COPENHAGEN, DENMARK— Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has made a compelling appeal for sustained international development aid, urging Denmark to uphold its 0.7% Gross National Income (GNI) commitment to global development—particularly in Africa. Speaking at a high-level conference organized by Save the Children and Plan International Denmark, Minister Chernor Bah called on Danish political leaders to reinforce their commitment to the new Africa Strategy amid growing global aid uncertainties.
Addressing representatives from all major Danish political parties, Minister Chernor Bah underscored the urgent need for continued support, especially as major donors like USAID withdraw funding and the UK signals potential cuts. Drawing from his personal journey—growing up in post-war Sierra Leone—he highlighted how international aid shaped his access to education and opportunity.
“Development aid is not just a policy commitment; it is a lifeline for millions,” Minister Chernor Bah stated. “He urged Denmark to reject the false binary between investing in defense and human security, adding that ‘because we know from the example of Denmark that when you invest in building human capital, that is your best guarantee of security and resilience in all forms of crises.
For countries like Sierra Leone and South Sudan, European and Danish partnerships remain essential in responding to and dealing with multiple common challenges, including climate-related crises, ensuring children receive education, and creating job opportunities for young people.”
Minister Chernor Bah’s passionate advocacy struck a chord with Danish lawmakers. In response, leaders from across the political spectrum reaffirmed Denmark’s pledge to maintain its 0.7% GNI allocation for development aid. They also committed to prioritizing children’s education, with a special focus on girls and women’s rights; strengthening alliances within the EU to counterbalance USAID’s withdrawal; encouraging Africa to remove trade barriers to foster economic cooperation; and investing in human capital development and gender equality to drive long-term progress.
Hellen Bonnesen, MP and Foreign Affairs Spokeswoman for the Conservative Party, emphasized the moral responsibility of aid, stating, “We must support children not because it is easy, but because it is the right thing to do.”
During a separate roundtable discussion with Danish Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen, who also serves as the Global Champion for Education Cannot Wait, Minister Bah reinforced the critical role of education in Africa’s development. Minister Wammen echoed this, declaring, “The promise of education means all children—regardless of age, region, race, ethnicity, class, or gender—must be included.”
Minister Chernor Bah’s advocacy and Denmark’s renewed commitment mark a significant step forward in sustaining development aid for Africa. As global funding uncertainties loom, Denmark’s leadership offers hope to thousands of children and young people who rely on international support for their future. This engagement underscores the need for stronger bilateral partnerships, innovative development strategies, and unwavering international solidarity to ensure that Africa’s progress remains on track and uninterrupted.
