By: Saidu Jalloh
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh on Tuesday outlined the government’s performance in 2025, key governance reforms, and major development priorities for 2026 as senior officials addressed journalists at the Weekly Government Press Conference convened by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education.
Dr. Sengeh stated that nearly all targets set under the 2025 National Development Plan particularly in the health, education, and agriculture sectors were achieved, with only a few shortfalls. He highlighted significant economic gains recorded during the year, including a reduction in inflation, a 30 percent drop in rice prices, the development of pricing formulas for other essential commodities to stabilize markets, and the stabilization of the exchange rate over the past three years.
On governance and accountability, the Chief Minister explained that the government’s Performance Tracking Table (PTT) integrates audit recommendations, Cabinet conclusions, and key elements of the National Development Plan to monitor ministerial performance against agreed targets. He disclosed that in 2025, Cabinet considered 113 papers, approving 85, while the remainder were withdrawn. He assured that the PTT report will be published this year as part of the government’s transparency drive.
Dr. Sengeh identified limited digitization across government institutions as a major challenge affecting audits, noting that continued reliance on paper-based systems increases the risk of misplaced receipts and records. He urged ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to digitize their operations to enhance accountability, while acknowledging that human behaviour remains a challenge despite progress in digital government services.
Clarifying public misconceptions about the Tripartite Steering Committee, the Chief Minister stated that the committee has been meeting quarterly and continues to advance its mandate. He announced that electoral reforms arising from the committee’s recommendations will soon be presented to Parliament for approval.
On infrastructure development, Dr. Sengeh presented comparative figures showing that the previous APC administration constructed 432 kilometres of road in 11 years, while the Bio administration completed 442 kilometres in seven years. He reaffirmed that infrastructure development particularly roads and bridges will remain a key government priority in 2026.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister outlined the government’s priorities for 2026, including the establishment of an agriculture bank, increased egg production, expansion of the school feeding programme, continued reduction in maternal mortality, improvements in the minimum wage, rollout of a national health insurance scheme, a 45 percent increase in electricity access, expansion of social protection to the informal sector, improved financial inclusion, and continued prudent economic management.
Dr. Sengeh also announced that Sierra Leone will host ECOWAS in 2026, a development expected to drive further infrastructure upgrades nationwide. He assured residents of Kono District that while academic activities at Kono University are ongoing, construction of the university’s permanent infrastructure will continue throughout 2026.
Responding to questions from journalists, the Chief Minister confirmed that the Tormabum agricultural project is ongoing, disclosing that the government has cultivated 3,500 hectares, while the private sector has cultivated an additional 2,000 hectares.
Earlier at the press conference, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah, announced that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and Cabinet have agreed that all Cabinet conclusions will henceforth be read publicly at the Weekly Government Press Conference. He described the decision as unprecedented and a strong demonstration of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Minister Bah also informed the public that President Bio is currently attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, noting that it is the first time a sitting President of Sierra Leone has been invited to the global forum, which brings together world leaders and senior global decision-makers.