The Parliament of Sierra Leone, with support from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), on Tuesday, 1st July 2025, commenced a four-day Mid-Term Planning and Operations Retreat at Companero Hotel, Bureau Beach, along the Coastal Rural Peninsula.
All departments under the Parliamentary Service are actively participating in this strategic retreat aimed at collective reflection, operational strengthening, and strategic repositioning.
In her opening remarks, the Director General of Parliament, Madam Finda F. Fraser, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of mid-term reflection within the current strategic cycle (2021–2025). She highlighted that the retreat will assess parliamentary operations, resource utilization, and interdepartmental collaboration in order to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery to both Members of Parliament and the citizenry. “This retreat is about honest reflection, renewed commitment, and refining our frameworks to better serve the people of Sierra Leone,” she stated.
The opening ceremony was graced by Dr. Mamoud Tarawallie, Country Director of IDEA, who reaffirmed IDEA’s commitment to supporting the Parliament, particularly in areas of legislative process strengthening, gender inclusion, strategic planning, and capacity building. He commended the Parliament for creating space for reflection and planning, noting that such engagements are critical for institutional growth and public trust.
Also in attendance was Honorable Neneh Lebbie, Member of the Parliamentary Commission, who represented the Commission to better understand the successes and challenges of the Parliamentary Service and to ensure ongoing support for institutional reforms and service enhancement.
During the first day, departments presented key achievements, operational challenges, and strategic contributions to Parliament’s legislative mandate and institutional development.
This four-day retreat marks a crucial step in enhancing institutional effectiveness, fostering transparency, and aligning Parliament’s internal functions with national development priorities.
