By Jariatu S. Bangura
Parliament has approved Abubakarr Sappy Forray Musa as Commissioner General of the National Lands Commission (NLC), along with five other nominees for key board positions in various institutions.
The approved nominees include, Hon. Solomon Bangalie – Board Member, Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), Ms. Ararat M. Bona – Board Member, Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), Andrew Emerson Musa – Board Member, National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed J. Bah – Member, Social Security Appellate Tribunal and Daniel Lamin Kamara – Board Member, Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC).
During the approval debate, Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara emphasized the critical importance of land management and reforms, calling for better coordination between the National Lands Commission and the Ministry of Lands.
“Land is a key issue, and those in charge must understand the challenges faced by citizens. Even as an MP, I have suffered for nearly 15 years trying to secure my land, only to have it taken and given to someone else,” he stated.
He urged the newly appointed Commissioner General to address such issues and implement effective reforms to protect citizens’ land rights.
Hon. Kamara also called on the SLRA board member to prioritize road infrastructure, noting that despite significant investments, many roads remain substandard. He encouraged the EDSA nominee to bring meaningful reforms to the institution upon assuming office.
Hon. Emerson Lamina stressed that the land sector requires strong leadership, given its significance across Sierra Leone. He reminded the Commissioner General that his oversight now extends to 119 chiefdoms and 16 political districts.
He also suggested revising both the National Lands Commission Act and Mining Laws to encourage joint ventures that support the Feed Salone project.
“We need credible investors to develop our roads and take Sierra Leone’s infrastructure to new heights,” he added.
Hon. Ben Alpha Sesay and Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo urged the nominees to drive change and improve governance in their respective institutions.
Hon. Kargbo further highlighted the increasing number of land-related court cases and stressed the need for preventive measures to regulate construction in high-risk areas.
With their appointments confirmed, the newly approved officials are expected to implement reforms that enhance land governance, infrastructure, and public services in Sierra Leone.
