By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Introduction:
Infrastructural development, skills training, early childhood education, maternal health, and developments in the petroleum sector took center stage at this week’s Government Weekly Press Conference.
Government officials, including the Presidential Spokesman, the Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and a senior midwifery expert, provided updates on key national priorities. The following are the key highlights:
♦️Revamping Sierratel through MVNO Partnership
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, announced the official launch of the Sierratel Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), an innovative partnership with Africell aimed at revitalizing the state-owned telecommunications company.
He explained that Sierratel will leverage Africell’s network to provide digital services and voice connectivity, particularly targeting young people and content creators.
Minister Bah clarified that the partnership does not amount to privatization, emphasizing that Sierratel remains fully owned by the Government. He encouraged citizens to embrace the initiative as a matter of national pride.
He further assured the public that full commercial operations will be rolled out nationwide by the end of the month. At the launch, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio presented a $2 million cheque to address salary backlogs, staff benefits, and other liabilities.
♦️Skills Development and Job Creation Initiatives
The Presidential Spokesman, Alhaji Dr. Alpha Khan, provided updates on the President’s recent engagements, highlighting a partnership between Freetown Polytechnic and Zhengzhou Railway Technician College to establish an Excellence Skills Academy.
The initiative focuses on technical training, skills acquisition, and employment opportunities, aligning with the Government’s commitment to create 500,000 jobs.
Dr. Khan noted that the programme is a tripartite partnership involving China Railway Seventh Group, Zhengzhou Railway Technician College, and Freetown Polytechnic, and urged young people to embrace technical and vocational training.
♦️Early Childhood Education Programme
On education, Dr. Khan highlighted the launch of the $15.3 million Salone Pekin fo Play en Lan Outcome Fund Programme, an early childhood education initiative targeting approximately 30,000 children aged 3–5 years.
The programme will support 87 community-based early childhood education centres over the next three years and is implemented by the Education Outcomes Fund in partnership with the Government through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education.
♦️Major Infrastructure Developments
Dr. Khan also outlined key infrastructure projects launched by the President, including, the Industrial Fish Harbour at Black Johnson, expected to produce 450,000 metric tons of fish annually, a flour mill factory at Cline Town, the Bandajuma–Pujehun road, Completion of NaTCA Office and Several bridges to support agricultural productivity.
He further disclosed the disbursement of NLe99 million Community Development Agreement Fund to the Ferenbuya community by Leone Rock Metal Group. Part of the fund will support the construction of the Magburaka–Bumbuna–Sambaia Bendugu road corridor.
♦️Petroleum Sector Update
The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Brima Baluwa Koroma, assured the public of adequate fuel supply, stating that the country currently holds 45 days of petrol and 58 days of diesel stock.
He noted that global factors, including the Gulf conflict, continue to impact fuel prices, with petrol increasing by 78.9%, diesel by 100.72%, and jet fuel by 102%.
To cushion the impact, Government is providing a monthly subsidy of $2.6 million. He added that engagement with importers is ongoing to ensure that the full burden of price increases is not transferred to consumers.
♦️Maternal Health and Midwifery Advocacy
Isata Dumbuya, Director of RMNCAH at Partners In Health-Sierra Leone, spoke on efforts to reduce maternal mortality through the Maternal Center of Excellence in Kono.
She explained that the facility is equipped with modern medical infrastructure and trained personnel to provide specialized care for mothers and newborns, while Koidu Government Hospital continues to handle broader medical cases.
Madam Dumbuya emphasized the critical role of midwifery in safeguarding maternal health, noting global progress in reducing maternal mortality but stressing the urgent need for one million additional midwives worldwide.
She encouraged young women to pursue careers in midwifery and called on practicing professionals to maintain high standards of care.
© Ministry of Information and Civic Education
