By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) convened an important briefing session for Sector Working Groups (SWGs) at the MoPED Conference Hall, focusing on enhancing development coordination to meet national targets. These technical bodies play a critical role in facilitating and coordinating development activities, prioritizing monitoring, accountability, and transparency to maximize the effectiveness of various initiatives.
In her opening remarks, Minister Kenyeh Barlay acknowledged the SWGs’ ongoing contributions within the framework of development cooperation between the Government and the U.S. She urged all sector groups to deepen their engagement to ensure effective implementation of development activities.
Minister Barlay highlighted the necessity of reshaping the SWGs for more proactive coordination, referencing recommendations from the last Development Partnership Committee (DEPAC) meeting. She emphasized the importance of aligning the SWGs with the government’s ‘Big Five Game Changers’ and the National Development Plan (2024-2030), advocating for a unified roadmap that would bolster monitoring mechanisms, accountability, and transparency within the groups.
Madam Abie Elizabeth Kamara, Director of the Development Assistance Coordinating Office at MoPED, provided a comprehensive overview of the current status of the SWGs. She stressed the need to streamline the number of SWGs and co-chairs based on extensive consultations with stakeholders, including various ministers.
Director Kamara pointed out key areas within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are crucial for human capital development, including agriculture, health, education, technology, infrastructure, private sector development, social protection, food security, climate change, governance, and democracy. She also mentioned that various institutions, such as NGOs, development partners, and ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), would be integrated to enhance the capacity and inclusivity of the SWGs.
Participants from various MDAs expressed appreciation for the dialogue session and called for more robust coordination efforts to align the SWGs with the Big Five Game Changers and the National Development Plan.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, urged all SWGs to reaffirm their commitment to achieving tangible development outcomes. She emphasized the need for their efforts to complement government initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development.
The session brought together key stakeholders, including MoPED officials, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Political Parties and Public Affairs, development partners, private sector representatives, and other government MDAs.
For more information, contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
