By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
Port Loko, Sierra Leone – May 2025 – Residents of Port Loko have applauded the Civic Day Series initiative launched by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, describing it as an important platform for engagement between government officials and citizens.
Hundreds of residents gathered this week for the two-day event, which brought together key stakeholders, including local chiefs, students, activists, journalists, and young people.
Activist Nancy Gbamoi welcomed the initiative, stating: “We are happy for this opportunity. Having government ministers here allows us to express our views and ask questions about government policies.”
Speaking at the event, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, explained that the Civic Day Series was developed in line with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision of making government more accessible to the people.
“Today, we have brought the government of President Julius Maada Bio to the people of Port Loko. We are here to listen and let you ask us questions about what we are doing as a government,” Minister Bah stated.
Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, Bai Kobolo Quee II, praised the initiative, calling it one of the best programs to have reached the district. He emphasized that civic education would inspire pride and nationalism among future generations.
The first day of the series engaged schoolchildren and young people in civic education through quiz and debate competitions, with participation from 12 schools.
On the second day, the event featured a town hall meeting with nine government ministers and three heads of agencies, fostering open dialogue between officials and residents.
Impressed by the success of the initiative, local leaders are now discussing expanding the program to chiefdoms across the district. District Council Chairman, Tejan Saccoh, revealed: “My colleagues and I, along with ministers from Port Loko, are discussing the possibility of taking this to each chiefdom across the district. This program is very important.”
The Civic Day Series is a nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education aimed at strengthening government-citizen engagement across Sierra Leone. The Port Loko edition marks the second successful event in the series.