On Wednesday, 2nd April 2025, the Office of the Law Clerk, led by Director Abdul Rahim Sowe, presented the First Session Report of the Sixth Parliament to the Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas.

The presentation, held at the Speaker’s office in the Sierra Leone Parliament, was attended by the Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Param Umar Tarawally.

Director Sowe began by explaining that the report covered the Office of the Law Clerk’s work throughout the First Session of the Sixth Parliament, which ran from 3rd August 2023 to 6th August 2024. He shared that the report reflects the Office’s role in legislative processes, including the scrutiny of bills, constitutional instruments, statutory instruments, treaties, and conventions ratified by Parliament.

In his presentation, Director Sowe reassured the Speaker and Clerk of Parliament that the Office of the Law Clerk was deeply involved in supporting the Legislative Committee and the Committee of the Whole House in their law-making functions. He stressed that this collaboration is vital to ensuring that the legislative process remains in service of the people of Sierra Leone.

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Additionally, Director Sowe mentioned that the report covers a wide range of activities, including institutional and administrative tasks as well as other duties assigned to the Office by the leadership of Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament, or the Director General of Parliament. He explained that the document serves as a comprehensive record of the Office’s work, training sessions, engagements, and collaborations during the review period.

Director Sowe also noted that the report addresses challenges and identifies areas for improvement, offering recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Office’s services. His goal is to further the Office’s contributions to Parliament and enhance the overall function of the legislative body in Sierra Leone.

Reflecting on the establishment of the Office of the Law Clerk, Director Sowe recalled that the office was created under Section 30 of the new Parliament Act in 2023, which reviewed the Parliamentary Service Act, 2007. As part of the Parliamentary Service, the Office plays a crucial role in offering legal advice, conducting legislative research, and working with the Law Officers’ Department and other legal entities.

In his closing remarks, Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas expressed his gratitude for the efforts of Director Sowe and the team at the Office of the Law Clerk. He assured them of the continued support of the Parliamentary leadership to ensure that the Office can function effectively and contribute to the smooth running of Parliament.

The presentation served as an important update on the activities and contributions of the Office of the Law Clerk, demonstrating its role in supporting the legislative functions of Parliament and its continued efforts to enhance the law-making process in Sierra Leone.