By Sallieu S. Kanu
Kenema, Sierra Leone – For the first time in history, the annual Presidential Townhall will be held outside the capital Freetown, with Kenema set to host the highly anticipated event on June 17, 2025, at the Kenema City Hall. The venue is expected to accommodate up to 2,000 attendees.
Announcing the decision, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, emphasized the importance of decentralizing major national events. “We want to ensure that people across the country have direct access to the Presidency,” he stated. “President Bio remains committed to listening and answering questions directly from citizens.”
Expanding Civic Engagement
Last year’s Presidential Townhall marked a significant milestone as President Julius Maada Bio fielded 800 public questions in a live three-hour session, covering key national topics such as:
– Youth employment
– Feed Salone initiative
– Foreign policy and Sierra Leone’s global aspirations
This year, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education has already launched a powerful teaser to promote the event. The townhall will follow the Civic Day Series format, with a youth engagement session on the first day, designed to educate young people on civic responsibility and their role in strengthening democratic institutions within their schools and communities.
A Platform for Direct Dialogue
The relocation of the Presidential Townhall to Kenema underscores a growing effort to promote inclusive governance and regional participation in national discussions. The event will provide citizens an opportunity to engage directly with President Bio, pose questions, and gain insight into government policies.
With preparations in full swing, expectations are high as Sierra Leoneans look forward to an interactive and impactful national dialogue in Kenema.