Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has delivered a compelling message on the global stage, positioning the country as an active voice in the international fight against misinformation during the 2026 International Strategic Communication Summit in Istanbul.
The high-level summit, which convened on Friday, March 27, 2026, brought together policymakers, diplomats, media professionals and technology experts from across the world to address evolving challenges in information management and strategic communication. Organized by Türkiye’s Presidency Communications Directorate, the gathering focused on strengthening global responses to misinformation, disinformation and digital manipulation.
Taking the podium at the opening session, Chernor Bah outlined Sierra Leone’s growing commitment to promoting transparency, strengthening public trust and empowering citizens through accurate and accessible information. He emphasized that misinformation is no longer a localized issue but a global threat capable of undermining governance systems, weakening democratic institutions and eroding confidence between Governments and their citizens.
In a series of high-profile media engagements with TRT, AfroTurk TV and CGTN, the Minister clearly articulated Sierra Leone’s firm stance against the spread of false narratives. He highlighted ongoing national efforts that prioritize collaboration with local media institutions, the rollout of digital literacy initiatives and the establishment of regulatory frameworks designed to curb the proliferation of harmful online content.
According to the Minister, building resilience against misinformation requires a multi-faceted approach that includes educating citizens, enhancing media credibility and ensuring that Governments remain open and accountable in their communication. He underscored that empowering citizens with the skills to identify and challenge false information is essential in safeguarding democratic values and national cohesion.
Beyond the issue of misinformation, he also drew attention to the broader global environment, noting how international conflicts continue to have far-reaching consequences even for countries geographically distant from the crisis zones. Referencing tensions involving Israel, the United States and Iran, he explained that Sierra Leone is already experiencing indirect economic pressures.
He pointed to rising fuel prices, increasing import costs and mounting pressures on the cost of living as tangible impacts of global instability. Those developments, he noted, are placing strain on households, businesses and Government resources, reinforcing the need for proactive policies that shield citizens from external shocks.
Despite those challenges, Chernor Bah reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening economic resilience and maintaining stability. He emphasized that Sierra Leone remains focused on protecting its population while adapting to an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable global landscape.
Observers at the summit noted that Sierra Leone’s contributions stood out for their clarity and practical focus, reflecting a country that is not only aware of global communication challenges but actively working to address them through policy and engagement.
The Information Minister’s participation at the Stratcom Summit underscores Sierra Leone’s growing presence in international policy discussions, particularly in areas related to information integrity and digital governance. His intervention reinforced the country’s role as a committed partner in promoting credible information ecosystems and countering the harmful effects of misinformation in an increasingly digital world.
