Tuesday 25th February 2025
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Strategic Communications Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education, led by Minister Chernor Bah, held its weekly press conference on Tuesday, 25th February 2025, addressing key national issues. Below are the highlights:
Supreme Court Ruling on Land Acquisition
Minister Chernor Bah provided an update on the Supreme Court ruling delivered on 6th February 2025 in the case between Theophilus Pratt and the Ministry of Lands. The ruling stated that the government did not follow due process in acquiring land at Mama Beach, as required by Section 21 of the Sierra Leone Constitution and the Public Lands Act Cap 116.
Clarifying the matter, Minister Bah emphasized that Section 21 of the Constitution allows the state to acquire land compulsorily for purposes such as the defence of public safety, public order, public morality, public health, town and country planning, and the overall development and welfare of the people.
The Minister clarified that the ruling pertains only to Mama Beach and has no connection to Black Johnson. He stressed that the parties involved in the case are unrelated to Black Johnson and reaffirmed that the government followed due process in acquiring land in Black Johnson. Compensation was duly paid to affected individuals, and the government warned that any attempts to reclaim the Black Johnson land would violate Sierra Leonean law.
Decentralization of Weekly Government Press Conferences
Minister Bah announced that starting in March, the Ministry would decentralize its weekly press conferences, taking them to the regions. These sessions will include civic engagements, radio talk shows, and town hall meetings. The goal is to dedicate one week each month to regional engagements. Further details will be shared in upcoming press conferences.
Development of a Strategic Plan for Internal Affairs
Minister of Internal Affairs Morie Lengor provided an update on nationwide consultations aimed at developing a strategic plan for his ministry. The plan seeks to make Sierra Leone one of the safest and most peaceful countries. He assured the public that the consultations are inclusive and will incorporate input from all relevant stakeholders. A detailed update on the strategic plan will be provided soon.
Minister Lengor also proposed adopting Krio as a national language, citing examples of other countries that use their local languages to enhance communication on national development. Minister Bah pledged to work with the Attorney General’s office to explore including this recommendation in the constitutional reform process.
Enforcement of Commercial Bike Ban in the Central Business District (CBD)
Minister Lengor reaffirmed the government’s stance on enforcing the ban on commercial motorcycles (okadas) in the Central Business District (CBD). He warned that both riders and passengers who violate the ban will be arrested and prosecuted. To avoid legal consequences, he urged the public to refrain from using commercial bikes in restricted areas.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted that while helmet use for riders will be strictly enforced, passengers are temporarily exempt due to health concerns. Authorities are exploring safer methods for passenger helmet use. Riders who violate the regulations risk having their licenses suspended, facing fines, or imprisonment.
Deportation of Sierra Leoneans from the U.S.
Minister Lengor confirmed that his office received official notification from the U.S. Ambassador regarding the deportation of 11 Sierra Leoneans scheduled to return in April. He clarified that these individuals are not criminals but were deported due to a lack of proper documentation to remain in the United States. The Ministry is prepared to facilitate their reintegration.
Challenges Posed by Commercial Bike Riders in Freetown
Koma Hassan Kamara, Information, Education, and Communication Officer of the Freetown City Council, expressed concerns about the challenges commercial bike riders pose to urban planning and development. She noted that the influx of bike riders has contributed to rural-urban migration, leading to the expansion of informal settlements in the capital.
She commended the government’s initiative to clear commercial bike riders from the CBD and emphasized that the City Council is fully involved in the enforcement process. Madam Kamara also recommended extending the ban to street trading, as part of broader efforts to beautify Freetown and attract more tourists, investors, and economic opportunities.
Support from the Bike Riders Union (BRU)
Ismael Sandy, President of the Bike Riders Union (BRU), provided historical context on the CBD ban, noting that similar restrictions were introduced under the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah in 1998 and former President Ernest Bai Koroma. He acknowledged that the current administration under President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has engaged extensively with the Bike Riders Union to ensure the successful implementation of the ban.
Sandy expressed support for the government’s approach, noting that proper engagement and alternative solutions have been key to minimizing disruptions.
