Parliament Reviews Youth Bills and Sends Them to Legislative Committee for Further Examination

On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, the Parliament of Sierra Leone debated two significant Youth Bills and subsequently committed them to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny. The bills under consideration were:

1. The National Youth Service (Amendment) Act, 2024 – This bill seeks to amend the National Youth Service Act, 2016, and address related matters.
2. The National Youth Commission (Amendment) Act, 2024 – This bill aims to amend the National Youth Commission Act, 2009, and address related matters.

During the presentation of both bills, Minister of Youth Affairs Mohamed Orman Bangura highlighted the necessity for the proposed amendments. He emphasized how these changes would enhance the effectiveness of the existing Acts and better serve the youth of Sierra Leone.

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Youth Affairs, Hon. Abdul Latif Sesay, expressed his appreciation for both bills and requested that the House commit them to the Legislative Committee for further and thorough scrutiny. He emphasized the importance of detailed examination to ensure the amendments meet the needs of the youth.

In the rounding-up debate, Acting Opposition Leader Hon. Daniel Koroma stressed the importance of considering gender-related issues in the proposed amendments. He urged that these considerations be integrated to ensure equitable representation and inclusivity.

Concluding the debate, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma also endorsed the inclusion of female representation in the composition of the Acts. He highlighted the need to address age brackets in relation to the evolving dynamics of Sierra Leone and to pay particular attention to the youth sector.

The commitment of these bills to the Legislative Committee marks a critical step in ensuring that the amendments are thoroughly reviewed and that they adequately address the needs and aspirations of the youth in Sierra Leone.