KEY HIGHLIGHTS
27th May 2025
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education, led by Minister Chernor Bah, hosted a Civic Engagement Day in Moyamba District, marking a milestone in the government’s ongoing commitment to deepen public participation and transparency in national development. The event featured several key ministers, deputy ministers, directors, and agency heads who provided updates and responded to citizens’ concerns. The following are the key highlights:
Presidential Town Hall Announcement
Minister Bah announced that the second edition of the National Presidential Town Hall will be held on 17th June 2025 in Kenema District. He emphasized that this initiative is part of President Bio’s effort to bring governance closer to the people, allowing citizens direct interaction with the President on national development issues.
Creation of New Districts and Cities
Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, announced that Cabinet has approved the creation of two new districts: Bandajuma, which will affect areas in Bo and Pujehun Districts, and Kpanguma, which will impact communities in Kenema and Kailahun Districts. He also revealed that Freetown will be divided into two districts and the Western Area Rural into three. Additionally, Lungi will be declared a new city due to its strategic location and proximity to the international airport.
2026 National Census Preparedness
Deputy Statistician General Lansana Kpelowo Kanneh assured the public that the December 2026 National Census is fully funded. He noted that all equipment, including tablets, software, vehicles, and motorbikes, have been secured for cartographic mapping. He also emphasized local employment, assuring that only Moyamba indigenes will be recruited for census activities in the district.
Health Sector Update: MPox Outbreak
Deputy Minister of Health I, Dr. Charles Senesie, disclosed that a new strain of MPox is being observed, affecting the genitals unlike the previous strain. He reassured the public that while not as dangerous as Ebola or COVID-19, preventive measures must be taken. The Ministry has increased treatment centers, including a 400-bed facility at the Police Training Center in Hastings.
Mining and Community Development
Deputy Minister of Mines, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, highlighted the impact of the Mines and Minerals Development Act 2023, which mandates that 1% of gross revenue from mining companies goes to Community Development Funds, a significant increase from the previous 0.0001%. The Act also establishes a Mining District Development Fund, which retains 20% of royalties for district-level development.
Moyamba District now hosts 5 large-scale and 14 small-scale mining companies, up from only 2 large-scale firms in 2018. Between 2023 and 2024, small-scale miners paid NLE 2.5 million and large-scale miners paid NLE 118 million in surface rents to communities.
Higher Education and Skills Development
Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, reiterated Njala University’s central role in the Feed Salone Project and confirmed its inclusion in the Presidential Task Force. She also reported that Moyamba’s single TVET center is now fully equipped through partnerships with GIZ and Latter-Day Saints. Additionally, out of 52 applicants, 44 Moyamba students received government scholarships through the grant-in-aid program.
Agricultural Growth and Food Security
Deputy Minister of Agriculture II, Sahr Hemore, stated that rice importation dropped by 25% in 2023. He revealed that Moyamba is set to benefit from two major agriculture projects: A $105 million livestock project, and a $40 million maize production project.
Gender Equality and Child Protection
Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, outlined progress on women’s empowerment and child protection, noting that 34.5% of cabinet positions and 30% of Parliament are held by women. Key policies such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Radical Inclusion Policy are being implemented. Moyamba has a One-Stop Center for survivors of SGBV, and cases can be reported via the 116 toll-free hotline.
Social Action and Infrastructure
NaCSA Commissioner, Amb. Chief Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, reported that water supply projects have been completed in Ribbi, Bradford, Njala Market, and Tiama. Cash transfers of $45 each were provided to 910 elderly persons in Moyamba. Additionally, approval has been secured from the Ministry of Finance for the renovation of the Moyamba Mini Stadium.
Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francess Paige Alghali, noted that Sierra Leone is now recognized as a key global player. She highlighted that the country chairs the C-10 advocating for UN Security Council reform, and that diplomatic measures are in place to resolve the Yenga border dispute with Guinea.
Petroleum Sector Performance
NPRA Director General, Brima Baluwa Koroma, disclosed the sector now contributes over 12% to domestic revenue, with annual revenue rising from NLE 480 million to NLE 1.7 billion in 2024. The Authority aims to generate over NLE 2 billion in 2025.. Petroleum importers have increased from 2 to 7, and Moyamba alone consumes 20 million liters annually, mainly due to mining activities.
Parliamentary Advocacy
Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray, Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Information, called for the construction of a permanent Community Health Center (CHC) in Rotifunk, noting that the current rented facility is inadequate for 38,740 residents.
Trade and Industrial Development
Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Sesay, affirmed the stability of commodity prices and the development of a pricing formula. Moyamba is set to benefit from inclusion in the Special Economic Zone once road work is completed, the rollout of the Munafa Fund starting in July, and the potential location for one to two factories before the end of the year.
Pension Reforms and Informal Sector Inclusion
NASSIT’s Head of Public Affairs, Mohamed Bangalie, noted pension reforms under President Bio have increased minimum pensions from NLE 26 to NLE 250. He also emphasized efforts to include the informal sector (market women, bike/keke riders) in the pension scheme through micro-loans and savings options.
Employment and Development Planning
Dr. Sheku Bangura, Director of Planning and Research at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, revealed that over 30,000 jobs were created nationally last year. Moyamba hosts 51 national and 24 international NGOs, contributing to local development.
Moyamba District Council Achievements
Chairman Joseph B. Mbogba highlighted townhall engagements in all chiefdoms, the provision of 10 acres for the 1MW solar power plant now providing 24-hour electricity, approval of 1,580 teachers and 410 schools under Free Quality Education, implementation of the school feeding program in 10 chiefdoms, cultivation of 200 hectares under Feed Moyamba with 500 more hectares supported by the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), and the construction of staff quarters for council employees, the only council in Sierra Leone to do so.
