A historic town hall organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education has concluded on a very high note, surpassing all expectations and apprehensions. Moderated by the creator of the event, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, President Julius Maada Bio delivered a powerful address, emphasizing his administration’s unwavering commitment to transforming Sierra Leone into a middle-income country within the next decade. The event, which brought together citizens and key government officials, highlighted the significant strides made under President Bio’s leadership and outlined ambitious plans for the nation’s future.
Minister Chernor Bah praised President Bio’s courage, drawing parallels between his military service and his current role as head of state. “The President was not afraid to go to the war front to fight for his citizens when he was in the Army, so he is not afraid of answering questions from citizens,” Bah stated, underscoring the President’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Earlier on, Press Secretary Keketoma Sandy, highlighted President Bio’s unprecedented engagement with the media, noting that he is the first president to organize interviews with all major radio stations. This effort reflects the administration’s dedication to open communication and fostering a democratic dialogue with the public. “This is not the first time the President has engaged the citizens. It is a continuous effort to promote democracy and development,” Sandy added.
Responding to questions from Minister Chernor Bah, President Bio emphasized the importance of environmental protection, warning that any houses built in green belts would be demolished. “Water is a necessity for future generations, so citizens must not build everywhere,” he stated, highlighting the need for sustainable land use and building practices. Additionally, he reiterated his commitment to infrastructure development, boasting about the significant progress made in constructing bridges and roads across the country.
Reflecting on his first term, President Bio emphasized his focus on human capital development, particularly through the introduction of free education. He also addressed the challenges facing the electricity sector, attributing issues to theft and the destruction of EDSA properties due to political motives. Despite these obstacles, President Bio expressed optimism about the nation’s economic future, citing successful efforts to reduce inflation and attract international support.
In a very engaging but amiable manner, President Bio spoke about the “Feed Salone” initiative, which he said is a multifaceted program aimed at ensuring food affordability and availability, combating malnutrition, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth. “A hungry man is an angry man. An empty bag cannot stand,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of food security in maintaining social stability and fostering national development.
The President also highlighted the establishment of the Mineral Wealth Fund, designed to ensure that Sierra Leoneans benefit from the country’s natural resources. By negotiating better terms with investors, the government aims to secure greater returns for the nation and its communities.
President Bio concluded with a call to action, urging citizens to support his vision for Sierra Leone. “The call to action is to get the buy-in of everybody. I want you all to follow me and my vision, and if there is any problem, the buck stops at my desk, and I will address it,” he affirmed, demonstrating his commitment to leading the nation toward a prosperous future.
A highlight of the event was the launching of a magazine produced by staff of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, cataloguing President Bio’s achievements in the past one year, depicting testimonies and actual statistics,
This town hall event marked a significant moment in President Bio’s tenure, showcasing his administration’s achievements and setting the stage for continued progress. As Sierra Leone moves forward, the President’s vision and initiatives will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s path to middle-income status.
©Ministry of Information And Civic Education
