By: Zacharia Jalloh, Strategic Communications Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education held its weekly press conference on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, providing critical updates on national civic engagement efforts, youth empowerment strategies, and the country’s preparedness for climate-related risks. The briefing featured key presentations from Minister Chernor Bah, Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh, and leaders from the Environment Protection Agency and Meteorological Agency, among others. The following are the key highlights:
♦ Civic Engagement Initiatives
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, announced two major initiatives to enhance citizen participation. From May 26th to 27th, the ministry will host its Civic Day Series in Moyamba District as part of efforts to bring governance closer to the people. He also revealed that on June 17th, 2025, the second edition of the Presidential Town Hall will be held in Kenema District. President Dr. Julius Maada Bio will use the platform to interact directly with citizens, share insights on his leadership, and respond to public questions. More details will be shared via the ministry’s online platforms.
♦ Youth Empowerment Vision (2025–2028)
The Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, outlined a new three-year strategic plan titled “Youth in Entrepreneurship,” covering the period from June 2025 to 2028. The plan focuses on agriculture, climate change policy, digital literacy, and skills development. He emphasized that the program aims to build the capacity of young people to become self-reliant and job-ready.
Minister Sannoh noted that youths who have acquired skills but lack formal certification will benefit from short-term courses at existing and newly established technical institutions across the country. These programs will be certified by the National Council for Technical and Vocational Awards (NCTVA). He encouraged youths to take advantage of these opportunities and prepare themselves for meaningful employment.
♦ Climate Change and Environmental Resilience
Dr. Abu-Bakar S. Massaquoi, Executive Director of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), provided an overview of the agency’s role in addressing climate change. He clarified the difference between weather and climate, noting that while weather reflects short-term atmospheric conditions, climate involves long-term patterns and variability.
He stated that the EPA monitors climate risks such as rainfall, windstorms, and sea level rise to support national policy-making and disaster prevention. The agency has secured a $28.6 million grant from the Green Climate Fund to support interventions in 75 coastal communities. This initiative is expected to help prevent the displacement of more than 300,000 people. Dr. Massaquoi also emphasized the importance of building community-level resilience and adaptive capacity.
♦ Meteorological Forecast and Risk Preparedness
Gabriel Kpaka, Deputy Director-General and Head of Operations at the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, presented key climate projections based on data from 1994 to 2024. He reported that between May and July 2025, districts such as Koinadugu, Falaba, Kerene, Bombali, and Tonkolili will experience below-average rainfall. In contrast, districts including the Western Area, Bo, Moyamba, Kenema, and Kailahun will see above-average rainfall.
During the July to September (JAS) period, the country is expected to experience overall above-average rainfall. He warned that Freetown is at high risk of flooding due to poor drainage and unregulated construction on swamps and waterways. The forecast also predicts early thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds in September. Mr. Kpaka assured the public that the agency is using world-class forecasting models to deliver accurate and timely weather updates.
♦ Youth-Led Climate Advocacy
Esther Yealie Kamara, Executive Director of the Youth Initiative for Climate Change, commended the Youth Ministry’s vision to integrate green job creation into youth empowerment strategies. She stressed the need to educate young people on climate issues and ensure that green jobs programs are inclusive and accessible to all. Kamara urged youths to take ownership of the fight against climate change, reminding them that it is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government action.
