By Fatmata Grace Okekearu Bo City
Delegation led by Mr. Abubakar Joe Sesay, Head of the Strategic Communications Unit at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, engaged stakeholders in Bo across various sectors on Thursday, February 15, 2024, addressing vital governance issues for public awareness. The open dialogue, held at Sadimi Hall on New Gerihun Road in Bo city, saw the participation of CSOs, youth groups, representatives from ataya bases, women’s groups, media personnel, Mr. Paul Amadu Sengeh Jr. (Deputy Chairperson of Bo District Council), Bike Riders Union representative, and Traders Union representative.
During the session, Mr. Joe Sesay emphasized the importance of the ongoing orientation tour, reaching key stakeholders in each district of Sierra Leone through town hall meetings. The focus was on the proposed 5 and 10% increment in taxation for essential commodities such as rice, cooking gas, cement, iron rods, assorted drinks, alcohol, cigarettes, and plastic-producing water factories. Mr. Sesay expressed concerns about misinformation affecting national development and urged citizens to regularly check the ministry’s website for accurate governance information.
Highlighting taxation as crucial for national development, Mr. Sesay reiterated that President Bio’s “FEED SALONE” flagship project’s success depends on citizens fulfilling their tax obligations. He emphasized that this financial commitment is vital for achieving free quality education, sustainable electricity supply, road construction, salary increments, and improved healthcare.
Mr. Paul Amadu Sengeh, Regional Coordinator south for the National Council of Civic Education, commended the Ministry of Information for the timely national orientation tour on governance issues. He pledged to work closely with Bo’s media houses to ensure widespread dissemination of the dialogue meeting’s outcomes.
The attendees actively participated by posing meaningful and relevant questions related to day-to-day governance activities. Mr. Joe Sesay adeptly responded to each query, fostering an informative and constructive dialogue.
