Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698844527759.pdf (Sierra Leone)
Parliament of Sierra Leone Parliament Building O.A.U Drive, Tower Hill Freetown Website: www.parliament.gov.sl SECOND SESSION OF THE FOURTH PARLIAMENT OF THE SECOND REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE FIFTH REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE ON PARLIAMENTARY VETTING OF PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS 1.
INTRODUCTION Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the Committee on Appointments and the Public Service, alive to its Constitutional duties, met on Monday, 14th April, 2014 and interviewed eight Presidential nominees for appointment as: i. ii.

iii.

Chairpersons, Board of Directors of various parastatals institutions; Deputy Commissioner, Anti Corruption Commission Member, Monument and Relics Commission.

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PROCEDURE The Committee strictly adhered to its established procedures throughout the deliberation.
The nominees were interviewed on their educational background, track records in pertinent work situations, declared assets, tax obligations and their vision for a successful and nationally productive tenure of office.

3.
FIFTH SITTING OF THE COMMITTEE ON MONDAY 14TH APRIL 2014 3:1 The following nominees were interviewed: i Dr. Max Ahmadu Sesay - Proposed Chairman, Public Service Commission Dr, Sesay has a wealth of professional experience resulting from a solid career history that spans the academic - seven years of university teaching and research experience; 10 years in the NGO sector at policy and senior management levels; and over four years in the statutory sector as the Head (Chief Registrar) of the National Registration Secretariat.
Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the African HIV Policy Network now the African Health Policy Network), which is the UK‟s only African organization that operates exclusively at policy level on public health issues.
1 Parliament of Sierra Leone Parliament Building O.A.U Drive, Tower Hill Freetown Website: www.parliament.gov.sl Dr. Sesay deposed that prior to his nomination as Chairman of the Public Service Commission; he has been the Chief Registrar of the National Registration Secretariat.

He prided himself to possess a wealth of experience that cuts across various sectors that would be of importance in his new position.
Answering to inquiring questions, Dr. Sesay referred to his track records in pertinent work situation saying, “when I picked up the National Registration Secretariat about five years ago, the institution was described as a punishment zone for recalcitrant Civil Servants.

My task was to transform it and make it a reputable institution.

Since then, I have not rested.

The National Registration Secretariat has in the last five years gone through some of the most tremendous transformation processes.
At the moment, it is on the verge of becoming an Authority except that the policy documents are still with Parliament.

We are now in the process of introducing a multi- purpose National Identity Card to get rid of all other National I.D.

Cards that exist in the system.

Under my auspices, the National Registration Secretariat has seen the greatest improvements ever.
It is this enthusiasm that I hope to take with me to the Public Service Commission to make a difference.” ii Mr. Sanusi Swaray Deen - Proposed Chairman –Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority` Sanusi Deen is an Agricultural Economist, specializing in agribusiness and agricultural financing.

He has extensive practical experience in corporate and project management.
His career experiences include university teaching in Agricultural finance and microeconomic theory, investment, banking, management of a multinational industries, fisheries project, administration of private sector business organizations and management of national microfinance projects.

He also specializes in the development of small and medium sized agricultural enterprises.
As consultant and later Senior Investment Executive and Head of the Agricultural Investments at the National Development Bank, he carried out numerous feasibility studies of agricultural, agro- industrial and small industrial projects, which were financed by the bank.

He represented the bank at international agricultural conferences and Seminars including annual meetings of the Investment Centre of the FAO.
Talking about the challenges that lie ahead of a new Authority like his, he said, “I believe that I can handle the challenges that lie ahead.

I have experience in handling situations similar to that.

For instance, when I was Senior Investment Officer at the National Development Bank, I was invited by the Hon.

S.I.

Koroma to consider the establishment of a National Fishing Company.

That was at a time when the Liberians who owned the Fishing Company wanted to sell out.
I represented the country in negotiating the purchase of the Liberian interest out of the existing company and went ahead to form a new company that was registered in Sierra Leone as the SIERRA Fishing Company which grew into a massive multi-national Fishing Company.

2 Parliament of Sierra Leone Parliament Building O.A.U Drive, Tower Hill Freetown Website: www.parliament.gov.sl Answering to further questions, he said, “I am currently a development consultant.
The work I do is to take on the responsibility of evaluating existing situations and finding out where the problems are, where the lapses are and prescribing solutions for those problems.

I am aware of the situation in the energy sector in this country.

My first duty would be to do a thorough situational analysis of what is going on, what are the problems and possible solutions.
There are best practices available that one could adopt and adapt to solve problem situation that are found in the energy sector of our country.

This is the kind of approach that I would adopt.” iii.
Mr. Ibrahim Yoffendeh Thorlu-Bangua - Proposed Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Mr. Thorlu Bangura has, since 1992 to date, been a Lecturer in Fourah Bay College and is currently the Acting Head of Department, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Fourah Bay College.

