of the All People's Party, delivered a powerful address in the parliamentary chamber. In his speech, Mr. Bangura emphasized that 'Party Politics is over,' stressing that economic hardships affect all citizens regardless of their political affiliations, be it supporters of the APC or SLPP.
Mr. Bangura's address took place during the Parliamentary approval of the first set of presidential appointees, which included key positions such as the Minister of Finance, Trade and Industry, Foreign Affairs, Energy, and Internal Affairs.
President Julius Maada Bio's vision for the next five years, termed the "Big Five," centers around addressing urgent citizen priorities in food security, human capital development, youth employment, public service revamping, and infrastructure enhancement. The success of President Bio's second term largely depends on critical ministries like Finance, Trade and Industry, Energy, and Agriculture.
Though some of the appointees are new to their roles, they all recognize the urgent need to revitalize the economy by implementing measures aligned with the government's priorities.
The reappointment of Energy Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay and his deputy, Dr. Eldred Taylor, indicates President Bio's commitment to continuing ongoing energy projects in the country. Recognizing the pivotal role of energy in industrialization, the Energy Ministry must prioritize ensuring a steady electricity supply to facilitate the growth of businesses and manufacturing industries.
The newly appointed Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Sesay, widely known as Tex, is renowned for his exceptional performance and dedication to service. He takes on his role at a time when there is a lack of monitoring and enforcement of government policies in the sector. Addressing this issue requires immediate action, with the summoning of all agencies under the ministry's supervision to discuss robust measures to tackle challenges effectively.
The Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, brings a strong financial background to his role, making him well-suited to lead the ministry. Stabilizing the prices of essential commodities is a critical imperative. Despite previous interventions, challenges have hindered the desired impact, but with his understanding of these issues, Mr. Bangura aims to find effective solutions during his tenure.
In the realm of Agriculture, the government is launching the 'Feed Salone' initiative to reduce the annual $300 million spent on rice imports. However, currency sourcing difficulties and global shocks have significantly impacted the economy. The momentum around the Tormabum rice project has dwindled, and agricultural projects have not yielded the expected results. It is now crucial for all Ministries and Departments to harmonize their policies, work together, and produce results that positively impact the well-being of the country's citizens.
The first 100 days of the new government's tenure are anticipated to be challenging. However, with dedication, cooperation, and a focus on the nation's priorities, positive changes can be achieved for the benefit of all citizens.