By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
In a landmark initiative to enhance citizen engagement, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, unveiled the Civic Festival Plan earlier today. The festival, slated for December 11-12, 2024, at the Miatta Conference Center, marks the first of its kind in Sierra Leone’s history.
During the presentation to the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Minister Bah outlined the festival’s objectives, which include fostering closer ties between citizens and the government while showcasing the country’s vibrant culture.
To facilitate this, MoPED has established an internal committee led by the Development Secretary. This committee will assist in mobilizing support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and craft effective messaging highlighting Sierra Leone’s progress on key development initiatives, namely the Big Five and the Medium Term National Development Plan.
In addition to the discussions with MoPED, Minister Bah held meetings with the Minister of Fisheries and the Permanent Secretary, emphasizing the importance of resource mobilization for the festival. “Collaboration with various sectors is crucial to the success of the Civic Festival,” Bah stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to community engagement.
Furthering this collaborative spirit, Minister Bah also convened a meeting with journalists, bloggers, and civil society groups to explore ways to promote and plan for the festival.
This inclusive approach ensures that the event resonates widely within the community and highlights Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage.
The Civic Festival is expected to be a vibrant celebration of Sierra Leonean culture, offering citizens a platform to interact with government officials and engage in meaningful dialogue.
As the countdown to this historic event begins, Minister Bah invites all Sierra Leoneans to “save the date and celebrate Mama Salone.”
For more information and updates, the ministry asked the public to continue following the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s official channels.
