By: Hajaratu S. Bangura
Parliament has ratified a $5 million Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) and Diming Yimo Printing Group to modernise the Government Printing Department, while Cabinet has approved major reforms in mining, maritime development and digital transformation.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, during the Government’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, where he presented Cabinet conclusions and updates on key national developments.
The printing press agreement, signed on March 24, 2026, will transform the over 200-year-old Government Printing Department through the introduction of modern digital printing facilities under a 10-year Build-Operate-Transfer arrangement. Minister Bah informed Parliament that the $5 million investment requires zero financial contribution from government, with ownership of the modernised facility and assets transferring to Sierra Leone at the end of the agreement period.
The agreement received contributions from lawmakers, who welcomed the improved printing capacity and local staff training, while emphasising the need for strong oversight, protection of sensitive government documents and compliance by Ministries, Departments and Agencies to use the upgraded facility for official printing services.
During the briefing, Minister Bah also announced Cabinet decisions approving a new transparent framework for managing Tonkolili North iron ore licences through the National Minerals Agency, the establishment of the Sierra Leone Ocean Shipping Company Ltd through a joint venture between the Sierra Leone Mining and Maritime Development Company (SLMMDMC) and China’s Zhejiang Xiehai Group and the National Open Source Software First Policy aimed at reducing software costs, improving data security and strengthening digital sovereignty.
Minister Bah assured citizens that government will continue to monitor the implementation of these initiatives to ensure accountability, efficiency and national benefit.
