By Josephine Sesay
At the 2026 International Strategic Communication Summit (Stratcom 2026) in Istanbul, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, delivered a strong appeal for coordinated global action to combat the growing threat of misinformation.
Addressing an international audience of policymakers, communication experts, and technology leaders, Bah described misinformation as a borderless challenge with far-reaching consequences. He warned that the spread of false information erodes public trust, destabilizes societies, and disrupts economic systems worldwide.
“Misinformation is not just a national challenge, but a global threat,” Bah emphasized, urging countries to work collaboratively in developing effective strategies to counter its impact.
Drawing on Sierra Leone’s own experience, Bah highlighted key approaches being implemented domestically, including media literacy programs, citizen engagement initiatives, and efforts to promote transparency in governance. He noted that empowering citizens with accurate information and strengthening confidence in public institutions are essential in building resilience against false narratives.
On the sidelines of the summit, Bah engaged with several international broadcasters, including TRT, AfroTurk TV, and China Global Television Network. In these discussions, he outlined Sierra Leone’s ongoing initiatives, such as partnerships with local media organizations, nationwide digital literacy campaigns, and regulatory measures aimed at reducing harmful online content.
He stressed that countries of all sizes have a role to play in shaping a more responsible global information ecosystem, adding that collective action is key to ensuring information integrity in the digital age.
Beyond misinformation, Bah also addressed the broader economic implications of global geopolitical tensions. He pointed to rising fuel prices and increasing import costs linked to conflicts involving Israel, United States, and Iran, noting that such developments continue to affect economies like Sierra Leone.
He underscored the importance of responsible communication in helping citizens understand and respond to these external pressures, arguing that an informed public is better equipped to navigate economic uncertainty.
The summit, organized by the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications, brought together global stakeholders to explore strategies for addressing modern communication challenges.
Bah’s participation at International Strategic Communication Summit 2026 reflects Sierra Leone’s growing involvement in international dialogue on digital governance and information integrity, reinforcing its commitment to contributing to global efforts to safeguard truth in an increasingly complex information landscape.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 1st April 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
