Posted by Chester Morton / Monday 23 April 2018 / No comments
The functions of the Governor-General under the 1961 independent constitution of Sierra Leone
THE FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL UNDER THE 1961 INDEPENDENT CONSTITUTION OF SIERRA LEONE
Introduction
The position of a Governor-General was provided under the 1961 independent constitution of Sierra Leone. The Queen of England was still the Head of State but she was resident in London so she could not directly function in her position inside Sierra Leone. She was therefore represented by Mr. Maurice Henry Dorman as the Governor-General.
FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
Ceremonial Head of State
The Governor-General functioned at such as the opening of parliamentary sessions, inspected guards of honour, and received credentials from ambassadors and High commissioners. He represented the Queen of England who was resident in London at other important functions where the queen should have been there instead.
Signed bills into law
Another function of the Governor-General was to bills into laws. After the bills are passed in the Legislature, the signature of the Governor-General was required before it could become law.
Appointed the Prime Minister
The Governor-General appointed the Prime Minister. The party that won majority seats in the in the general election, automatically formed the government of the day. The leader of that party in the Legislature was appointed by the Governor-General as the Prime Minister.
Power of prerogative
The Governor-General had the power to grant pardon to prisoners who had been sentenced into various terms of imprisonment for breaching the laws of the land. He could commit a death penalty to life imprisonment. He could pardon prisoners and get them freed on grounds of ill-health or of good conduct.
Prorogued the Legislature
The end one parliamentary session is usually associated with a ceremony to officially bring the session to a close. This function was attended by the Governor-General to officially end that particular parliamentary session.
Dismissal of Prime Minister
The Governor-General was granted the power to remove the Prime Minister from office under the 1961 independent constitution. This could happen if the Prime Minister lost the confidence of the members of the House of Legislature.
Power to dismiss ministers
The Governor-General also had the power to dismiss a minister of government under the recommendations of the Prime Minister, if that minister misbehaved or went contrary to the provisions of his position.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. a. Describe the position of the Governor-General under the 1961 independent constitution of Sierra Leone.
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