On the morning of Friday 2nd August 2024, the Committee on Government Assurances (COGA) officially launched an exhibition under the theme “Strengthening Accountability: The Journey of COGA 2020-2024”. The exhibition aimed to celebrate the achievements and steadfast commitment of the Committee in fulfilling its mandate, as well as contributing to public engagement and sensitisation on the role of COGA and the importance of governmental accountability.
Making a keynote address was the Chairperson of COGA Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel, who took the opportunity to engage with attending stakeholders by providing an informative and all-encompassing view of the role of COGA, how the Committee undertakes its responsibilities, a summary of the progress from 2020 to the current day, and a strong call to action for all MDAs to continually collaborate and communicate with the Committee for the benefit of the general public. The Chairperson also gave her sincerest thanks to the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Roger Mancienne, for his support and firm endorsement in the undertakings of the Committee, as well as the Members of COGA for their dedication to the various processes and responsibilities required. Hon. Lemiel then thanked the support staff of the Committee, namely Committee Secretary Ms. Thelma Joseph, and Assistant Committee Secretaries Mrs. Ghislaine Thelermont and Ms. Linda Gerry, for their instrumental role in bolstering the activities of the Committee.
Officially opening the exhibition was the Honourable Speaker Roger Mancienne, who noted his immense pleasure to see a Committee of the National Assembly so engaged and dedicated to their mandate. The Hon. Speaker addressed the importance of oversight and ensuring government accountability, stating that Members of the Assembly do much more than debate within the Chamber. He affirmed his support for COGA, as well as all other Committees of the Assembly, for their committed work outside of the Chamber.
The exhibition was then opened for viewing and will remain on display at the National Assembly Precinct Ile Du Port, until Friday 9th August 2024 until which time it will be moved to the Seychelles National Library for public viewing.
Editor’s Note: The Committee on Government Assurances is engaged with the President, Ministers, and MDAs, and is mandated to scrutinize the assurances, promises, and undertakings given by the Executive on the floor of the House. COGA plays a vital role in conducting oversight, promoting transparency, and facilitating communication between the nation’s governing bodies and the general public on the status of governmental projects and policies.
