By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a historic move aimed at decentralizing national governance and fostering civic engagement, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) has hosted the first-ever Presidential Town Hall outside the capital city of Freetown. The two-day event at the Kenema District Council Hall, brought together government officials, citizens, students, and local authorities in an open dialogue about the country’s governance and development priorities.
The initiative, spearheaded by Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah, reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity. “We are decentralizing major events like these to ensure everyone in this country has access to the Presidency,” Minister Bah said. “President Bio is also committed to listening and answering questions directly from the people.”
Though President Julius Maada Bio was expected to attend the event, he was represented by Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, who delivered a message on behalf of the Head of State. Dr. Sengeh praised the people of Kenema for their warm welcome and strong support and emphasized that the government remains dedicated to addressing the needs of the population.
“President Bio sent me to speak to the people of Kenema, and by extension, the people of Sierra Leone,” the Chief Minister stated. “This government is doing everything it can to meet the needs of citizens. By all measures, this administration has performed better than the past regime.”
The Presidential Town Hall featured representatives from nearly all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), who engaged directly with the public by answering questions related to their respective mandates. Issues such as youth employment, the Feed Salone initiative, energy, and the future of the Free Quality Education program were central to the discussions.
Minister Bah highlighted that the Ministry had received hundreds of questions from citizens across the country, with a significant number coming from young people. “Our role is to collect these questions, group them into themes, and present them during the Town Hall,” he explained. “This process ensures that every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to engage with the government.”
The event also had a strong focus on civic education. The 2025 Presidential Town Hall officially opened with a student quiz and debating competition that featured seven secondary schools from across the region. The competition encouraged youth participation in national dialogue and provided a platform for young voices to be heard.
This is the second time MoICE has hosted a Presidential Town Hall. The first, held last year in Freetown, marked a significant milestone as President Bio answered questions live from the public during a three-hour broadcast. That event set the tone for greater public involvement in governance and was widely praised for its transparency.
The latest Town Hall in Kenema builds on that success and reinforces the Ministry’s broader goal of fostering civic awareness, participation, and accountability. Local leaders and citizens who attended expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with national policymakers, calling for more of such initiatives to be held in other districts.
As the government continues to roll out its civic education strategy, the Ministry has pledged to hold more Town Halls and public engagement events nationwide, ensuring that the voices of all Sierra Leoneans are heard, regardless of location.
This bold step by MoICE marks a turning point in public governance, creating a new platform where leadership meets the people — not just in the capital but across the entire nation.
