By Thaimu T Kamara
The ministry of information and civic education successfully concluded a two-day civic series in Port Loko on May 5–6, 2025, receiving widespread commendation for deepening civic engagement and strengthening the connection between citizens and government. Held at the Port Loko District council, the event underscored the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
On May 6, 2025, Leading the charge was minister of information and civic education, Chernor Bah, who highlighted the transformative role of civic education in building an informed citizenry and a responsive government civic education is not just about knowledge it’s about empowerment, Minister Bah told the audience, when citizens understand their rights and responsibilities, they become active participants in democracy and national development.
Day one featured an engaging inter-school quiz and debate competition, drawing participation from several secondary schools in the district. Students impressed the audience with their intellectual rigor and critical thinking, debating key national issues with clarity and conviction, the activity fostered a culture of democratic discourse and showcased the power of youth engagement in shaping the country’s future.
The session was attended by religious and traditional leaders, women and youth representatives, civil society organizations, and the media, reflecting a broad-based interest in civic participation and national dialogue, the second day of the civic series provided a rare opportunity for the public to interact directly with top government officials and heads of public institutions. In attendance were:
Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., Commissioner, Anti-Corruption Commission, Major General (Rtd.) David T.O. Taluva, Minister of Internal Affairs, Fuad Daboh, Director General, NASSIT, Alpha Sesay Esq., Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Amb. Umuru Bundu Wurie, Northwest Regional Minister, Fatmata Kargbo, Deputy Minister of Trade, Emily Kadiatu Gogra, Deputy Minister, MBSSE, Haja Isata Abdulai Kamara, Deputy Minister of Marine Resources, Sheku Tejan Saccoh, Chairman, Port Loko District Council, Alhaji Alpha Kanu, Presidential Spokesman, Alie Badara Tarawallie, Mayor, Port Loko City
These officials outlined their respective roles and addressed questions from the public in a highly interactive Q&A session moderated by Minister Bah, citizens raised concerns on issues ranging from local infrastructure and education to employment and corruption. The dialogue was marked by openness, with officials offering detailed explanations and reaffirming their commitment to national development.
Civil society organizations hailed the civic series as a model for government-citizen engagement, noting its potential to promote transparency, trust, and collective problem-solving, this initiative sets a strong precedent for participatory governance, said one civil society representative, it shows that when government listens, communities thrive.
The event emphasized not just the importance of civic education but also the value of listening to and learning from the people, By opening a direct channel for feedback, the Ministry has empowered citizens to play a more active role in their governance.
The civic series in Port Loko represents a vital step in the Ministry’s ongoing mission to bring governance closer to the people, under the leadership of Minister Chernor Bah, the ministry continues to promote civic responsibility, accountability, and mutual respect as cornerstones of a thriving democracy.
This successful engagement is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar events across the country, helping to bridge the gap between citizens and the state and building a more informed, united, and resilient Sierra Leone.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 9th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
