By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has engaged young people in discussions on digital democracy, artificial intelligence (AI) and civic engagement at the Sierra Leone Youth Policy Dialogue Forum organised by the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.
The fireside conversation, held under the theme “Youth Voices, Digital Democracy, AI and the Future of Civic Engagement,” explored how young Sierra Leoneans use digital platforms to demand accountability, influence public policy and contribute to democratic processes.
The discussion also examined the role of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) in promoting civic awareness, access to information, responsible digital engagement and meaningful citizen participation.
Speaking during the interactive session, Minister Bah highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to bring government closer to citizens through accessible communication channels, including multilingual public information, toll-free telephone services and regular government press conferences that allow citizens to engage ministers and ask questions about issues affecting their lives.
He acknowledged that more work was needed to strengthen public participation, particularly by reaching young people on the digital platforms they use to express their views and participate in public discussions.
On the need for regular youth-government dialogue, Minister Bah said meaningful engagement should extend beyond formal meetings and traditional institutional structures. He stressed the importance of developing practical ways for government to listen to young people across digital platforms and incorporate their concerns into public policy discussions.
The Minister also encouraged young people to recognize the country’s progress while continuing to demand accountability and improvements in governance.
He highlighted developments in inclusive education and disability rights, emphasizing the need to translate progressive policies into practical support that improves people’s lives.
Minister Bah cited the Ministry’s commitment to inclusion, including the provision of sign language interpreters at its events. He also pointed to ongoing efforts to train more interpreters in collaboration with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), with the aim of extending such support across government institutions.
Reflecting on youth leadership, he expressed pride in the growing opportunities for young people to participate in governance and leadership in Sierra Leone. He encouraged them to believe in their capacity to lead, contribute to national development and help shape the country’s future.
The conversation, moderated by Iris Aminata Bangura, provided an opportunity for young people to engage directly with the Minister on digital inclusion, misinformation and disinformation, artificial intelligence, public accountability and the need for stronger dialogue between citizens and public institutions.