Open Government Director Khadija Sesay in U.S. to plan Town meeting during UN General Assembly
25th August 2010 · 0 Comments
To demonstrate to all and sundry how democratic governance has taken roots in the new Sierra Leone under the leadership of President Ernest Koroma, the government of Sierra Leone is planning to hold a session of its Open Government Initiative in New York during the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
The newly-appointed Director of the Open Government Initiative ( OGI ), Khadija Sesay, is in the United States to organize an OGI Town Meeting in New York while President Koroma is in the U.S. to attend the General Assembly. If all goes well, the meeting will take place at Columbia University . Unlike other town meetings held by the President since he came to power in 2007, this one will have an added significance because it is being organized by the OGI .
Talking to COCORIOKO yesterday, Ms. Sesay said that the government was bringing its open government program to Sierra Leoneans in the United States to promote transparent and accountable governance . Sierra Leoneans in America, she said, are being given the opportunity to dialogue with the President and his ministers in a free and open atmosphere where the government will respond to questions about day-to-day concerns about governance in Sierra Leone.
Since her arrival, the OGI Director has held consultations with Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the U.S, His Excellency Bockarie Kortu Stevens. She has also contacted officials of the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, including the Head of Chancery , Mrs. Margaret Jah-Matturi ; the Minister Plenipotentiary , Leeroy Wilfred Kabs-Kanu and Counselor Sullay-Mannah Kpukumu . UN Permanent Representative , H.E.Shekou Touray has travelled out of the country to attend an official engagement in Australia.
We will bring you more information on the OGI Session planned for the U.S.
WHAT IS THE OPEN GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE ?
Open Government Initiative
Project Background
The focus of the Open Government Initiative ( OGI) project is to increase accountability and transparency of the three branches of government (Executive, Parliament and Judiciary) by enhancing the visibility of these institutions, and fostering a two-way communications. It seeks to bring the government and the people into closer kinship by piloting direct/interpersonal and mass media communication to promote open government and dialogue within governance processes.
The Presidency, relevant Ministers, Members of Parliament and the Judiciary visit districts, throughout Sierra Leone to have face to face discussions with ordinary Sierra Leoneans about day to day challenges, such as agriculture, stable energy supply, promotion of girl’s education, employment of youth, improvement of health, education, prison and police facilities. People ask any questions and the Government representatives are required to reply, as well as utilize the voices of the people into policy development.
Project Objectives
Open Government Initiative project aims to enhance accountability and transparency of the three key state institutions – parliament, executive, and judiciary – by opening up debate in these institutions and fostering a dialogue with the general public using a mix of electronic and traditional media.
OGI aims to bring elected and appointed officials to account for actions taken on the public’s behalf and to enable the Government feel the pulse of the people and better understand development needs and priorities.
The project also provides the government an opportunity to receive feedback on its performances. Overall, it is hoped a more people-centered governance will lead to a deepening of democracy and trust in the governance authorities.
Project Outcomes
Executive branch of Government’s strategy and actions regularly communicated and discussed with the general public
Improved dialogue between Members of Parliament and their constituents
Increased public knowledge of courts
PHOTO : KHADIJA SESAY
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