Victoria Ballah

[liminal @Liminal1988]

One day at a time

[Victoria Ballah @BallahVictoria]

@superrod001 @KevinCole625113 Exactly. And the result would have been different if it was analyzed from our own point of view.

[Victoria Ballah @BallahVictoria]

@superrod001 @fkanyako Totally agree. Since independence, the west have been telling our stories and ranking our development based on unfair standards. Why not contextualise these parameters and define the variables based on our own context. Twwwww. Most of these statistics are flawed.

[Victoria Ballah @BallahVictoria]

Yesterday, I was conferred the Master of Arts in International Development degree.
Yes!! I Mastered the Art of International Development from @MaynoothUni.
I could not be more proud and grateful.
#GodDid
@Irish_Aid
@IrlEmbFreetown

[Ministry of Information & Civic Education S/Leone @MoiceComm]

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of St. Paul’s Major Seminary, Honourable Minister of Information and Civic Education, @Cee_Bah, delivered a thought-provoking public lecture on the theme: The Church and Governance: Exploring the Church’s Role in Fostering National Unity and Reconciliation.

In his speech, the Minister explored the indispensable role of the church in national development, emphasizing its contributions across various facets of society, including education, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and mediation.

Minister @Cee_Bah acknowledged the church’s profound influence in shaping Sierra Leone’s societal and moral fabric. For decades, religious institutions have been pivotal in fostering education, with missionary schools producing some of the country’s finest scholars and leaders. He highlighted the church’s extensive work in promoting literacy and critical thinking, equipping generations with the knowledge necessary for national progress.

Beyond education, the Minister commended the church’s role in conflict prevention and mitigation. He noted that faith-based organizations have historically played a crucial role in reconciliation efforts, particularly during and after Sierra Leone’s civil war. The church’s unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, mediation, and social cohesion has significantly contributed to national unity, making it a formidable pillar in the country’s governance framework.

While the church has been a force for good in national development, Minister Chenor Bah emphasized the necessity of maintaining a clear distinction between religious doctrine and state governance. He acknowledged that while faith and morality are vital in shaping a just society, governance must be grounded in principles that serve all citizens, irrespective of religious affiliation.

“There must be a line between the church and the state governance, but it must be a soft one that allows for interaction and dialogue,” he stated. “The laws of the state should not be entirely based on religious doctrines, but the church has a significant role to play in counseling, guiding, chastising, and informing those who make the laws.”

This delicate balance is essential in ensuring that governance remains inclusive, upholding constitutional democracy while recognizing the moral compass the church provides. The Minister admonished that we should not allow our religious ideologies alone to dictate policies, as this could lead to exclusion and discrimination in a pluralistic society.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Minister’s speech was his call for a “soft line” in navigating the relationship between the church and governance, particularly on critical issues such as the Safe Motherhood Bill. He implored the clergy and those present to exercise prudence in addressing such matters, striking a balance between religious beliefs and state policies that affect the broader population.
While acknowledging the church’s moral authority, he urged that decisions on sensitive national issues should be informed by inclusive discourse that considers both religious values and the diverse needs of the people which are informed by data and science. The Minister emphasized that in a democratic society, faith leaders must engage constructively with policymakers, offering moral guidance without overstepping into the legislative domain.

In his closing remarks, Minister Chernor Bah reaffirmed the invaluable partnership between the church and the state in fostering national unity and reconciliation. He underscored that while a distinct separation must exist between governance and religious institutions, collaboration remains crucial in shaping a just, peaceful, and progressive Sierra Leone.

#SaloneBigPassawiAll

[Victoria Ballah @BallahVictoria]

@superrod001 @thomasd05987132 Totally agree. Neither did the Ministry mentioned that the religious leaders have accepted. They mentioned that they are getting to a common ground where both parties are satisfied. That why the Bishop was quoted, so the public understands that the conversations are not worse

[Victoria Ballah @BallahVictoria]

@Wisdomjill1 @thomasd05987132 If your wife or sister’s life is on the line because of severe risk of pregnancy. Would you watch her die???
Just so you know, the current law in SL doesn’t give exception to any reason for abortion. So even if the woman is dying, a girl is raped or incest is committed.

[Victoria Ballah @BallahVictoria]

@sidie_bangura @thomasd05987132 Nothing was a lie. The Bishop was quoted verbatim. It’s on record and you can watch it.

[Victoria Ballah @BallahVictoria]

@AliMartinSesay2 @thomasd05987132 You should take time to read the bill. That is untrue.

[Victoria Ballah @BallahVictoria]

@superrod001 @thomasd05987132

[Victoria Ballah @BallahVictoria]

@thomasd05987132 To set the record straight

[Chernor Bah @Cee_Bah]

“Under the new legislation, which went into effect on Tuesday, people who marry children can be imprisoned for 15 years or over $5,000. That is a stiff penalty in a country where the growth domestic product per capita is about $433 in 2023, according to World Bank data.

The law does not just apply to marriage. It also prohibits cohabitation in which adults live with and have a sexual relationship with children.

Parents are also not allowed to consent to a child’s marriage. Officiants cannot preside over one. Guests cannot attend a ceremony. In fact, anyone who “aids or abets” the marriage can face a 10-year sentence or a fine of about $2,500, or both.

The ban aligns with a broad initiative in Sierra Leone to promote the rights of girls by keeping them in school and protecting them from genital cutting.”

Thanks @FirstLadyBio. And bravo to @PresidentBio for your vision and leadership. We will do everything it takes to protect our girls.

https://t.co/NzTrPgo3qX

[Victoria Ballah @BallahVictoria]

@FrancisTuray8 @MEMLAW007 @tonkolili 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
It’s the ‘You na smol borbor’ for me
🤣🤣🤣

[Victoria Ballah @BallahVictoria]

@MEMLAW1 Salon event organizers and time problem Sad 😣

[Victoria Ballah @BallahVictoria]

Another phase, another start, another adventure, another opportunity and another country.
Starting the race of another academic milestone of MA in International Development @MaynoothUni.
@ICOSirl
@IrlEmbFreetown
#GratefulBeyoneWords😇

[Ireland in Sierra Leone @IrlEmbFreetown]

A lovely evening seeing off the @Irish_Aid Fellows for 2023/2024!

They will travel to 🇮🇪 to take up Masters programmes in #SDG areas including Human Rights, Diagnostics & International Development 📚

Bon voyage & best of luck to all 1️⃣0️⃣ with their studies, mek Salone proud 🇸🇱!