By Thaimu T Kamara

Sierra Leone took a significant step toward strengthening its printing and publishing sector on Friday as Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh officially reopened the Government Printing Department at New England Ville, Freetown.

The historic event attracted a large gathering of ministers, ambassadors, development partners, journalists, commissioners, and other key government stakeholders who witnessed the unveiling of what officials described as a modern printing facility expected to support national development and enhance government service delivery.

In his keynote address, the Vice President welcomed guests and expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for its dedication and commitment in reviving the Government Printing Department. He also extended gratitude to the Government of China for its support and partnership in rebuilding and modernizing the facility.

Dr. Jalloh highlighted the importance of the project within the framework of the Government’s “Big Five Game Changers” agenda, emphasizing that the printing press would contribute significantly to national development, economic growth, education, and self-reliance.

He noted that the facility would provide essential printing services for educational materials, government publications, certificates, and other official documents while reducing dependence on foreign printing services. According to him, the initiative will create employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans, generate revenue for the government, and strengthen local capacity in the printing industry.

The Vice President also commended the Chairman of China Diming Group, Mr. Ming Quingshuang, for his commitment and support in bringing the project to fruition. He described the partnership as a symbol of the growing cooperation between Sierra Leone and China.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Ming Quingshuang welcomed guests and reaffirmed his company’s commitment to Sierra Leone’s development. He emphasized the strong relationship between his organization and the Government of Sierra Leone and pledged continued collaboration not only with Sierra Leone but also with other African countries.

Mr. Ming assured attendees that the modern facility would be capable of producing a wide range of official documents locally, reducing the need for overseas printing and helping to strengthen the country’s printing sector.

Also addressing the gathering was Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Abu Karim. He praised the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and China and reiterated his commitment to promoting stronger cooperation between the two nations.

Dr. Karim thanked President Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for their support and leadership throughout the process. He also acknowledged the Chinese Government’s contribution to the project and expressed optimism that the partnership would continue to deliver tangible development benefits for Sierra Leone.

The Executive Director of the Government Printing Department described the reopening as a new chapter in the country’s history. Reflecting on the institution’s rich heritage, he noted that the Government Printing Department has served Sierra Leone for centuries and remains one of the country’s oldest public service institutions.

He explained that the department had faced numerous challenges over the years, including outdated machinery, inadequate resources, and insufficient infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, he said the institution had remained committed to serving the government and the people of Sierra Leone.

The Executive Director thanked the Government of Sierra Leone, President Bio, Vice President Jalloh, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, and the Chinese Government for supporting the transformation of the department. He described the new facility as one of the most advanced printing establishments in Africa and expressed confidence that it would improve efficiency and productivity.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, provided an overview of the history and transformation of the Government Printing Department. He recalled the poor state of the facility when he first visited the premises, describing it as severely deteriorated and in urgent need of intervention.

According to the Minister, the government recognized the importance of restoring the institution and worked tirelessly to secure the necessary partnerships and resources. He explained that discussions with Chinese partners eventually resulted in the approval and implementation of the project.

Hon. Bah stated that the new facility belongs to the people of Sierra Leone and will serve as the country’s central printing hub. He said educational materials, certificates, newspapers, magazines, passports, and other official documents would now be produced locally using modern technology.

The Minister further disclosed that the partnership would create new business opportunities and employment for Sierra Leoneans. He revealed that part of the agreement includes training opportunities for Sierra Leonean personnel in China, where they will learn to operate and maintain the advanced printing equipment before returning home to contribute to national development.

He encouraged businesses, institutions, and individuals to utilize the services of the Government Printing Department, describing it as a major investment capable of supporting both public and private sector needs.

The reopening ceremony concluded with optimism about the future of Sierra Leone’s printing industry. Stakeholders expressed confidence that the modernized Government Printing Department would reduce printing costs, improve service delivery, create jobs, strengthen local capacity, and contribute to the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.

For many attendees, the event marked not only the reopening of a government institution but also the beginning of a new era of innovation, productivity, and international cooperation aimed at advancing Sierra Leone’s development aspirations.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 1st June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)