Tuesday, 24th February 2026
Major Takeaways
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Introduction
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education has resumed its nationwide Civic Day Series in Kono District. The initiative continues to bring Government closer to the people. In Kono, about twelve(12) Government officials including Ministers and heads of parastatals provided key updates on national development priorities and sectoral reforms. Below are the major takeaways from the engagement:
Kono District Strategic Development Plan Launched
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barley, together with the Chairman of the Kono District Council, Augustine Sahr Sheku, officially launched the Kono District Strategic Development Plan (2024–2030).
According to the Chairman, the plan was developed through extensive stakeholder consultations across the district, resulting in the identification of twelve priority areas aligned with the National Development Plan and the Big Five Game Changers. Key priorities include road construction, healthcare, higher education, smart agriculture, clean water, and gender empowerment. In the same vein, Minister Barley formally commissioned the newly refurbished Kono District Council Building
Attorney General Highlights Benefits of Proportional Representation
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, emphasized the importance of the Proportional Representation (PR) System, describing it as a mechanism that promotes peace and national cohesion. He recalled that the system was recommended by the Justice Cowan Committee.
While acknowledging challenges associated with the PR system, he emphasized the need for continuous stakeholder engagement to build a more inclusive, accountable, and transparent framework. He further disclosed that since 2023, Sierra Leone has saved over NLe20 million due to the absence of bye-elections under the PR system.
Petroleum Sector Liberalisation Records Major Growth
The Director-General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Baluwa Koroma, highlighted the transformation of the petroleum sector, noting that liberalisation was the first task assigned to him by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
He revealed that the sector has expanded from two operators to nine, while fuel consumption has risen from 345,000 metric tons to over 550,000 metric tons. Storage capacity increased from 124,000 to 237,000 metric tons, and fuel stations nationwide grew from 220 to 510. In Kono District alone, fuel stations increased from 17 to 35 within five years. He added that fuel import intervals have improved significantly from every 10 days to 42 days enhancing availability and affordability.
Government Updates on Redistricting and Local Governance Reforms
The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, briefed residents on the ongoing redistricting process. He announced the creation of two new districts, Bandajuma (South) and Panguma (East) as well as the addition of new localities in the Western Rural and Western Urban districts.
He further disclosed that Lungi will be transformed into a city due to its strategic and commercial significance. Additionally, the Ministry is at an advanced stage of submitting the reviewed Local Courts Act to the Attorney General and has received financial support from the Ministry of Finance to review the Chieftaincy Act.
2026 National Population and Housing Census Announced
The Statistician-General of Statistics Sierra Leone, Andrew Bob Johnny, announced that the 2026 National Population and Housing Census will be conducted from 2nd to 15th December 2026.
He encouraged all Sierra Leoneans to participate, emphasizing the importance of census data for national development. The exercise is estimated to cost US$37 million and will be highly digitised, with Government already procuring the necessary logistics to ensure a smooth process.
Ministerial Performance Targets to Be Published
Minister Kenyeh Barley further announced that his Ministry will soon compile the 2025 Ministerial Performance Targets and publish report cards for all Ministries in the coming weeks to enhance accountability and performance tracking.
Progress Update on Kono University
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, informed residents that Kono University has been operational for three years, currently conducting lectures at a Government Technical Institution while awaiting completion of its permanent campus.
She disclosed that over 500 students have been enrolled, with key administrative positions including Vice Chancellor, Registrar, PRO, and University Court already established. Regarding construction, she revealed that discussions with EXIM Bank for a US$32 million facility are at an advanced stage, while Government has already pre-financed parts of the project. She assured that the turning of the sod for final construction will take place by June/July 2026.
Government Records Unprecedented Road Infrastructure Growth
The Director-General of the Sierra Leone Road Transport Authority, Alfred J. Momodu, announced that between 2018 and 2025, Government constructed 442.86 kilometres of roads nationwide.
He noted that several major roads and bridges are currently under construction to improve connectivity and described the achievement as unprecedented within a seven-year period
Health Sector Records Significant Improvements
The Deputy Minister of Health I, Charles Senesi, updated the public on remarkable gains in the health sector. He revealed that maternal mortality has reduced by 76%, the fastest decline globally, while child mortality has dropped by 35%.
He further disclosed plans to ensure healthcare facilities are located within a 3–5 kilometre radius for improved access. Additional achievements include the construction of hospitals nationwide, the Kono Maternal Centre of Excellence, solarisation of health facilities, an improved ambulance system, and the introduction of a Health Information hub for real-time data monitoring.
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