The Government of Sierra Leone has re-launched its EITI process in Freetown on the 20 July 2011. The key stakeholders signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the EITI Multi-stakeholder group and published the 2011-12 EITI work plan.
At the launch EITI Champion and State House Chief of Staff, Dr Kaifala Marah said it was only through partnership that Sierra Leoneans can benefit from the country's natural resources, especially as the EITI seeks to build a culture of corporate accountability and improving transparency in government budget practices by empowering citizens to hold their government to account.
Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Ignosi Koroma said the launching of the work plan demonstrated the government's commitment in ensuring the growth and development of Sierra Leone.
The government announced the intention to include fisheries and oil and gas in future EITI reporting. Dr Marah, also announced that contracts signed with mining companies will be published online on the SLEITI website, making it one of the first countries to publish such contracts.
Sierra Leone's first EITI report, published March 2010, showed that mining companies reported having paid US$7.7mn in 2006 and US$10.6mn in 2007. Government entities reported having received US$7.2mn in 2006 and US$10.2mn in 2007. Sierra Leone is preparing for its second reconciliation report due to be published in December 2011.
For further information about EITI implementation in Sierra Leone, visit the Sierra Leone page on the EITI website or contact Regional Director Francisco Paris at the EITI International Secretariat.
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