By NaCCED Communication
The National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED) has successfully concluded its highly anticipated 2026 Annual Staff Retreat at the Galliness Paradise Hotel in Bo City. The intensive two-day strategic engagement brought together key stakeholders, government officials, local authorities, Civil Society Organizations and staff members to critically assess institutional progress and chart a robust operational roadmap under the theme: “Civic Education and Engagement: A Catalyst for Service Delivery.”
In his opening address and overview of the retreat at the official opening ceremony, NaCCED Chairman Mr. Joseph Munda Bindi underscored the profound significance of the retreat, framing it as a pivotal moment for the institution to recalibrate its systems.
“In order to execute a truly nationwide civic engagement initiative that resonates with the diverse population of Sierra Leone, we must first understand what resonates with our people at the grassroots level,” Chairman Bindi emphasized. He proudly highlighted the landmark achievement of integrating civic education as a formal subject in all government and government-assisted schools across all sixteen districts, a joint success with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE).
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Information and Civic Education, Hon. Rugiatu Rosy Kanu, the Member of Parliament representing Bonthe District, Hon. Jibrila Sur Moijueh, delivered a powerful message underscoring that no government can achieve lasting success without an informed population.
“Civic education transforms citizens from passive recipients into active partners in governance,” Hon. Moijueh asserted. “When our people understand their rights and responsibilities, hold public institutions accountable, and engage in community development, service delivery becomes more effective, transparent, and inclusive.”
The lawmaker noted that the retreat’s agenda aligns closely with Sierra Leone’s National Development Plan (2024–2030) and UNESCO’s Global Citizenship Education framework for 2030. While commending the collaborative strides made by NaCCED staff, Parliament, civil society, and the media, Hon. Moijueh issued a firm call for intensified field operations, urging that civic awareness campaigns must penetrate deep rural communities and meaningfully include youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Echoing the call for public participation, the Chief Education Officer of the MBSSE, Mr. Edward Kpakra, challenged the audience on the limits of independent state action. “When citizens transition from being mere observers to becoming genuine partners in the development process, they evolve into responsible citizens for life,” Mr. Kpakra remarked.
Adding a structural perspective, the Principal Executive Adviser to the President and Head of the Public Sector Reform Unit, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, called for a wholesale national consciousness regarding civic responsibilities. He urged NaCCED staff to target values, behaviors, and positive attitudes as the bedrock of civic consciousness while forming strategic partnerships across state institutions to rebrand Sierra Leone.
The Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Abdel Aziz Bawoh, in his keynote address reiterated his ministry’s unwavering commitment to overseeing and supporting NaCCED. Drawing a sobering reference to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, Mr. Bawoh reminded the gathering that civic ignorance, misinformation, and disinformation were root causes of past conflict. He stressed the urgent need to expand citizen engagement to counter modern technological threats, including the rapid proliferation of Artificial Intelligence.
Other stakeholders who made valuable contributions at the opening session include the Resident Minister of Southern Region, Mr. John Abu, Bo District Council Chairman, Mr. Victor Kosseh Hindowa, representative Hawa Sia Taylor of the Regent Chief of Kakua Chiefdom and madam Evelyn Turay who represented theWomen’s Forum Sierra Leone Bo District Coordinator from the CSO network.
The two-day brainstorming sessions produced a roadmap in the following major outcomes such as a comprehensive institutional diagnostic report on NaCCED produced, a review of a well-structured organogram and human resource management manual developed, review of strategic Communication Framework designed.
To strategically place NaCCED at the center of Civic Education the Strategic Plan was reviewed and properly aligned with the Midterm National Development Plan (MTNDP 2024-2030)
It was also finalized that a framework for the establishment and operationalization of Civic Education Hub in schools will be developed.
A Strategic Pillars for nationwide civic education and NaCCED Flagship programmes developed
Together with a proposal and roadmap for amendment of the NaCCED Act 2022 formulated
The retreat concluded by producing resolutions which is referred to as “Bo Galiness Declaration”. The comprehensive frameworks developed during these sessions will serve as the operational foundation for NaCCED in the coming years, ensuring the institution remains at the forefront of democratic renewal and public accountability in Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 29th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
