By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone’s Government has deepened its engagement with citizens abroad through the first-ever U.S. edition of the Civic Day Series, hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) on Tuesday September 30, 2025 in New Carrollton, Maryland. The event brought together hundreds of Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora for an open dialogue with senior Government officials on national progress, reforms and opportunities for greater collaboration.
The initiative, which has become a flagship platform for “bringing Government closer to the people, home and abroad,” was hailed as a milestone in inclusive governance. Ministers used the occasion to share achievements across key sectors, while also unveiling new policy reforms that will directly benefit Sierra Leoneans abroad.
Opening the discussions, Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, underscored the critical role of civic participation in Sierra Leone’s transformation. He urged Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to remain active partners in national development not only through remittances but also by lending expertise, building networks and investing in local opportunities.
“Government policies are stronger when they reflect the voices of citizens at home and abroad,” Dr. David Moinina Sengeh said, emphasizing that Sierra Leone’s global citizens are an integral part of the country’s democratic journey.
MoICE Minister, Chernor Bah, reinforced this message, describing the Civic Day Series as a tool for transparency and accountability. He stressed that diaspora voices matter and that Government remains committed to ensuring their concerns and aspirations inform policy.
A major highlight came from Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., who announced sweeping electoral reforms that will allow Sierra Leoneans abroad to register and vote at embassies worldwide.
“For too long, many of you have had to travel home to register and return again for verification and voting,” he said. “Under the reforms, you will be able to register here in the embassy and cast your votes.”
He also revealed provisions under the new Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) aimed at speeding up justice delivery through fixed timelines for judges and the introduction of digital tools for lawyers and witnesses. In addition, a forthcoming Mediation Bill will expand access to out-of-court settlements, responding to data showing that 70% of Sierra Leoneans prefer alternative dispute resolution.
“These reforms deepen President Bio’s commitment to expanding democratic participation and access to justice for our brothers and sisters in the diaspora,” he affirmed.
Government officials took turns to highlight significant achievements in their respective Ministries.
Finance Minister, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, reported that inflation had fallen from 54% in 2023 to 5.8% by August 2025, while commodity prices had stabilized and exchange rates remained steady for over two years. He credited fiscal discipline and robust partnerships with the IMF, World Bank and EU.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, pointed to Sierra Leone’s rising profile on the global stage, from its leadership role at the UN Security Council to its active presence in ECOWAS and the African Union C-10.
Health Minister, Dr. Austin Demby, highlighted a 76% drop in maternal mortality, 95% vaccination coverage and the electrification of 330 health facilities through solar energy. He confirmed that President Julius Maada Bio will commission a new ultramodern hospital in Kono this October, with more hospitals under construction in Moyamba, Pujehun, Karene and Kerry Town.
Transport and Aviation Minister, Alhaji Fanday Turay, announced plans to reintroduce commercial train services under a new National Railway Authority, urging diaspora investment in the project. He also cited the success of the Waka Fine buses, which transport 35,000 passengers daily in Freetown, alongside reforms in licensing and road safety.
ICT Minister Salima Monorma Bah showcased over $200 million in digital infrastructure investments, including expansion of fiber backbone to 14 districts, growth of mobile sites to 1,405 nationwide and the introduction of Starlink and 5G networks. She also launched digital platforms like Wan-Gov App, a one-stop shop for Government services.
Gender and Children’s Affairs Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi praised legal milestones such as the GEWE Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, noting that women now represent 36.5% of Cabinet. She also highlighted new financing schemes and survivor support programs that have boosted the reporting of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence cases.
Deputy Water and Sanitation Minister, Ing. Alpha Kallon, updated on two transformative projects: the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project, already 65% complete and the $180 million Water Security and WASH Access Improvement Project, set to deliver clean water to five million citizens.
The Ministers repeatedly acknowledged the contributions of Sierra Leoneans abroad, particularly in education, health and agriculture. Dr. Austin Demby, who himself once worked in the U.S., urged doctors and nurses to channel their expertise and networks into building modern facilities at home.
“The medical missions you do are very important. Continue with them, but also look to invest in sustainable health infrastructure that will transform lives,” he encouraged.
The Maryland edition wrapped up to widespread praise, with participants hailing the initiative as a transformative milestone. Many expressed optimism that extending the Civic Day Series to diaspora communities would deepen trust, foster stronger connections and ensure that Sierra Leoneans everywhere remain part of the nation’s journey.
With reforms on the horizon and development milestones recorded across multiple sectors, the U.S. Civic Day Series was hailed as a resounding success, one that underscores President Bio’s vision of inclusive nation-building and the Government’s commitment to bridging the gap between citizens at home and abroad.
