By Emma Black
The Government of Sierra Leone has reiterated its commitment to inclusive national transformation during the ministry of information and civic education’s weekly press conference held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The briefing brought together ministers and agency heads to outline progress in key sectors, from economic growth and youth rehabilitation to disability empowerment and fisheries development.
Information and civic education minister Chernor Bah opened the conference by highlighting the ministry’s unwavering consistency in civic engagement and public transparency, he proudly noted that the weekly press Briefings have been held without interruption for two consecutive years an achievement he credited to “strong leadership and institutional discipline.
In a move to foster inclusion, minister Bah also applauded volunteer service overseas (VSO) for providing sign language interpretation during the conferences; ensuring persons with hearing impairment are not left behind in public discourse.
A major announcement came with the launch of the water security and WASH access project, officially inaugurated by president Julius Maada Bio at the Bintumani conference centre on the same day, the $180 million World Bank-funded initiative is poised to address long-standing challenges in water access and sanitation, with a strong emphasis on dignity and equity for all Sierra Leoneans.
Minister Bah also shared findings from the 2025 Sierra Leone country focus report, which projects national economic growth of 4.4% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026. these optimistic projections, he explained, stem from strategic government policies in key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and services, he emphasized that the Bio-led administration remains focused on inclusive growth and poverty alleviation.
Social Welfare Minister Melrose Karminty presented updates on the government’s multi-sectoral approach to combatting drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, she highlighted the establishment of the country’s first rehabilitation center in hastings and a second facility in Bo. So far, 50 individuals have successfully completed treatment at the Bo center and reintegrated into society, with many returning to school or university an encouraging sign of long-term recovery.
On the empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs), Minister Karminty announced the successful mobilization of nearly $1 million in funding during a recent mission to New York. These funds will support the rollout of a national Economic Empowerment Project for PWDs, launching Friday, July 11, 2025, the initiative includes constructing and renovating vocational training centers nationwide, aimed at reducing street begging and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Brima Abdulai Sheriff, newly appointed chief commissioner of the National commission for persons with disabilities, introduced a transformative strategy dubbed PRIDE an acronym for policy engagements, Resilience, Inclusion, dignity, and empowerment. Sheriff pledged to move beyond policy rhetoric to implementation, ensuring real impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
One standout commitment is the planned training of over 1,000 PWDs through the directorate of science, technology, and Innovation (DSTI). Sheriff also called for peace and unity within the disability community, describing harmony as essential to advancing shared goals.
Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Princess Dugba shared encouraging updates on the long-anticipated Black Johnson Fish Harbour Project. Initially funded by a $55 million grant from the Chinese government, the project encountered delays and risks of reduced funding, however, Minister Dugba’s diplomatic efforts with the Chinese Embassy have ensured the original scope remains intact. Construction is now set to begin in September 2025.
Additionally, on July 11, the Ministry will, in partnership with the Chinese Embassy, launch an Export Certification Portal, enabling local fishers to export their products to China tariff-free. This move is expected to significantly boost the sector’s competitiveness and increase export revenues.
Acting Director of Fisheries Sheku Sei revealed technical details of the new fish harbour’s design, including a breakwater system, synchro lift, slipway, cold storage, and processing factories. He projected annual revenue generation could rise to $59 million up from the current $10 million once the facility is operational.
From improved economic projections and water access to groundbreaking strides in youth rehabilitation and disability empowerment, Tuesday’s press conference illustrated the government’s multifaceted approach to inclusive national development. As Sierra Leone continues its transformation journey, the clear message was one of hope, action, and accountability.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,11th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
