By Marian Magdalene Bangura – Strategic Communications Unit, MoICE, May 30, 2025
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education, led by Minister Chernor Bah, has ended a powerful two-day civic engagement series under the theme “Salone Big Pas Wi All.” In Moyamba, Southern-Western Sierra Leone. The event brought together young people, government officials, and local stakeholders to promote civic responsibility and national unity.
Day one focused on students, with pupils from Harford School for Girls, St Michael’s, St Joseph’s Vocational, and Kulafai Rashideen Islamic Secondary School participating in quizzes and debates on civic values and national development. St Michael’s won the debate competition, while Harford’s Melvina Musa topped the quiz. Winners received civic-branded school materials, certificates, trophies, and cash prizes.
Day two featured a town hall with ministers, MPs, civil society, and local leaders. Information Minister Chernor Bah was joined by the Ministers of Local Government, Gender, Higher Education, and Mines, along with agency heads, for frank discussions on governance and service delivery.
Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, announced Cabinet approval to create new localities in Bo, Pujehun, Kenema, and Kailahun. Plans are underway to divide Freetown into two districts, split the Western Area Rural into three, and declare Lungi a city. These changes await a presidential proclamation.
Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, spoke on expanding access to university and technical education, noting Njala University’s role in the Feed Salone initiative and the opening of new universities in Kono and Kenema. She reaffirmed plans to equip Government Technical Institutes nationwide.
Gender Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi highlighted that women now hold 34.5% of cabinet positions and 30% of parliamentary seats. She referenced the Radical Inclusion Policy, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and noted that Moyamba has a one-stop centre for SGBV survivors. Citizens can report abuse via the 116 hotline.
Petroleum Regulatory Agency Director-General, Brima Baluwa Koroma, reported revenue growth from NLe 400 million in 2018 to NLe 1.7 billion in 2024, with a 2025 target of NLe 2 billion. He stressed consumer protection, transparency, and competitive pricing across fuel stations.
Deputy Mines Minister Umaru Napoleon Koroma explained that under the Mines and Minerals Development Act 2023, 1% of mining companies’ gross revenue is now allocated to host communities, up from 0.001% and 20% of royalties will support a new Mining District Development Fund.
NaCSA Commissioner-General, Chief Ernest Ndomahina, announced completed water projects in Ribbi, Bradford, Njala Market, and Tiama, and said 910 elderly Moyamba residents received $45 each in cash transfers. The Moyamba Mini Stadium is also slated for renovation.
The event reinforced the government’s commitment to transparency, civic education, and inclusive governance. Through storytelling, debate, and direct dialogue, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education continues to build national consciousness under the unifying message: “Salone Big Pas Wi All.”
