15/12/2025
JPHRC–Bo Concludes Third Annual Commission Assembly with Awards and Farewell Dinner
The Justice, Peace and Human Rights Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Bo from Thursday the 11th to Friday, 12 December 2025, held its Third Annual Commission Assembly at the JPHRC Hall, Pastoral and Social Centre in Bo. The assembly brought together members of the Board of Commissioners, parish delegates, Justice and Peace members, and Secretariat staff to review the Commission’s work and set priorities for the year ahead.
The assembly was held under the theme “Pastoral Sensitivity in the Work of JPHRC.” Proceedings began with the arrival and registration of participants, followed by breakfast. In the absence of the Bishop, the Vicar General, Very Rev. Moses Kawa, presided over key ceremonial activities, including the blessing of the refurbished hall, office space, and canteen, as well as the cutting of the tape to formally open the facilities.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman, Mr. Paul Lansana Koroma, reflected on the Commission’s mandate to promote justice, peace, and human rights through pastoral engagement and community based action. This was followed by formal introductions of delegates, members of the Board of Commissioners, and Secretariat staff.
The morning session featured remarks on the Strategic Exit Plan for the CPS Worker, presented by JPHRC–Bo consultant Kizito, alongside contributions from the Diocesan Pastoral Council representative and Very Rev. Moses Kawa, who spoke on behalf of the Bishop. Discussions focused on sustainability, shared responsibility, and the long term stability of the Commission’s programmes.
Reports from the Board of Commissioners, the Secretariat, and direct partners representing 18 parishes were later presented by Emmanuel B. Tongai, Director of JPHRC, Ambrose Brima Fomba, and Paul Foray Lahai. The reports outlined activities implemented during the year, challenges encountered, and recommendations aimed at improving impact.
After the lunch break, delegates engaged in a plenary discussion on the reports, followed by a review of the Commission’s Constitution and Personnel Manual, with emphasis on governance, accountability, and staff welfare. The afternoon strategic direction session examined a Business Development Plan centered on social capital investment as a pathway toward a more self sustaining Commission, alongside a call for strengthened resource mobilization.
During discussions on future planning, Rutile was unanimously agreed upon as the host venue for the next Annual Commission Assembly. Closing remarks were delivered by the Chairman, who encouraged continued commitment to justice, peace, and human rights work across the Diocese.
Activities continued the next day and ended later in the evening with a send off dinner held at the JPHRC Hall in honour of JPHRC–Bo consultant Kizito. The dinner also served as an awards ceremony, during which certificates were presented to partners, parishes, and Secretariat staff in recognition of outstanding service.
Staff awards were presented to Momoh Juana as Most Innovative Staff of the Year, Simeon Joseph Kandeh as Most Hardworking Staff of the Year, Margaret Tucker as Most Dedicated Staff of the Year, Fatmata Bunting Graden as People’s Person of the Year, Fatmata Bah as Fastest Growing Staff of the Year, Sidney Tucker as GEM, Going the Extra Mile Staff of the Year, and Ambrose Brima Fomba as Best Team Player of the Year.
The Third Annual Commission Assembly and the accompanying awards and farewell dinner reaffirmed JPHRC–Bo’s commitment to reflection, accountability, and the recognition of service in advancing justice, peace, and human rights within the Diocese of Bo.