By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
At the 2025 Sierra Leone Innovates Digital Government Summit, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, delivered a compelling call for responsible digital content creation and stronger digital safeguards in the rapidly evolving online space.
Held at the Freetown International Conference Centre, the summit brought together key stakeholders to explore the growing influence of digital platforms, with a special focus on TikTok’s role in shaping public discourse and creating economic opportunities for Sierra Leone’s rising generation of digital creators.
“TikTok isn’t just a stage for entertainment it’s a civic space,” Minister Bah declared. “Creators now have the power to shape narratives, drive behaviors, and influence national outcomes. But that power must come with responsibility.”
Minister Bah outlined three key priorities for addressing the challenges and opportunities in the digital content space:
Digital and media literacy: He emphasized the need for education that helps both creators and audiences navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
Combating misinformation: He advocated for content standards that uphold the public interest while respecting freedom of expression.
Ethical monetization and support for creators: He called for policies that not only allow creators to earn income but also provide access to training, mentorship, and ethical guidelines.
“Monetization without media literacy is a risk,” he warned. “We must not only support creators to earn but also equip them to discern, inform, and uplift.”
Minister Bah also revealed plans for strategic partnerships with major digital platforms, including TikTok, to expand resources and protective measures for local content producers.
“This government will not only regulate we will enable. We see our creators as entrepreneurs, educators, and change agents,” he affirmed.
The panel discussion featured notable figures from both the technology and creative industries, including:
Salima M. Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Boniswa Qhama Sidwaba, Head of Content Operations, TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa and Juliet Konya Sesay, TikTok President, Sierra Leone.
In conclusion, Minister Bah’s address underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive development, civic engagement, and youth empowerment. His remarks reinforced the idea that responsible digital content creation is essential to building a vibrant, informed, and economically empowered Sierra Leone.