By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter
Accra, Ghana – Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown City chaired an influential panel discussion titled “Political Party Development: Building Partnerships with Think Tanks and Academia” at the All African Political Parties Summit. This significant conference aimed at fostering unity among political leaders across the continent.
The event featured contributions from Amb Alhaji Osman Foday Yansaneh, Acting National Chairman of the All People’s Congress (APC), who participated in a preceding panel focused on “Political Parties and National Development Planning.”
In her opening remarks, Aki-Sawyerr underscored the critical role of collaboration among political parties, academic institutions, and think tanks in promoting sustainable development. The summit attracted delegates from over 30 African nations, providing a vital platform for the exchange of ideas and strategies.
Key challenges affecting political parties were addressed during the discussions, including the diminishing democratic space for opposition, the pressing need for enhanced inclusion of women and youth in governance, and transparency issues. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the importance of tackling these challenges to improve democratic practices and governance not only in Sierra Leone but across the continent.
As the conference unfolds over the next two days, Aki-Sawyerr reiterated her dedication to fostering dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders involved in national development.
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