By Thaimu T Kamara

VP Dr Juldeh Jalloh flanked by MOICE Minister C Bah (right), Ambassador Dr Abu Karim(left) and other high-level attendees of the event.

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education, under the leadership of Hon. Chernor Bah, achieved a major milestone on Friday as the Government Printing Department was officially reopened by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh at New England Ville in Freetown.

The event brought together ministers, ambassadors, development partners, commissioners, journalists, and other key stakeholders to witness the reopening of a facility that is expected to transform government printing services and strengthen Sierra Leone’s information and communication infrastructure.

The reopening marked the culmination of years of planning, negotiations, and partnership-building spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. The ministry’s efforts have resulted in the modernization of one of Sierra Leone’s oldest public institutions, positioning it to serve both government and private sector printing needs.

In his remarks, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh commended the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for its determination and commitment in restoring the Government Printing Department. He praised Hon. Chernor Bah and his team for their leadership throughout the process and thanked the Government of China for its support and partnership in rebuilding the facility.

The Vice President noted that the project aligns with the Government’s “Big Five Game Changers” agenda and will contribute to national development through job creation, increased government revenue, educational support, and economic growth.

However, much of the attention during the ceremony focused on the remarkable transformation led by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education.

Addressing attendees, Hon. Chernor Bah recounted the challenges he encountered when he first visited the Government Printing Department. He described a facility that had suffered years of neglect, inadequate equipment, and deteriorating infrastructure.

“When I first entered this building, I saw a department that was struggling to survive,” the minister reflected. “I knew then that we had a responsibility to restore this important national institution.”

Determined to reverse the situation, the ministry embarked on a mission to secure partnerships and investments capable of revitalizing the department. According to Hon. Bah, discussions with Chinese partners and sustained diplomatic engagement eventually resulted in an agreement to modernize the facility with state-of-the-art printing equipment and technology.

The minister explained that the Government Printing Department is now equipped to handle a wide range of printing services, including educational materials, certificates, official government documents, newspapers, magazines, passports, and other important publications.

He emphasized that the facility belongs to the people of Sierra Leone and will play a crucial role in reducing dependence on overseas printing services while promoting local production and self-reliance.

Hon. Bah further highlighted the economic opportunities associated with the project. He noted that the modernized printing department will create jobs for Sierra Leoneans, support local businesses, and generate revenue for the government.

As part of the partnership arrangement, he disclosed that Sierra Leonean personnel will receive specialized training in China to operate and maintain the advanced printing machinery. Upon completion of their training, they will return to Sierra Leone to contribute their expertise to the country’s development.

The Minister also encouraged businesses, institutions, and individuals to take advantage of the services provided by the Government Printing Department, assuring stakeholders that the facility is capable of delivering high-quality printing solutions that meet international standards.

Chairman of China Diming Group, Mr. Ming Quingshuang, praised the strong partnership between Sierra Leone and China and reaffirmed his company’s commitment to supporting the country’s development agenda. He assured stakeholders that the facility would be capable of producing a broad range of documents locally and pledged continued cooperation with Sierra Leone and other African nations.

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Abu Karim, also commended the partnership between the two countries. He thanked President Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for their leadership and commitment throughout the project.

The Executive Director of the Government Printing Department described the reopening as a historic moment and a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s development journey. He reflected on the institution’s long history and acknowledged the challenges it had faced over the years, including obsolete machinery and limited resources.

He praised the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for championing the department’s revival and thanked the Government of Sierra Leone and the Chinese Government for their unwavering support.

Stakeholders at the ceremony expressed confidence that the reopening of the Government Printing Department would strengthen public service delivery, improve access to educational and official materials, create employment opportunities, and contribute to national development.

For the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the reopening stands as a landmark achievement and a testament to the ministry’s commitment to strengthening government communication, promoting innovation, and building institutions that serve the people of Sierra Leone.

The successful revival of the Government Printing Department represents not only the restoration of a national institution but also a symbol of progress, partnership, and the Ministry’s vision for a more productive and self-reliant Sierra Leone.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 3rd June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)