Magburaka host ECOWAS parliamentarians

Magburaka, Feb. 26 (SLENA) – Honorable Members of the Sierra Leone Parliament in the ECOWAS parliament last weekend organized a one day sensitization programme on the ECOWAS activities and a quiz competition which was held in Magburaka town, Tonkolli District.  (Photo: Deputy Speaker making a statement)

Speaking at the Magburaka town hall, the leader of the delegation, Hon Chernor R M Bah who is also Deputy Speaker of Parliament, spoke about the benefits member states can gain from the ECOWAS Parliament, which amongst many others is the ECOWAS passport which accords citizens of ECOWAS free movement within the sub region.

Speaking about trade liberalization that has existed for many years amongst ECOWAS member states, Hon. Chernor Bah observed that over the years Sierra Leoneans had limited knowledge about the ECOWAS parliament and its functions. This, he said, was reason why Sierra Leone did not derive much benefit from organization generally and the ECOWAS parliament in particularly.

He said as MPs representing Sierra Leone in the ECOWAS parliament they deemed it fit to educate Sierra Leoneans on the activities of the region’s parliament through educational institutions such as schools. “Reason being they that they are the easiest channel through which information would be disseminated quickly and effectively to the rest of citizenry,” he added, stressing that one major benefit Sierra Leoneans stand to gain as ECOWAS members and as producers and manufacturers is the access to a larger market and good trade relations.

Also speaking on the occasion, Hon. Paramount Chief Kebbie of Sahn Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun District, highlighted the processes and procedures of the ECOWAS parliament in which he said Sierra Leone has five seats.

Another member of the ECOWAS parliament, Hon. Mabinty Fornah of constituency 65 in the Tonkolili district welcomed the students’ participation in the sensitization programme, saying it will help them generate interest in ECOWAS and its parliament.

Six schools in the Tonkolili district took part in the quiz competition.

Present among many other dignitaries were the Member of Parliament of constituency 59, Hon Hassan Sesay, the Chief Education Officer, the Tonkolili District Officer, his assistant, the resident magistrate, principals and their teachers.

SB/HOP/SLENA

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