August 19, 2016 By Mohamed Massaquoi
Vice President Victor Bockarie Foah is expected to give certificates to members of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Steering Committee in recognition of their commitment in propagating the work of the OGP process across Sierra Leone and beyond.
This occasion would be held today at the Credential Hall, State House where 34 individuals both from civil society and government departments would receive certificates as Steering Committee members for diligently working with the OGI and the OGP process over the past three years.
The OGP in Sierra Leone has thrived on a highly consultative process inclusive of religious and traditional leaders, Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAS), Civil Society, the media and community groups.
Director of OGI/OGP, Madam Khadija Sesay said Sierra Leone’s road to the OGP membership started with President Ernest Koroma announcing in February, 2014 that the Open Government Initiative (OGI) and the Millennium Challenge Coordinating Unit (MCCU) would be the twin coordinating agencies of the OGP process.
She said a group of 17 government and 17 Civil Society Organizations formed the Steering Committee with the initial task of developing the country’s National Action Plan, adding that she was pleased with the level of commitment by the government to have created an enabling environment to work alongside civil society and the media to develop the first and second national action plan.
“The OGP process is no longer about government improving communications with Civil Society, but Civil Society and Government working together and stimulating dialogue and instituting reforms. The engagement has now transformed the views of civil society on the operations of government,” she concluded.