SPECIAL EDITION
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
By: Zacharia Jalloh Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The Chief Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, represented His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at the 2nd Annual National Presidential Town Hall, held in Kenema on June 17, 2025. In this year’s Special Edition Town Hall, thousands of citizens from diverse backgrounds gathered to engage directly with the government on key national issues. The event provided a platform for unfiltered questions on governance, education, health, energy, agriculture, gender, technology, innovation, social protection, and more.
The following are the key highlights:
Dialogue and Civic Engagement
Opening the conversation, Chief Minister Dr. Sengeh emphasized the importance of civic dialogue and participatory democracy. He stated that bringing thousands of people together to ask direct and honest questions to their President is the highest form of service delivery.
Agriculture and the Feed Salone Initiative
Highlighting gains under the Feed Salone project, Dr. Sengeh reported that Sierra Leone has achieved 50–70% food self-sufficiency. He noted a significant increase in local rice production, which has reduced importation and contributed to exchange rate stability. The local production of onions has increased, leading to a 30% drop in prices. Vegetable oil is now being locally produced and exported.
He added that 4,000 hectares of farmland in Tormabum and Kambia are currently under irrigation development. A $10 million credit facility provided by the Bank of Sierra Leone is improving access to financing for farmers.
To improve market access, the government has constructed over 400 kilometers of roads in farming communities and replaced ferry crossings with four new bridges, with another four under construction.
Human Capital Development
Speaking on the Free Quality Education (FQE) program, Dr. Sengeh stated that more than 1,500 classrooms have been constructed to serve 1.5 million pupils. The government has employed more teachers, increased their salaries by 70%, and provided textbooks to every government school.
In response to the rise in enrollment, the government has established new institutions of higher learning, including Eastern Technical University in Kenema, Milton Margai University, Kono University, and midwifery schools in Makeni, Bo, and Kenema. Technical and vocational institutions are also being expanded.
To support higher education, a student loan scheme has been launched for postgraduate students, with plans to expand to undergraduates. Girls in STEM are also being supported through grant-in-aid programs.
Energy Access and Infrastructure
Dr. Sengeh noted that energy access has grown from 18% to 36% through thermal, hydro, and solar initiatives. Major district headquarter towns now enjoy electricity, and solar energy is reaching many villages.
Electrification projects in Kailahun, Pujehun, Kambia, and Kabala are nearing completion. He emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding access through investment in substations and transmission lines, aligned with the Radical Inclusion agenda.
He called on citizens to support energy sustainability by paying bills and helping to reduce EDSA’s technical losses.
Decentralization and Radical Inclusion
Addressing questions on new districts and chiefdoms, Dr. Sengeh defended the decentralization agenda as a means of equitably distributing national resources. He cited Falaba District as an example, which now benefits from four secondary schools, expanded primary education, health facilities, and ambulances.
He reiterated that Radical Inclusion is about ensuring no community is left behind in development.
Public Health Advocacy
On the emerging threat of Mpox, the Chief Minister urged citizens to take it seriously and not confuse it with Chickenpox. He encouraged people to report symptoms to the nearest health facilities and follow the guidelines provided by health workers.
Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
Dr. Sengeh emphasized the government’s commitment to gender empowerment, highlighting the implementation of the 30% women’s quota in governance. He referenced the Hands Off Our Girls campaign, the passage of the Child Rights Bill, and the Safe Motherhood Bill.
He also shared that maternal mortality has reduced by 80% over the past 12 years, with a 60% reduction in the last 6 years alone.
Tripartite Committee and Electoral Reforms
On electoral reform, Dr. Sengeh clarified that the Tripartite Committee was initiated by President Bio following his 2023 re-election. He said the committee’s work aligns with broader constitutional reforms, including the national census, disability law, IMC and media law reforms, decentralization, and gender inclusion measures.
He reaffirmed the President’s commitment to democratic accountability and long-term institutional strengthening.
The 2nd Annual Presidential Town Hall reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development. Through this direct civic engagement platform, Sierra Leoneans are empowered to participate in shaping national priorities.