Reacting to the Committee, Mr. Thorlu Bangura admitted that his new assignment was a real challenge.
The two utilities, electricity and water, he said, were essential for development and for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

But with regard to what we have now, both utilities are poorly managed.

“We have problems in managing our resources.

Looking at the dynamics of water in the Western Area, Freetown has grown far beyond the resources that were set aside to provide water.

Guma Valley Dam can no longer provide adequate water supply for Freetown.
We need to go elsewhere to source water, we need to look at underground water or pump water into Freetown from other places.

We have to transform our minds from depending on the public sector to the private and community sectors to be able to provide quality water.

We have to change from believing that water is free to start paying for the service of providing quality water.

People have to pay their water tariffs.

Management of these facilities should go with payment of tariff.
Payment of electricity tariffs is quite easy with the introduction of the pre-paid meters.

Water is the greatest concern.” iv.

Mrs. Alice Maria Onomake - Proposed Board Chairman, SIERRATEL Mrs. Alice Onomake has, since 2002 to date, been the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the “Reliance Insurance Corporation” (SL) Limited.

Her duties involve: 1.

Formulation and implementation of strategic policy plans, operational policies and procedures and growth programmes of the company 2.
Monitoring of goals and targets for RITCORP‟s development plans 3 Parliament of Sierra Leone Parliament Building O.A.U Drive, Tower Hill Freetown Website: www.parliament.gov.sl Responding to probing question, Mrs. Onomake promised to use her wealth of accumulated experience to ensure that SIERRATEL takes its rightful place as a leading telecommunication company in Sierra Leone.
Mrs. Onomake prided herself to have been the Managing Director of Ritcorp, in the private sector for twelve years “and if you know Reliance, then you would know that it is now the leading Insurance Company in the country.
So I hope to draw on experiences gained from running my company for the success of SIERRATEL v. Mr. Shollay Davies - Proposed Deputy Commissioner, Anti-Corruption Commission Prior to his new appointment, Mr. Shollay Davies was Director of Public Education and External Outreach of the Commission.
The Deputy Commissioner designate was the first Director of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Secretariat in 2008 where he contributed immensely towards the initial roll out of the Strategy to the Public Sector.

He has had a tour of duty in almost every Department of the Commission, spanning a period of 12 years, wherein he represented the Commission at public fora and international conferences.
Reacting to inquiring questions, Mr. Davies said that he was gratified for his promotion from the position of Director to that of Deputy Commissioner particularly so when in the past, the position was an appointment from outside the Commission.

I consider it a challenge because it is a sensitive position considering the level of corruption in the country.
This could only mean that the holder of the position of Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission must be someone of proven ability and integrity.

Not only that but he must also ensure that that integrity is upheld and is in a position to act fairly in dealing with issues of corruption.

Mr. Davies promised to work to the best of his ability without fear or favour so as to do justice to all.

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Professor Joe A.D. Allie – Proposed Member, Monument &Relics Commission Professor Joe A.D. Alie is a Professor of History and has been, since 1985 to date, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone.

Professor Joe A.D. Alie has a long list of publications to his name.

Members of the Committee were generally happy to have a man of his standing on the Monument and Relics Commission.
It was generally hoped that with two professors of History, Professor Joe A.D. Allie and Professor Magbaily Fyle on the Monument and Relics Commission, much success would be attained.

4 Parliament of Sierra Leone Parliament Building O.A.U Drive, Tower Hill Freetown Website: www.parliament.gov.sl vii.
Mr. Alie Badara Forna -Proposed Chairman, National Pharmaceutical Procurement Unit From 1996 to date, Mr. Alie B. Forna has been the Executive Director of „Association for Rural Development‟ (ARD), a local NGO with overseas Partners.

His duties involves overall coordination of project activities, staff supervision, formulation of project proposals, implementation reports, monitoring and evaluation of projects, developing educational materials and participating in field research activities.
Acknowledging that Government is having problems in the procurement, storage and distribution of pharmaceuticals, Mr. Forna deposed that he was one of those who believed that the area of pharmaceuticals should not be limited to medical practitioners only.

“I believe that procurement, transportation, storage and distribution of drugs should have a wide dimension.
It has socio-political dimensions and I think if we are looking at things in a manner of life and death, then people like us should come to the centre stage, so that we can direct and provide oversight support to sensitive areas like procurement and distribution of pharmaceuticals.” Responding to further questions, he said, “I am a deliverer in policy frameworks.
I believe in dedicated personnel, whatever the approach, if they work within the right system, with the right policy framework, I think Sierra Leoneans can deliver.

If I become the chairman of this Board, I would have to bring in sound policies, processes and procedures that would make our personnel work.” viii.
DR. GEORGE E. TAYLOR-LEWIS – Proposed Chairman, Sierra Leone Electricity Generation and Transmission Company Dr. Taylor-Lewis is a retired Civil Servant now on a part-time job with Addax as Corporate Affairs Manager.

