By Fatima Kpaka
Moyamba, Sierra Leone – May 27, 2025 – The Ministry of Information and Civic Education, led by Minister Chernor Bah, hosted a Civic Engagement Day in Moyamba District, emphasizing public participation and governmental transparency in national development.
The event brought together several ministers, deputy ministers, and agency heads to address key concerns, provide updates, and highlight major policy initiatives.
Major Announcements:
- Presidential Town Hall: Minister Bah announced that President Julius Maada Bio will host the second edition of the National Presidential Town Hall on 17 June 2025 in Kenema District, allowing direct engagement between the President and citizens.
- New Districts and Cities: Local Government Minister Tamba Lamina disclosed Cabinet’s approval for two new districts—Bandajuma (Bo & Pujehun) and Kpanguma (Kenema & Kailahun)—as well as the division of Freetown and Western Area Rural into multiple districts. Lungi will also be formally declared a city due to its strategic importance.
Sector Updates:
- National Census: Deputy Statistician General Lansana Kpelowo Kanneh confirmed that the 2026 National Census is fully funded, with equipment secured and local recruitment prioritized.
- Health & MPox Outbreak: Deputy Minister Dr. Charles Senesie reported a new strain of MPox, affecting the genitals, urging caution while reassuring the public of increased treatment facilities.
- Mining Revenue & Community Development: Mining reforms have led to a 1% revenue allocation for community development, alongside a 20% royalty retention for district projects. Mining companies in Moyamba paid NLE 120.5 million in surface rents over the last year.
- Higher Education & Skills Training: Njala University has been integrated into the Feed Salone Project, while Moyamba’s TVET center is now fully equipped, benefiting 44 students through grant-in-aid scholarships.
- Agriculture & Food Security: Rice importation dropped by 25% in 2023, with Moyamba set to benefit from $145 million in new agricultural projects for livestock and maize production.
- Gender & Child Protection: Sierra Leone now sees 34.5% of cabinet positions and 30% of Parliament held by women, supported by policies like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
- Trade & Industrial Development: Moyamba will be included in the Special Economic Zone, with factory development planned before year-end.
Local Infrastructure & Social Support:
- Water & Social Welfare: NaCSA completed water projects in Ribbi, Bradford, Njala Market, and Tiama, alongside cash transfers to 910 elderly persons.
- Foreign Affairs & Security: Diplomatic negotiations continue over the Yenga border dispute, while Sierra Leone maintains its leadership role in UN Security Council reform advocacy.
- Pension Reforms: NASSIT increased minimum pensions from NLE 26 to NLE 250, with micro-loan provisions for informal workers.
- Employment Growth: Over 30,000 jobs were created nationally last year, supported by 75 NGOs contributing to Moyamba’s development.
District Council Achievements:
Chairman Joseph B. Mbogba highlighted town hall engagements in all chiefdoms, 24-hour solar power expansion, teacher recruitment, school feeding programs, large-scale agricultural projects, and new staff quarters for council employees—making Moyamba District Council the only council in Sierra Leone to do so.
The Civic Day Series underscores the government’s efforts toward strengthening transparency, public engagement, and socio-economic development, ensuring that local communities actively participate in shaping national policies.