Tuesday, 8th July 2025
Key Highlights
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
At this week’s press conference, held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, key government ministers and agency heads shared updates on national development projects, economic performance, social welfare initiatives, and infrastructure progress. From the launch of a major WASH initiative to steps taken to address drug abuse, disability inclusion, and fisheries development, the briefing showcased a range of efforts aligned with the government’s commitment to inclusive national transformation. The following are the key highlights:
Minister Chernor Bah Highlights Consistency in Civic Engagement and Major WASH Project Launch
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to holding the Government Weekly Press Conference consistently and on time, attributing this track record to strong leadership and institutional discipline. He noted that for the past two years, the Ministry has not missed a single weekly briefing or civic engagement. He also extended gratitude to Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO) for providing sign language interpretation during the conferences, ensuring inclusivity for persons with hearing impairment.
Minister Bah went on to announce that His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio officially launched the Water Security and WASH Access Project on July 8, 2025, at the Freetown International Conference Center (Bintumani). The $180 million project, funded by the World Bank, aims to address systemic challenges in water access and sanitation across Sierra Leone by promoting dignity and equity in water supply.
Positive Economic Outlook and Growth Projections
On the economy, Minister Bah reported on the Sierra Leone Country Focus Report 2025, which projects a positive economic growth rate of 4.4% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026. He attributed these projections to robust economic policies being implemented by the government, particularly in the service sector, mining, and agriculture. Minister Bah reaffirmed President Bio’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of all Sierra Leoneans through stable and inclusive economic growth.
Government Action on Drug Abuse and Youth Rehabilitation
The Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, updated the public on the Ministry’s swift response to the rising issue of drug and substance abuse among young people. She highlighted the opening of Sierra Leone’s first rehabilitation center at Hastings, established to help addicts recover and reintegrate into society. The government’s inter-ministerial approach has fostered collaboration among various sectors in the fight against harmful substances.
Minister Karminty also announced the opening of another rehab center in Bo, where 50 individuals have successfully completed rehabilitation and reintegrated into society. Some of the beneficiaries have returned to school and university, indicating a positive turnaround in their lives.
Support for Persons with Disabilities and Launch of Empowerment Project
On the issue of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Minister Karminty revealed that she secured nearly $1 million in funding in New York to support empowerment programs. An Economic Empowerment Project targeting PWDs is set to be launched on Friday, 11th July 2025. The initiative includes building and renovating training centers across the country to discourage street begging and promote skill-building among disabled persons.
PRIDE Strategy for Disability Development
The newly appointed Chief Commissioner for the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Brima Abdulai Sheriff, shared his vision for disability development, centered on a strategy he coined PRIDE, which stands for Policy Engagements, Resilience, Inclusion, Dignity, and Empowerment. He pledged to move the strategy from paper to practical implementation, ensuring that PWDs are fully empowered and capacitated.
One key announcement from Commissioner Sheriff was that the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) is planning to train over 1,000 persons with disabilities in skills development. He also appealed for peace and unity within the disability community, describing stability as crucial for meaningful progress.
Update on Black Johnson Fish Harbour Project and Export Certification
The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, provided a detailed update on the Black Johnson Fish Harbour Project, which she credited to President Julius Maada Bio’s strategic engagement with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping. The Chinese Government pledged a $55 million grant, which was approved by the Sierra Leone Parliament in July 2021. Although delays and the possibility of the grant being halved arose, Minister Dugba’s proactive engagement with the Chinese Embassy ensured that the original project was preserved. Construction is now scheduled to commence in September 2025.
Minister Dugba also confirmed that on Friday, 11th July 2025, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, the Ministry will launch the Export Certification Portal, allowing fishermen and women to export fish to China at zero tariff, thus enhancing market access and boosting export revenues.
Fish Harbour Design and Projected Revenue Boost
Acting Director of Fisheries, Sheku Sei, outlined the structural and operational components of the upcoming Fish Harbour. He noted that the facility will include a seafront with a breakwater system, a slipway for offboard activities, a synchro lift for vessel maintenance, cold storage rooms, and processing factories on the foreshore. He estimated that the Fish Harbour will significantly increase revenue from the fisheries sector, potentially generating $59 million annually, compared to the current $10 million.
