The Ministry of Information and Civic Education hosted the historic Civic Day Series – US Edition 2025 on Tuesday, 30th September, marking a milestone in government outreach to Sierra Leoneans abroad. The event highlighted the government’s achievements across multiple sectors while reaffirming President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to supporting the diaspora and engaging citizens globally.
Under the leadership of Minister Chernor Bah, the Ministry has prioritized bridging the information gap between government and the people through weekly press conferences, monthly civic engagements in the provinces, and now this first-ever U.S. edition of Civic Day.
Minister of Finance Sheku Fantamadi Bangura reassured Sierra Leoneans in the U.S. that the economy is on strong footing. He noted a sharp decline in inflation from 54% in 2023 to 5.8% in August 2025, reduced prices of key commodities such as rice, fuel, and flour through increased competition, and a stable exchange rate maintained for over two years. He also reaffirmed strong relationships with development partners, with IMF, World Bank, and EU programs proceeding on track.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba highlighted Sierra Leone’s growing global profile, citing leadership roles at the UN Security Council, African Union C-10, and ECOWAS. He emphasized the government’s foreign policy principles of mutual respect, non-exclusion, and the expansion of diplomatic presence both locally and internationally.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay Esq. updated the diaspora on legal reforms, including the new Criminal Procedure Act, aimed at fast-tracking investigations and court proceedings. He confirmed that diaspora voting rights are part of ongoing constitutional reforms and reminded citizens that dual citizens are eligible for public office, with the exception of the presidency.
Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby reported remarkable gains, including a 76% reduction in maternal mortality, vaccination coverage reaching 95%, and significant investments in solar-powered health facilities. Out of 1,600 health facilities nationwide, 330 are fully solar-powered, and Connaught Hospital now has 1.2 megawatts of solar electricity. New hospitals are under construction in Moyamba, Pujehun, Kerene, and Kerry Town, with an ultramodern hospital in Kono set to open in October 2025.
Minister of Transport and Aviation Alhaji Fanday Turay highlighted improvements including the Waka Fine bus system, which transports 35,000 passengers daily, easing congestion and promoting mobility. Other projects include pedestrian bridges, bus terminals with 24-hour electricity, traffic lights at major intersections, and plans to revive the railway system under a new National Railway Authority. The government is also reviewing the $25 airport security tax.
Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation Salima Monorma Bah detailed $200 million in ICT investments, expanding the fiber backbone from 8 to 14 districts, and increasing mobile sites from 798 to 1,405 nationwide. She announced the launch of Starlink, a 5G open-access network, and innovative digital platforms such as PResTract for monitoring pregnant women and Wan-Gov, a one-stop platform for government services. She also introduced the Felei City Tech and Innovation Zone and the Sierra Leone Innovation Investment Fund to drive sector growth.
Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs Dr. Isata Mahoi highlighted legal reforms such as the GEWE Act, Child Rights Act, and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. She praised women’s growing participation in governance, with women now making up 36.5% of Cabinet, and outlined financial inclusion initiatives, including low-interest loans for women-led SMEs. Support services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), including a 116 toll-free line and one-stop centers across the country, have increased reporting and access to care.
Deputy Minister Ing. Alpha Kallon announced two transformative projects: the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project, 65% complete and set to benefit over 1 million people, and the Sierra Leone Water Security and WASH Access Improvement Project, a $180 million World Bank-funded initiative aiming to provide clean water to five million citizens nationwide.
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh delivered the keynote, thanking the diaspora for their longstanding contributions to Sierra Leone’s health, education, and agriculture sectors. He encouraged citizens abroad to deepen engagement by becoming active partners and problem-solvers in the nation’s development.
The Civic Day Series US Edition 2025 demonstrated the government’s commitment to transparency, citizen engagement, and showcasing Sierra Leone’s development achievements, ensuring that Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad remain informed, connected, and involved in national progress.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 3rd October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
