By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr Chernor Bah, has commended President Julius Maada Bio for promoting openness, transparency, and inclusive governance as Sierra Leone continues to strengthen citizen participation in public affairs.
Bah made the remarks while delivering a statement at the opening of a national civic festival in Freetown, describing the gathering as a practical demonstration of open government in action. He said the event reflects a clear commitment by the President to ensure that governance is accessible, participatory, and responsive to the needs of citizens.
According to the minister, President Bio’s leadership has shifted the culture of governance from secrecy to openness, ensuring that public information is shared widely and that citizens, especially young people, are actively involved in national decision making processes.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank you, Your Excellency, for that vision, for insisting that Sierra Leone must be open, transparent, and radically inclusive, and for reviving civic education across the country,” Bah said. “Thank you, sir, for trusting me with the privilege to carry out this mission.”
He noted that the civic festival is one of the key outcomes of President Bio’s decision to establish the Ministry of Information and Civic Education two years ago. According to Bah, the creation of the ministry signaled a renewed commitment to rebuilding trust between government and citizens while strengthening democratic values.
Highlighting the ministry’s progress, Bah said several reforms have been introduced to improve communication between the government and the public. These include weekly press briefings that provide updates on government activities, nationwide town hall meetings that allow citizens to engage directly with leaders, and open dialogues on major national reforms.
He also pointed to the revival and strengthening of public interest media institutions as a critical step in promoting accountability and informed public debate. Bah said these efforts are helping to ensure that citizens have access to accurate information and diverse viewpoints.
The minister added that his ministry has modernized public information systems and is working closely with the Ministry of Technology and Innovation to develop new digital platforms aimed at improving access to government services and information.
“We are bringing government to the fingertips of every Sierra Leonean,” Bah said. “We are also strengthening the fight against fake news and misinformation. These are not small steps. They are the foundations of a modern democracy.”
Bah assured President Bio that the reforms being implemented are only at an early stage, noting that more work remains to deepen transparency and civic engagement across all levels of society.
He extended appreciation to international partners whose participation in the civic festival, he said, continues to energize national efforts to strengthen institutions and expand civic knowledge. Bah also praised fellow ministers and deputy ministers for traveling across the country to engage citizens directly.
“You answer every question, reasonable or unreasonable, polite and sometimes not so polite,” he said, addressing members of the executive. “You have embraced transparency.”
The minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a culture of openness, accountability, and active citizenship. He said that under President Bio’s leadership, Sierra Leone is steadily laying the groundwork for a governance system where citizens are informed, empowered, and fully involved in shaping the nation’s future.
