By: Zacharia Jalloh, Strategic Communications Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education press conference on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, provided updates on key national issues, including progress in the energy sector, the government’s response to allegations of an international drug trafficker residing in Sierra Leone, and ongoing initiatives to combat climate change and environmental degradation. The following are the key highlights:
♦ Sierra Leone Qualifies for Mission 300 Energy Transformation Project
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, announced a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s energy sector, as the country has qualified for the second cohort of Mission 300 beneficiaries. The announcement was made at the inaugural African Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Mission 300 is an ambitious energy transformation project that aims to electrify 300 million people across Africa by 2030, backed by over $50 billion in funding through the African Development Bank and the World Bank. This achievement underscores the government’s commitment to improving electricity access and fostering sustainable energy solutions for Sierra Leone’s economic growth and development.
♦ Government Responds to Allegations of Dutch Drug Kingpin in Sierra Leone
Addressing recent international allegations regarding the presence of a Dutch cocaine kingpin, Jos Leijdekkers, in Sierra Leone, Minister Chernor Bah reaffirmed that the government has not received any formal or informal request from the Dutch government or any other country regarding this matter. Given the gravity of the allegations, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has ordered a thorough investigation to establish the identity of the individual in question and determine any potential illegal activities within Sierra Leonean territory. Minister Bah also expressed the government’s willingness to collaborate with international law enforcement agencies, including Interpol and the Dutch government, to ensure transparency and accountability.
♦ Inspector General of Police Clarifies Interpol Involvement and Ongoing Investigations
Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu provided further clarity on the issue, stating that Sierra Leone, as a member of Interpol, has access to the I-24/7 platform, which monitors and shares critical intelligence on wanted individuals globally. He confirmed that for the past four years, no red alert has been issued concerning Jos Leijdekkers. However, given the circulation of allegations on social media, the Sierra Leone Police have initiated an investigation to verify the claims. The IGP assured the public that the government remains firmly committed to combating drug-related crimes and is ready to cooperate with international partners to ensure justice is served.
♦ Strengthening Climate Action: Government and Local Leaders Unite Against Deforestation and Pollution
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, outlined the government’s efforts to combat climate change, deforestation, and pollution through collaborative engagements with local councils and Paramount Chiefs across the country. Recognizing that these challenges require community-driven solutions, the Ministry, in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government, has conducted nationwide consultations involving stakeholders from all 190 Chiefdoms in Sierra Leone.
In addition, town hall meetings have been held in the Western Area, engaging local councils, universities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community stakeholders to develop action plans for addressing deforestation and environmental degradation. Minister Abdulai highlighted that this initiative is designed not only to protect the environment but also to provide alternative livelihood opportunities for affected communities.
♦ Local Government Ministry Backs Grassroots Climate Initiatives
Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs Tamba Lamina praised the Ministry of Environment for its proactive approach to engaging local authorities in climate resilience efforts. He emphasized the importance of local ownership in environmental protection, noting that the consultations provided a platform for community leaders to propose indigenous solutions to deforestation and pollution. He encouraged Chiefdoms to plant and preserve forests, underscoring the economic benefits of sustainable forestry practices.
♦ Paramount Chiefs Commit to Environmental Protection
Paramount Chief Amy Tator Kallon Tibbie II of Njama Kowa Chiefdom, Moyamba District, spoke on behalf of traditional leaders, highlighting the devastating impact of deforestation on rainfall patterns and agricultural productivity. She noted that reduced rainfall in the previous planting season led to poor crop yields, exacerbating food insecurity. To mitigate these challenges, Paramount Chiefs have pledged to support afforestation efforts and discourage upland farming, advocating instead for increased investment in bolilands and swampland plantations as sustainable alternatives. Chief Tibbie II reaffirmed the readiness of Paramount Chiefs to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment in promoting tree planting initiatives and environmental conservation.
