On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education held its weekly press conference, highlighting significant developments across key sectors. Led by Minister Chernor Bah, the briefing provided updates on Sierra Leone’s growing bilateral ties with Liberia, the upcoming Civic Festival, remarkable achievements in the 2024 BECE results, and insights into the 2025 national budget. Other speakers included Minister Conrad Sackey, Hon. Sia Mahawa Tommy, and Executive Director, Institute of Governance Reform (IGR) Andrew Lavali, who shed light on the government’s efforts to promote education, youth empowerment, and economic sustainability. The following are the key highlights:
Bilateral Relations Between Sierra Leone and Liberia
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, held a significant meeting with his Liberian counterpart, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, during the three-day working visit of Liberian President Joseph Boakai to Sierra Leone. The meeting emphasized collaborative efforts to combat the spread of fake news across the sub-region and enhance media and civic engagements between the two countries.
Minister Bah announced the signing of a communiqué aimed at deepening bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Liberia. The agreement outlines cooperation in key areas, including agriculture, diplomacy, security, democracy, and trade, signaling a strengthened partnership between the two nations.
Sierra Leone’s First-Ever Civic Festival
Minister Bah introduced the public to Sierra Leone’s inaugural Civic Festival, scheduled for December 11-12, 2024, at the Miatta Conference Center, Youyi Building. The festival will provide a platform for citizens to discuss national issues, centered on the Big Five priorities of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s administration. It will also showcase Sierra Leone’s vibrant culture, music, and art, encouraging nationwide civic engagement and dialogue with government officials.
Update on BECE Results
The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, shared updates on the recently released 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results:
– 121,125 candidates from 1,835 schools participated.
– 61,957 girls and 58,289 boys sat for the exam, achieving a 90.5% pass rate.
– The top scorers, Mariam M. Sesay of International School and John Sitta of Alfren International Junior Secondary School, both attained an aggregate of 7.
– A total of 835 schools achieved a 100% pass rate, while 461 schools recorded a 95% pass rate.
Minister Sackey assured the public that third-term school subsidies have been paid, though some schools are facing challenges accessing funds due to issues with their community banks. The Ministry of Finance has committed to disbursing first-term subsidies once salaries are paid this November.
On the issue of potential teacher strikes, Minister Sackey clarified that these are not salary-related but concern subsidies and school learning materials, both of which the government is addressing.
Youth Empowerment and the 2025 Budget
Hon. Sia Mahawa Tommy, Member of Parliament for Kono District, highlighted the government’s commitment to youth empowerment in the 2025 budget. She noted plans to create thousands of jobs across the police, prison service, army, and health sector, targeting the youth.
Hon. Tommy also emphasized the increase in budget allocation for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, demonstrating the government’s prioritization of youth development. She assured the public that no tax has been added to rice and that Parliament will thoroughly scrutinize the budget before approval.
Economic Growth and Budget Analysis
Andrew Lavali, Executive Director of IGR, commended the government for debasing Sierra Leone’s GDP from $4 billion to $8 billion in the 2025 budget, increasing the per capita income from $492 to $857.
Lavali described the 2025 budget as more realistic and reflective of the country’s economic growth, particularly in the service sector. However, he urged Parliament to carefully address issues such as debt sustainability, EDSA management, and the wage bill.
