After the General Elections in September 2007, SLDN's Steering Committee developed a list of recommendations to the new Government of Sierra Leone. This document was kindly present by High Commissioner to the UK, Mr Melvin Chalobah to the President, His Excellency Mr Ernest Bai Koroma for his consideration.

The recommendations (which have now been developed into one page implementation documents) are as follows:


Sierra Leone: The Regeneration of our Nation
To: The government of Sierra Leone
 From: Representatives of the Sierra Leone Diaspora
Subject: The reconstruction of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Date: 28th September 2007
cc: Sierra Leone Diaspora organizations/ Sierra Leone media houses/ Embassies/ NGOs

Unity, Freedom and justice

This document is intended as a memo to the newly elected government of Sierra Leone. The sons and daughters of Sierra Leone living in the Diaspora present it with humility. We hope that this document shows that even when we are far away from home, we still have the love of our country in our hearts and at the forefront of our thoughts. These recommendations are based on years of consultations with various members of the Diaspora and Friends.
We have demonstrated to the world that we are democratic but we know that democracy will not quench our thirst, nor sate our hunger. Now is the time for action, not words. Although we have chosen not to dwell on infrastructural development (roads, electricity, water and sanitation), it is worth mentioning briefly at this juncture, as a point of concern; as without it, none of our proposals can be sustained.
These are a few of the policies that we believe should be enacted with alacrity to get our country back on its feet:

 CIVIL SERVICE REFORM – a root-and-branch reform of the civil service is needed. This is to include a proper, structured training and annual assessment regime for all civil servants. Independent scrutiny boards to be set up for this purpose (possibly run by IPAM, for example).

SCRUTINY OF ALL GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS - all contracts awarded
by the previous government are to be scrutinised; not in a vindictive way but to
ensure that the contracts have been signed in the country’s best interests.

ESTABLISH A MINISTRY FOR THE DIASPORA – to link up with Sierra Leone
Diaspora organizations offering to contribute to the reconstruction of our country. The linking could be done via the relevant Embassies and High Commissions. The minister will be responsible for receiving submissions from the Diaspora and seek to engage the Diaspora to actively engage in reconstruction through direct involvement and investment.

 HOLD MEETINGS WITH CEO’s OF ALL EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES – all the mining companies and individuals should be made to pledge to contribute more to developing the infrastructure of the local communities from which they extract their minerals. This development should be preceded by the submission of viable proposals to ensure cohesion and prevent replication of project(s). Such development will be monitored and evaluated by independent bodies to ensure sustainability. 

FORM DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS (DRA) – each district should have a redevelopment plan drawn up to address the needs of that particular district. Each DRA should consist of public and private sector representatives as well as civil society representatives, who will be involved in drawing up district redevelopment plans. Funding for such development can be sought from within the Sierra Leonean Diaspora as well as  from available international funding schemes.

DISTRICT HEALTH CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE – each district should have a major, well-equipped hospital that will serve as a centre of excellence. Contact the major health equipment manufacturers to donate equipment as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO). Medical and supporting Staff must be trained thoroughly to ensure sustainability of its status of 'excellence'. Such training can be provided by utilising the proposal set out below.

"GIVING SOMETHING BACK SCHEME” - PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERS APPEAL – Issue an international appeal to Sierra Leonean doctors, nurses and engineers (and others) asking them to volunteer to work in Sierra Leone for a few weeks every year. The Ministry will also be responsible for working with the Diaspora towards the creation of incentive packages, thus encouraging members of the Diaspora from much needed professions to return home and contribute effectively and sustainably towards Sierra Leone's development.

LAND REFORM – tackle land reform to open all areas of the country to investment and development.

 IT STRATEGY – Contact all major PC/Laptop manufacturers to donate equipment for schools and universities. Sierra Leone is in danger of being left behind in the IT revolution.

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION – source and groom talented technologists so that in the future, they can make positive contributions to Sierra Leone’s technological development, and ensuring that our nation produces skilled individuals to match global needs and trends.

SPORTS – Establish contact with all major sporting goods manufacturers (Adidas/Puma/Nike) to donate equipment for our schools. Contact the governments of China, Korea and the European Union to assist in building sports stadia across the country (one per district) that will serve as a multi-faceted meeting place for the regional sportsmen and women. Each stadium should be designed to cater for athletics and football. Contact FIFA, the IAAF to second coaches to the country for 12 – 18 month contracts to train our own local coaches.

 PEOPLE’S CONSULTATION FORUMS – establish monthly forums to be chaired by a different minister each month, where they will face questions from the public. These should be broadcast on the radio and should rotate so that all districts will get a chance to act as hosts.

 REVAMP OF EMBASSIES AND HIGH COMMISSIONS – ensure that all our missions abroad have the most up-to-date information and brochures on tourism in the country. Insist that heads of mission meet regularly with their countrymen and women on a regular basis.

 ANNUAL NATIONAL SCHOOLS ESSAY COMPETITION – with the theme “rebuilding our country”. This should be open to all secondary school pupils and could be sponsored by the telecommunications companies.

ANTI-CORRUPTION – strengthen the ACC. Guarantee anonymity for whistleblowers who expose corrupt officials.

 MONTHLY MINISTERIAL PROGRES REPORTS – each ministry should publish monthly reports on progress with their plans. These should be made available free of charge to the public as well as announced on local radio in local languages – short and snappy, nothing too long drawn-out.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT – enact an FOI Act that would allow citizens to scrutinize government tenders and contracts awarded. This list is not intended to be exhaustive but merely a good place to start. We, as members of the Diaspora will work to complement the work of the Government of Sierra Leone in developing our beloved nation.