Lawmakers Advocate for Parliamentary Oversight of NaCSA
By Benjamin S Conteh
The Parliamentary spokesman in the Sixth Parliament, Hon. Umpha Gbesay Koroma, has called on the House to supervise the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) to ensure that funds coming into the country benefit the intended recipients.
In his submission, Hon. Koroma urged Parliament to prioritize farmers in the regions when allocating funds or grants. He emphasized the need to ensure that funds directly reach those in dire need.
Echoing similar concerns, the Chairman of the Finance Committee in Parliament, Hon. Amara Kaisamba, stated, “The problems are not with the programs but their implementation. As a Parliament, we want to ensure that those in need benefit from these funds.” He also highlighted the importance of rural market connectivity programs to foster community growth through adequate government support.
Hon. Koroma noted that extreme hardship in rural communities has led to significant youth migration, stressing the need for targeted efforts to encourage youth to return to their communities. He proposed involving influential figures from these areas to spearhead development initiatives.
Speaking on various agreements before the House, Hon. Dr. Umpha Koroma highlighted topics such as agriculture, climate change, and youth development. He urged the government to implement more programs aimed at youth employment and empowerment to curb rural-to-urban migration.
In his contribution, Deputy Opposition Leader 2, Hon. Daniel Koroma, commended the Minister of Finance for mediating between the government and its international partners. He stressed the importance of livestock in the “Feed Salone” initiative and called for increased agricultural productivity, specifically white meat livestock farming.
Hon. Bash Kamara from Bo District supported the agriculture-focused agreements, noting their potential to enhance food security and job creation. Similarly, Parliamentary Chairperson on Finance, Hon. Francis Amara Kai-Samba, lauded President Bio’s administration for securing these agreements. He underscored the importance of meeting benchmarks and ensuring proper fund utilization through parliamentary oversight.
Presenting the financing agreements, Deputy Minister of Finance Madam Kadiatu Alie outlined their components, including a $30 million grant under the Feed Salone initiative. She noted that these agreements aim to enhance livelihoods, create jobs, and build institutional capacity, contributing to Sierra Leone’s socioeconomic development.
