Tuesday, 17th March 2026
Key Highlights
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Introduction:
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education convened its weekly press conference to discuss issues relating to women’s empowerment, the protection of the girl child, and the recent increase in petroleum prices across the country. Below are the key highlights from the presser:
Border Security and Regional Stability
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, described the approach taken by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in handling the Guinea–Sierra Leone border dispute as a smarter strategy for long-term regional stability.
His remarks followed the tripartite meeting held in Conakry, Guinea, to discuss sub-regional peace and stability in the Mano River Basin. Minister Bah revealed that, in the aftermath of the meeting, Guinea has withdrawn the majority of its military troops from the borders with Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Cabinet Decisions and Government Commitments
In keeping with promises made to the citizens of Sierra Leone, Minister Chernor Bah announced several Cabinet conclusions from the meeting held on 11th March 2026.
A summary of these conclusions can be accessed via the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AuGHTtjLd
Progress on Women’s Empowerment
The Presidential Adviser on Gender Affairs, Isata Jabbie Kabba, outlined the progress made in women’s empowerment under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
Madam Kabba highlighted the increased participation of women in governance, both in Parliament and Cabinet. She noted that Parliament now has an unprecedented number of women (41), while Cabinet includes 28 women.
She also emphasized the strategic roles held by women in key national institutions, including the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority.
Gender Equality and Protection Measures
Madam Isata Jabbie Kabba commended His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio for fulfilling his promise of a 30% quota for women through the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, as well as the establishment of the Presidential Task Force on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
She noted that the GEWE Act has significantly empowered women, while the Task Force continues to work assiduously to address sexual and gender-based violence across the country. She called on citizens to play their part in the fight against such violence and to avoid compromise.
Update on Zainab Sheriff Matter
Addressing the issue involving Zainab Sheriff, Madam Isata Jabbie Kabba condemned the statement that led to her arrest, noting that the country has moved beyond such rhetoric.
However, she informed the public that efforts are ongoing behind the scenes to appeal for her release.
Petroleum Price Increase Explained
Alphonso Manley, Chairman of the CSO Consortium on Petroleum, emphasized that the current petroleum situation is driven purely by external supply chain disruptions.
He explained that Platts, the international benchmark price for refined petroleum products has risen sharply due to the conflict in the Middle East. He further noted that Sierra Leone imports refined petroleum products, not crude oil, which entails additional costs beyond crude pricing.
Global Supply Chain Pressures
Mr. Manley added that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have strained global supply chains, increasing demand and significantly driving up the Platts rate.
Storage Capacity and Government Intervention
He further revealed that the country’s storage capacity has increased to 295,000 metric tons, demonstrating the sector’s strategic efforts to ensure sustained availability of petroleum products.
Mr. Manley commended the Government’s engagement with Oil Marketing Companies in the interest of the public and encouraged citizens to pray for an end to the conflict in the Middle East to ease global price pressures.
© Ministry of Information and Civic Education
