By Josephine Sesay
In his 45th audio message on January 7th, 2025, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, the current Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, reiterated the importance and scope of his office, shedding light on the evolving role he plays in the Bio-led government. His explanation sought to address widespread misunderstandings about the function and significance of the Chief Minister’s position, which some members of the public have questioned or misconceived.
Dr. Sengeh began by referencing the history of the Chief Minister’s office in Sierra Leone, noting that Sir Milton Margai was the first to hold the position, followed by Professor David Francis, Mr. Jacob Jusu Saffa, and himself as the fourth in line. While acknowledging that he is the youngest person to ever serve as Chief Minister, he emphasized that the role today differs significantly from that of earlier eras, especially the 1960s.
“The role of the Chief Minister in our government is not the same as it was in the 1960s,” Dr. Sengeh explained. He described his position as primarily focused on coordinating the operations of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as facilitating effective communication and collaboration across the various arms of government. He stressed that, at the operational leadership level, no single individual possesses all the knowledge needed, which is why coordination is key.
Dr. Sengeh further clarified that his role also includes overseeing the implementation of President Julius Maada Bio’s vision, serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the government, while Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh acts as the Deputy CEO. This structure, according to Dr. Sengeh, ensures that the government’s development agenda is carried out smoothly.
He cited the recent successful reduction of rice prices as a prime example of the government’s coordinated efforts. Dr. Sengeh emphasized that the initiative was a collective achievement and praised various ministries for their contributions, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. He acknowledged that President Bio initiated the vision, but noted that it took concerted effort from several parties, including discussions with rice importers, to bring it to fruition.
“Some detractors are focusing on trivialities rather than acknowledging the collective efforts that led to the reduction in the price of rice,” Dr. Sengeh lamented, adding that this price drop represents an unprecedented achievement in Sierra Leone’s history. The Chief Minister clarified that his office’s role was to coordinate these efforts, not to claim sole credit.
He also responded to critics who had sought to separate the office of the Chief Minister from its official role, emphasizing that it is the Chief Minister’s responsibility to bring government operations to the people, and to ensure effective communication between both entities. Dr. Sengeh firmly stated that his office, while active on social media, will never encroach upon the Ministry of Information, which is the official voice of the government.
The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating his commitment to doing the work of the people, as directed by President Bio, and assured the public that he would continue to serve as a bridge between the government and the citizens of Sierra Leone.
