For the first time in Sierra Leone a policy think tank called the Institute of Public Policy Analysis has been established.
An IPPA-SL press release dated 28th June and signed by Dr. Michael Kargbo(photo) the head of Research and Deputy Executive Director states that the locally registered public policy think tank is an independent body set up with the specific objective of undertaking policy relevant research and providing advice to, or influencing policy makers and other interested bodies on matters of public policy.
IPPA-SL, the release went on, has been established against the backdrop of national yearning for an "apolitical institution" to influence public policy as well as "bring and sustain pressure" on the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government by constantly bringing the latter to the attention of media and wider publics.
Full text of the press release below:
IPPA Sierra Leone
PRESS RELEASE
28 June 2006
Sierra Leone’s First Public Policy Think Tank is Born
We are pleased to announce the establishment of Sierra Leone’s first ever locally registered public policy think tank - the Institute of Public Policy Analysis - Sierra Leone (IPPA-SL). IPPA-SL is an independent body established with the specific objective of undertaking policy relevant research and providing advice to, or influencing, policymakers and other interested bodies on matters of public policy.
IPPA-SL seeks to inform the process of transforming Sierra Leone into a well governed, stable, democratic, healthy, responsible and accountable society, with appreciable levels of socio-economic development and a well-informed citizenry.
IPPA-SL has been established against the backdrop of national yearning for an apolitical institution to influence public policy as well as bring and sustain pressure on the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government by constantly bringing the latter to the attention of media and wider publics.
Our organisation will ensure there is a relentless focus on public policy so that positive social, economic and political changes are not easily reversed. This is important in the context of a post-war Sierra Leone, where the process of social transformation is leading to the growth and consolidation of democratic institutions and a vibrant civil society. There is need to maintain the huge internal and external interest in state reconstruction, institutional reform and capacity building.
Dr Max Sesay, the first Executive Director of IPPA-SL, said:
IPPA-SL will play the role of a catalyst in the reform process in Sierra Leone and ensure long-term sustainability, which is in the interest of all stakeholders - donor governments and institutions, reformist economic forces, state functionaries, NGOs, academics and the media. IPPA-SL will fill the vacuum created by the absence in Sierra Leone of a culture of rigorous research, analysis and debate, all of which have led to a weak public policy environment.
IPPA-SL was registered in Sierra Leone in March 2006 as a non-profit company limited by guarantee and governed by a Board of independently minded trustees with a wide range of experience and expertise, and drawn from various walks of life.
ENDS ...
NOTES
1. IPPA-SL is not, and shall not, be affiliated with any political party, business, trade union, academic institution or interest group.
2. IPPA-SL will accept funding from various sources, but will not compromise its independence and integrity under any circumstances.
3. IPPA-SL aims to advance rights-based social justice and sustainable development by advocating for progressive social reform.
4. IPPA-SL believes in independent and rigorous research, and will engage the services of researchers as consultants based on their track record and expertise without discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, sex, religion and/or country of residence.
5. In addition to research, IPPA-SL will have a programme of conferences and seminars as well as publications and reports, and will advocate for the adoption and implementation of its policy recommendations.
6. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
United Kingdom
Dr Michael S. Kargbo
Head of Research & Deputy Executive Director - IPPA-SL
Tel: +44 (0)20 7015 9175; +44 (0)7903 342 147
Email: michael.kargbo@tiscali.co.uk
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Franklyn B. Kamara
25 Rawdon Street
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Tel: +232 (0)33527558, 076 718202
Email: franktuvan@yahoo.com
Michael S Kargbo BA; MA; MA; Ph.D
Head of Research and Deputy Executive Director
Institute for Public Policy Analysis , Sierra Leone (IPPA-SL)
25 Rawdon Street
Freetown, Sierra Leone
www.ippa-sl.org
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