Governance Processes in Sierra Leone 1799-2014

About the Book

Governance Processes in Sierra Leone from 1799–2014 is one of the governance series, which has been put together over the years to help not only postgraduate students at various universities in Sierra Leone but also people who are interested in knowing about the decentralisation process. It critically examines important issues in local government in Sierra Leone, starting from the colonial period and covering the post-independence era, the process of decentralisation of local governance in 2004, and the present. The book starts with the concept of good governance because of its importance in decentralisation and the various features that characterise it. It is followed by a literature review on decentralisation in the developing countries. What should be the proper role of the parliament of Sierra Leone, as the supreme organ of the state, has been given much prominence in this book. Parliament’s role to ensure that its activities are primarily focused on legislating pro-poor policies and that the creation of a solid foundation for socio-economic and political development through coalition building is highlighted. The book also contains the reintroduction of district officers into the decentralisation architecture in Sierra Leone. The significance of decentralisation, its achievements so far, its challenges, and the way forward is extensively examined.

About the Author

Abubakar Hassan Kargbo is currently the chairman of the National Commission for Democracy. He lectured at the School of Social Sciences, Njala University, Bo Campus in Sierra Leone. Prior to his joining Njala University, he taught international relations, as well as ancient and medieval political thought, at Fourah Bay College University of Sierra Leone. He also taught international economic relations, development studies, and government at Milton Margai College of Education and Technology. Dr Abubakar Kargbo completed his doctorate in jurisprudence, international law, and organisation in 1977 at Charles University’s Law Faculty in Prague, Czech Republic. Prior to receiving his doctorate, Dr Kargbo received his master’s degree in international relations and sat to the first state examination from the same university in 1973. Dr Kargbo is a broadcaster, researcher, writer, and consultant. He was the coordinator of the core team that put together the ‘Vision 2025’ document for Sierra Leone. He has presented numerous papers at conferences and workshops on topics on the media and governance, trade union issues, electoral systems, globalization and the third world, conflict, and development. He is also the chairman of the Board Campaign for Good Governance and NGO in Sierra Leone, and he was a commissioner of the Independent Media Commission.