Bo District Council Hall, 26 October 2024 

Evelyn Konya Turay, representing the Women’s Forum Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the unwavering support of Bo District’s women for the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP), highlighting the crucial role women play in the district’s progress. She emphasized that the success of the MTNDP hinges on the active involvement of women at all levels—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces. “The women of Bo District fully endorse this National Development Plan and are committed to ensuring its success. Whatever development initiatives come from it, we will support them wholeheartedly. Women are the backbone of our society, and through this plan, we have a unique opportunity to uplift our families and contribute to national growth,” she said.

Turay stressed that women’s empowerment is central to achieving the plan’s goals, as they are vital contributors to areas such as agriculture, education, and healthcare. By engaging women in these key sectors, the MTNDP will not only foster economic development but also ensure that the benefits reach every household in Bo District.

The popularization of the MTNDP reached another significant milestone as the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) held its third district-level meeting in Bo to promote ownership and participation in the plan. In attendance were representatives from various sectors, including the Paramount Chief of Bo District, members of Parliament, civil society groups, women’s organizations, and youth leaders.

Paramount Chief Mohamed Sombe in his welcome statement, underscored the importance of development starting at the household level, scaling up to the community and district. “Planning begins in our homes, and when done effectively, it leads to a well-organized community and, ultimately, national development. This is why we are all part of this process today—to contribute to Sierra Leone’s growth,” he said.

District Council Chairman Victor Korseh Hindowa praised the MTNDP as essential to Bo’s long-term development, urging all participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the plan’s goals. “This is more than just a promotional event. It is a chance for us to engage with and internalize the national development agenda that will drive Sierra Leone forward over the next six years,” Hindowa remarked, highlighting the need for synergy between the national and district plans.

The Deputy Mayor of Bo District, Her Worship Hawa Campbell, emphasized the pivotal role of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024–2030 in shaping the Council Development Plan, ensuring all identified needs of Bo District are fully integrated. “The MTNDP has shaped the Council Development Plan, ensuring that all identified needs are fully integrated. This alignment strengthens our work to deliver development outcomes to our communities,” she noted, affirming the collaborative efforts between the Bo District Council and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED).

Deputy Mayor Campbell highlighted that needs assessments conducted across various communities in the district have been seamlessly integrated into both the MTNDP and the local development plan. “Our local priorities align with the national agenda, particularly through the ‘big five game changers’—key areas that will shape the country’s future,” she added, citing sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment, and infrastructure as critical to Bo District’s advancement.

Local voices, including those of women and youth leaders, were equally emphatic in their support of the plan. Youth leader Ernestine Bangura also expressed her gratitude to MoPED for including the youth in the popularization of the MTNDP, noting the importance of empowering the younger generation. “The youth are the future leaders of this nation, and we are grateful that the plan recognizes our role. We stand ready to contribute to Sierra Leone’s progress,” she said.

Maria Sefoi, a representative of the persons with disabilities (PWD) community, stressed the importance of inclusive development. “We are honored to be part of this process, ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard in national decision-making,” Sefoi said, emphasizing the need for inclusive participation in shaping the district’s future.

In her keynote address, Hon. Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, commended the people of Bo for their engagement with the MTNDP and reiterated the plan’s alignment with the district’s development priorities. “Bo District has been very clear about its needs, and I am pleased to say that all of those needs have been integrated into the MTNDP,” Minister Barlay said.

She outlined Bo District’s key priorities under the five pillars of the ‘big five game changers.’ These include establishing agricultural development banks to provide increased access to financing for local farmers, strengthening healthcare delivery services to improve health outcomes, creating opportunities for skills training and promoting mechanized farming to empower youth, and prioritizing the construction of main and feeder roads to enhance infrastructure development. Additionally, ensuring the public sector is equipped with professional staff to improve service delivery is a central focus of the plan.

Minister Barlay affirmed that the Ministry, alongside the District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC), will ensure that Bo District’s priorities are realized through structured collaboration. “Our success depends on working together, and the DDCC will be the platform through which we continue to meet, plan, and implement the priorities outlined in the MTNDP,” she said.

In closing, Minister Barlay expressed her confidence in Bo District’s future. “Bo District is on the right path. Together, we will achieve the goals set out in the MTNDP, and the central government stands ready to provide the necessary support,” she concluded.

Bo District is poised to be a key player in Sierra Leone’s development journey, with its priorities clearly defined and integrated into the national framework, ensuring the district’s growth is both inclusive and sustainable.

For further information, please contact Alfred Kabia on +23279174027 or visit the Ministry’s official social media handles: Twitter-@moped2024, on Facebook and website: Moped.gov.sl