Dr. Taylor-Lewis has a wealth of local and international work experience in diverse fields of endeavor.
In 1987-2005 for instance, he worked for the African Development Bank as a Professional Veterinary Doctor and was subsequently promoted through the Bank‟s Managerial hierarchy starting from the position of Manager to that of Director.

Reacting to questions, he said “I know for a fact that the energy sector is a troubled sector.

It is one that has seen many qualified people come and go and it would seem that bringing sanity into the Sector will require some institutional arrangement.
Most of all, I think the discipline and planning have to be addressed.

Following on developments of the NPA over time, it seems that planning and discipline have been neglected.

The Sector is also beset by many other problems including wastage of power in transmission.” Mr. Taylor Lewis acknowledged that it was not going to be a one man‟s job.

“I would be working together with people who are already working in NPA.
We will have to reorganize NPA and hopefully the people who are there would be more focused and I will do my best to provide the 5 Parliament of Sierra Leone Parliament Building O.A.U Drive, Tower Hill Freetown Website: www.parliament.gov.sl required leadership that would help to attain the objectives for which the institution wa established.” RECOMMENDATIONS Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the Committee adjudged the following Presidential nominees to be suitably qualified for their proposed appointments and are recommended to the House for approval: i. Mr. Sanusi Swaray Deen - Chairman, Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority ii.
Mr. Ibrahim Y.Thorlu-Bangura – Chairman, Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission iii.

Mr. Alie Badara Forna- Chairman, National Pharmaceutical Procurement Unit iv.

Professor Joe A. D. Allie –Member, Monument and Relics Commission v. Dr. Max Ahmadu Sesay- Chairman, Public Service Commission vi.

Mrs. Alice Onomake – Chairman, Sierra Leone Telecommunication company Limited (SIERRATEL) vii.
Dr. George E. Taylor-Lewis- Chairman, Sierra Leone Electricity Generation and Transmission Company viii.

Mr. Shollay Davies – Deputy Commissioner, Anti- Corruption Commission Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the Fifth Report reflects the unanimous view of the Committee.

I therefore move that the Fifth Report of the Second Session of the Committee on Appointments and the Public Service be adopted by the House and that the recommendations contained therein be approved.

Hon.

Leonard S. Fofanah Ag.


Chairman.

6 Parliament of Sierra Leone Parliament Building O.A.U Drive, Tower Hill Freetown Website: www.parliament.gov.sl SECOND SESSION OF THE FOURTH PARLIAMENT OF THE SECOND REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE MINUTES OF THE FIFTH SITTING OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN COMMITTEE ROOM NO.1, PARLIAMENT BUILDING, ON MONDAY 14TH APRIL 2014 AT 11:00 A. M. 1.

Prayers - Members observed a moment of silent meditation.

2.
2.

Attendance 2.1 The following Members of the Committee were present.

i. Hon.

Leonard S. Fofanah - Ag.

Chairman ii.

Hon.

Chernor R. M. Bah iii.

Hon.

Alhaji Ansumana Jaia Kaikai iv.

Hon.

Mohamed Sidi Tunis v. Hon.

Amadu Kanu vi.

Hon.

Veronica Sesay vii.

Hon.

Benneh Bangura viii.

Hon.

E. K. Koedoyoma 2.2 The following Member of the Committee was absent: i. ii.

iii.

iv.

v. vi.

Hon.

Ibrahim Bundu Hon.

P. C. V.B.S.

Kebbie Hon.

Dr. Bernadette Lahai Hon.

Augustine B. Torto Hon.


Brimah Conteh Hon.

Mabinty Funna vii.

Hon.

Bliss Osho-Williams viii.

Hon.

Claude D. M. Kamanda 7 Parliament of Sierra Leone Parliament Building O.A.U Drive, Tower Hill Freetown Website: www.parliament.gov.sl 3.

PUBLIC HEARING - Hearing was open to the public and the press.

4.

Consideration of Presidential nominations for appointments listed against their names: 4:1 The following nominees were interviewed on oath: i. ii.

iii.
iii.

Mr. Sanusi Deen - Proposed Chairman, Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority Mr. Ibrahim Y.Thorlu-Bangura – Proposed Chairman, Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Mr. Alie Badara Forna- Proposed Chairman, National Pharmaceutical Procurement Unit iv.

Prof. Joe A. D. Allie –Proposed Member, Monument and Relics Commission v. Dr. Max Ahmadu Sesay- Proposed Chairman, Public Service Commission vi.
Mrs. Alice Onomake – Proposed Chairman, Sierra Leone Telecommunication company Limited (SIERRATEL) vii.

Dr. George E. Taylor-Lewis-Proposed Chairman, Sierra Leone Electricity Generation and Transmission Company viii.

Mr. Shollay Davies – Proposed Deputy Commissioner, Anti- Corruption Commission 5.

Closed Session 5.1 The Committee unanimously accepted the nomination of all the eight candidates interviewed The Committee rose at 3: 30 p.m. Director of Committees Peter J. Kulagbanda 8