By Claudia Redwood-Sawyerr
The Government Printing Department was officially re-launched today, 29th May 2026, at its headquarters at New England Ville, Freetown, marking what officials described as a major step toward restoring and modernising one of Sierra Leone’s oldest public institutions.
Delivering the welcome address, Government Printer of Sierra Leone, Mr. Salifu Suma, said the launch represented “a new beginning” for an institution that has played a significant role in governance, public administration, and national development for more than two centuries.
“The story of the Government Printing Department is not merely about printing documents; it is a story of service, growth, resilience, and national development,” Mr. Suma stated.
Founded in 1794 and beginning operations as the Royal Gazette in 1801, the Government Printing Department became the first government printing establishment in British West Africa and the second on the African continent after South Africa. Over the years, it produced official gazettes, parliamentary records, educational materials, legal notices, and key state documents supporting public administration across Sierra Leone.
Mr. Suma acknowledged that despite its historic contribution, the department had faced years of decline due to outdated machinery, limited investment, operational disruptions, and challenges in keeping pace with modern printing technology. He noted that staff continued to keep the institution functioning despite severe constraints.
“Today marks a turning point,” he declared, announcing a transformation partnership with the Diming Yimo Printing group aimed at modernising the department’s machinery, production systems, and operational standards.
According to Mr. Suma, the partnership will introduce advanced technology, technical expertise, and substantial investment to reposition the department as a competitive and sustainable printing enterprise capable of meeting international standards.
He stressed that the transformation would also prioritize staff welfare and capacity building. “The men and women who have kept this institution alive over the years will not be left behind. Their jobs will be protected, their skills upgraded, and their capacities strengthened,” he said.
The Government Printer further described the initiative as an investment in Sierra Leone’s future, emphasizing its potential to strengthen public service delivery, create employment opportunities for young people, and improve government communication systems.
“Our ambition is clear. We want to transform the Government Printing Department into a modern printing enterprise that can compete effectively not only within Sierra Leone but across the sub-region and beyond,” he stated.
Mr. Suma also reflected on the department’s legacy, recalling the quality of educational and public materials once produced by the institution and expressing confidence that the department could regain its reputation for professionalism and excellence.
He thanked the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for its continued support and commended staff members for their resilience and dedication during difficult periods.
“Today, we begin a new chapter together….. a chapter of renewal, professionalism, innovation, and progress,” he concluded
