DACO holds Presidential DEPAC meeting

Freetown, Feb 10 (SLENA) – The Donor Aid Coordinating Office (DACO) in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED) last Tuesday 4^th February 2014 held Presidential Development Partnership Committee (DEPAC) meeting at State House in Freetown.

Welcoming participants to the meeting, the President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma, thanked his Co-Chairs and the Minister of Finance and Economic development for having successfully chaired the regular DEPAC meetings in 2013, stating that during the last presidential DEPAC meeting they underscored the need for peaceful elections in 2012 while at the same time ensuring that the government machinery continues to function while campaign activities lasted.

The President was proud to note that they were able to achieve both objectives which, according to him, was a manifestation of how much Sierra Leone has matured in democracy, a testament of the strengthen of their partnership and an indicator of their successes which could be scored when support is coordinated, relevant and aligned to the aspirations of the people.

While applauding donor partners who coordinated support for the elections through the basket fund, he following the conduct of elections his government continued its actions on sustainable development though what he referred to as demonstrating unshakeable commitment to building roads, expanding access to water, attracting job creating investments and subsidizing healthcare and tuition.

This was achieved without its corresponding challenges, he said, and recalled that in July 2013 he launched the Agenda for Prosperity, an agenda firmly rooted in the aspiration of the wellbeing, prosperity, dignity and security for the people of Sierra Leone in a tolerant and democratic nation.

He explained that the Agenda for Prosperity aims at laying the foundation for Sierra Leone’s march to becoming a middle-income country, stressing that together with their partners and everybody on board, the goals set in the agenda will be achievable.

The President concluded by stating that 2014 marks the start of a fuller and more effective implementation of the Agenda for Prosperity and our transformation and march towards becoming a middle income nation.

Other speakers at meeting included the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Dr Khelfala Marah, DfID’s Country representative, Dr Phil Evans, Head of European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone, Peter Versteeg, and the Executive Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to Sierra Leone, Jens Anders Toyberg Frandzen who lauded the efforts Sierra Leone is making in post-conflict development, and assured of UN’s continued support to the A4P improvement.

World Bank Manager, Ato Brown, commended government for the rapid progress made so far, which has made it one of the fastest growing economics in the world. He further stated that Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions have taken firm root and provide a solid foundation for ensuring transparency, accountability inclusiveness, justice and the rule of law.

HB/MoFED/SLENA

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