Tuesday, 10th June 2025
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Strategic Communications Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
In its continued effort to promote transparency, civic education, and public accountability, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education held its weekly press conference on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Key government ministers provided important updates on national examinations, cybersecurity threats, digital innovation, and the ongoing fight against gender-based violence. The following are the major highlights:
♦ Cybersecurity Alert: Protect Your WhatsApp Account
As part of the ministry’s civic awareness-raising efforts, Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education Bocakarie Abdel-Aziz Bawoh warned citizens to be vigilant against internet scams, particularly a growing WhatsApp hacking scheme. He explained that scammers often pose as meeting organizers, asking you to join an online meeting and resend a code they’ve sent to your WhatsApp. Once this code is shared, the hackers gain full access to your account and use your profile to deceive others. He urged the public to remain cautious and avoid sharing verification codes with anyone.
♦ WAEC and National Exams: Clarification from MBSSE
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Conrad Sackey clarified that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is an international body comprising Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, and Liberia. He emphasized that decisions regarding WAEC exams are made jointly by all member states. “No one works in a silo,” he affirmed.
Minister Sackey also outlined the Continuous Assessment Scores (CAS) process, which contributes 30% to the overall score for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with the remaining 70% coming from the exam itself.
CAS-1 (SS1) results were successfully uploaded by 896 schools, while 84 schools failed. These schools will be granted access to the private WAEC exam through the support of the government.
For CAS-2 (SS2), 880 schools uploaded grades. Of the 12 that failed, six principals were suspended and had their salaries withheld for six months. The remaining six were flagged as ghost schools.
For CAS-3 (SS3), only 47 schools failed to upload grades, which will affect student grading in those institutions.
The total number of students registered for the 2025 WAEC Exam in Sierra Leone stands at 148,362, comprising 66,689 boys and 81,673 girls from 886 schools spread across 335 examination centers.
The minister reiterated the ministry’s commitment to radical inclusion by providing braille exam papers for the visually impaired and extended time for students with hearing impairments. He also issued a stern warning against the use of mobile phones during exams, noting that such misconduct can lead to the seizure of results.
♦ Digital Innovation and 5G Access
Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation Salima Monorma Bah announced the successful launch of the first open-access 5G network in West Africa during the 2025 Sierra Leone Innovate Digital Government Summit at the Bintumani Conference Center. She emphasized that this 5G network is open to all mobile operators in Sierra Leone.
The minister also introduced the EduCube, a 20-foot digital container powered by solar energy and equipped with computers, internet, air conditioning, and printers. This mobile learning unit is designed to promote digital inclusion in remote communities.
Additionally, Minister Bah highlighted the Big 5 Innovation Investment Challenge, tied to the 2025 President Bio Innovation Award, offering up to NLe 1.8 million in seed funding for innovative local solutions. This year’s winner was Mohamed Samu, who developed an insect-based organic fertilizer that converts waste into high-protein animal feed. He received the $30,000 grand prize.
♦ Update on Gender-Based Violence and Child Protection
Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, presented comprehensive statistics on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) for 2024. A total of 2,771 cases were reported: 2,744 involved female victims, and 27 involved male victims. Of these, 2,607 cases were sexual abuse, and 164 were physical abuse.
Shocking details included a 2-month-old baby as the youngest victim of sexual abuse and a 9-month-old as the youngest victim of physical abuse. Minister Mahoi attributed the increased reporting to the progressive legal reforms introduced by the government, which have empowered victims to speak out.
She also reminded the public about the 116 toll-free hotline, available across all networks, for reporting rape and abuse. Callers are connected to service providers who guide them to one-stop centers for support. The minister commended the Rainbow Initiative and other community-based organizations for their continued support to GBV survivors.
On the ongoing investigation into the missing child at Cottage Hospital, Dr. Mahoi confirmed that all nurses on duty at the time are in police custody, and a full investigation is underway. She concluded by calling for stronger judicial action and support to enhance the fight against GBV.
