By: Marian Magdalene Bangura
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has commended the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor A.M. Bah, for what he described as his outstanding leadership in transforming Sierra Leone’s information landscape and strengthening civic education across the country.
The President made the remarks during the Presidential Town Hall Meeting in Makeni, where he officially launched the Ministry’s flagship publication, “Transforming Sierra Leone,” a magazine that chronicles the Government’s development achievements and the Ministry’s efforts to promote an informed, engaged, and active citizenry under the Government’s “Year of Action” agenda.
Addressing a packed audience comprising government officials, Members of Parliament, Paramount Chiefs, local council representatives, development partners, civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, media practitioners, and residents of Makeni, President Bio paused his address to publicly acknowledge Minister Bah’s contribution.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honour of working with a great young man who has done so much for Sierra Leone’s information landscape and civic education. He is transforming potential into reality, and he is doing an excellent job. I am proud of you, and I want you to know that you have done a great job. Thank you very much,” President Bio said.
The President’s remarks were met with sustained applause from the audience, reflecting broad appreciation for the Ministry’s efforts to promote transparency, public accountability, and citizen participation through effective strategic communication.
The launch of “Transforming Sierra Leone” marked another milestone in the Ministry’s drive to strengthen communication between the Government and the public. Richly illustrated and comprehensive in scope, the publication highlights major government projects, policy reforms, infrastructure development, governance achievements, and civic education initiatives implemented across the country.
Beyond documenting government achievements, the magazine serves as an important civic education resource by providing citizens with accessible information on national priorities, public policies, development programmes, and the progress being made across various sectors. It reflects the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that every Sierra Leonean has access to timely, accurate, and credible information that enables meaningful participation in national development.
The President’s recognition of Minister Bah also underscores the growing impact of the Ministry’s strategic communication initiatives, including the Weekly Government Press Briefings, Presidential Town Hall Meetings, nationwide public information campaigns, community engagement programmes, and civic education outreach activities. These initiatives have significantly expanded public access to government information while promoting greater transparency and accountability.
Held under the theme “Year of Action,” the Makeni Presidential Town Hall formed part of President Bio’s nationwide accountability programme, providing citizens with an opportunity to engage directly with the President and senior government officials on issues affecting their communities and the country.
During the more than three-hour interactive session, President Bio responded to questions from citizens, addressed key national concerns, and outlined his administration’s achievements and priorities across several sectors, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to openness, accountability, and inclusive governance.
The launch of “Transforming Sierra Leone” further highlighted the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s central role in documenting the Government’s development agenda while promoting civic awareness and informed public participation.
President Bio’s public commendation of Minister Chernor A.M. Bah serves as a strong endorsement of the Ministry’s achievements and its continued commitment to delivering timely, accurate, and accessible information as the Government accelerates the implementation of its “Year of Action” agenda.