Tuesday, 23rd September 2025
Key Highlights
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, held its weekly press conference, providing updates on Sierra Leone’s role at the global stage, as well as major national development projects. Key highlights included President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership in advocating for Africa at the United Nations and progress on the landmark Sewa Ground Market project. The following are the key highlights:
President Bio’s Leadership at the UN Security Council Reform Talks
Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bocakarie Abdel-Aziz Bawoh, highlighted President Julius Maada Bio’s stewardship of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10). At the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), President Bio renewed Africa’s demand for permanent seats at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the world’s highest decision-making body. Deputy Minister Bawoh stressed that the long-standing injustice against Africa must end, as the continent remains the only one without permanent representation on the UNSC despite African issues dominating much of the Council’s agenda. President Bio, he explained, is championing the call for two permanent seats with full veto power and two additional non-permanent seats, a demand strongly supported by African nations.
Composition of the Sewa Ground Market
The Acting Director General of the National Social Security Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Mohamed Gondoe, outlined the composition of the new Sewa Ground Market, one of NASSIT’s largest investments. The market consists of 85 warehouse blocks, 170 upscale lockup shops (164 single and six double), 277 medium-scale lockup shops, and 1,750 open stalls.
He also shared the annual prices for each facility: warehouse blocks at NLe 50,000; upscale lockup shops ranging from NLe 50,000 to NLe 250,000 (ideal for offices, banks, and insurance companies); medium-scale lockup shops at NLe 20,000 to NLe 25,000; and open stalls at NLe 6,000. The market is fully equipped with 162 modern toilet facilities, electricity, water supply, CCTV cameras, fire safety systems, sewage disposal, a police station, Fire Force unit, daycare center, and a car park with a charge of NLe 20.
Presidential Intervention on Stall Prices
Mr. Gondoe further commended President Bio for personally intervening to reduce the cost of the open stalls from the initial NLe 12,000 to NLe 6,000, making it more affordable for petty traders. He noted that these stalls also come with free electricity, security, fans, and water, underscoring the President’s commitment to supporting ordinary citizens. The Sewa Ground Market project, valued at around $20 million, is managed by the Sierra Estate Management Company (SEMCO).
Voices from the Traders
The Chairlady of the Sewa Ground Market, Fudia Gbla, appealed to management to give priority to the original occupants of the grounds where the new market now stands. She welcomed the NLe 6,000 fee as fair, given the facilities provided, and encouraged inclusivity in the allocation process.
Infrastructure as a Foundation for Growth
Charles Mambu, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Infrastructure for Development Sierra Leone, praised the government for the construction of the market, describing infrastructure as the bedrock of national development. He called for similar projects to be extended to Bo, Kenema, Port Loko, and Makeni, but also cautioned that maintenance must be prioritized by both management and traders to preserve the facility.
Management Plans and Operations of Sewa Grounds
The management of the Sewa Ground Market informed the public that application forms for allocation will be made available soon. They also announced that the market will operate daily, except on Sundays.
