Tuesday 4th March 2025
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Strategic Communications Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The weekly Ministry of Information and Civic Education press conference held on Tuesday 4th March, 2025, highlighted the government’s proactive measures across multiple sectors, including global advocacy, security, environmental sustainability, and public health. Minister Chernor Bah and other key officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and national development, ensuring a safe and prosperous future for all Sierra Leoneans. The following are the key Highlights:
Minister Chernor Bah Advocates for Africa in Denmark
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, announced that he was in Denmark to advocate for Africa, urging the Danish government to maintain its 0.7% GNI commitment to global development. Denmark is one of the highest per capita spenders on international development, making this appeal crucial, especially as major donor nations consider reducing foreign aid. Minister Bah was invited alongside a South Sudanese minister to advance this cause.
During his visit, Minister Bah met with Denmark’s Minister of Finance, the Ministers of Development and Foreign Affairs, and leaders of all major political parties in the Danish Parliament. His discussions secured commitments emphasizing the importance of development in fostering global security.
Government Debunks False Claims Regarding Kenyan Law Society President
The Sierra Leone High Commission in Kenya, through Minister Chernor Bah, refuted claims made by a local group, the “Lawyers’ Society,” alleging that the Government of Sierra Leone had blocked Faith Odhiambo, President of the Kenya Law Society, from attending their annual meeting due to security concerns. The High Commission categorically dismissed this as false and misleading.
In a letter released by Faith Odhiambo, she clarified that her inability to attend was due to “supervening circumstances” and that she would instead participate virtually. Minister Bah reaffirmed that Sierra Leone is open to visitors and that the government does not interfere with individuals traveling to the country.
Sierra Leone-Netherlands Collaboration in the Fight Against Drug Trafficking
Minister Bah provided updates on Sierra Leone’s ongoing collaboration with the Netherlands to combat drug trafficking and illegal substances. He confirmed that the Dutch government has formally engaged Sierra Leone, and both nations are now working in alignment.
Sierra Leone has received a dossier containing crucial details regarding the case of Jos Liejdekkers, which is currently under review by the Attorney General. Additionally, regarding the Guinea cocaine smuggling incident, Minister Bah disclosed that former Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Guinea, Alimamy Bangura, is back in the country assisting with investigations. Minister Bah reassured the public of President Julius Maada Bio’s unwavering commitment to preventing Sierra Leone from becoming a hub for transnational crimes. He highlighted the continued efforts of law enforcement in seizing contraband and arresting perpetrators.
Launch of ‘Go Circular Week’ to Combat Plastic Pollution
Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens, provided updates on the launch of “Go Circular Week,” which took place from 20th to 27th February 2025. The initiative aims to tackle plastic pollution by fostering collaboration among government entities, private sector players, local leaders, and stakeholders.
As part of the campaign, two indigenous organizations, the Sierra Leone Waste Management Association and the National Recyclers Association, were unveiled to spearhead waste management and recycling efforts. Throughout the week, government officials engaged hotels, beach bars, restaurant owners, sand miners, and policymakers to address plastic waste concerns.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to enacting legislation this year to regulate plastic use. To further enhance private sector participation, a company called “Dorti Box” has introduced an app that allows citizens to access waste management services affordably.
National Public Health Agency Updates on MPOX and Kush Epidemic
Professor Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, provided a health sector update. Since 10th January 2025, Sierra Leone has recorded 38 MPOX cases, with 22 discharges and no fatalities. Western Area Urban remains the most affected region, followed by Western Area Rural. Contact tracing efforts have identified 406 individuals, of whom 366 have completed their 21-day monitoring period, indicating ongoing community transmission.
To combat MPOX, the government has received vaccines, which will soon be administered to frontline workers and vulnerable individuals.
On the Kush epidemic, Professor Sahr announced plans to establish additional treatment centers in Bo, Daru, and Bombali within the next three weeks. He reassured the public that treatment services remain free and encouraged affected individuals to seek medical assistance.
Tacugama Sanctuary: Government Commitment to Wildlife Protection
Bala Amarasekaran, Founder and Programme Director of Tacugama Sanctuary, clarified that the sanctuary is not a private enterprise but a government-backed entity dedicated to protecting wild chimpanzees from trafficking and extinction. He noted that while the sanctuary does not receive government funding, it remains a testament to national conservation efforts, having been managed for over 30 years.
Mr. Amarasekaran raised concerns about deforestation and encroachment, which threaten both the chimps and critical water catchment areas. He commended the Ministry of Lands and the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) for their efforts in reclaiming and protecting buffer zones from illegal settlers. He urged citizens and stakeholders to support conservation efforts, emphasizing the sanctuary’s importance to the ecosystem and local communities.
Government’s Directive to Protect Tacugama Sanctuary
Thomas Foday Kamara, Executive Director of the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reclaiming encroached land around Tacugama Sanctuary, following a presidential directive. He condemned acts of defiance against conservation laws and the harassment of forest guards who are responsible for safeguarding protected areas under the National Protected Area Authority Act 2022.
Director Kamara urged citizens to refrain from encroaching on the sanctuary or setting fires in the area, as such actions could force chimps to flee, posing risks to both wildlife and human populations. He reiterated the government’s resolve to enforce conservation laws and prevent further encroachment.
