The Ministry of Information and Civic Education held a press conference on Tuesday, outlining significant updates on energy stability, civic engagement initiatives, and Sierra Leone’s leadership role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring reliable electricity for Sierra Leoneans. He announced the signing of a one-year extension contract between the Ministry of Energy (through the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority, EDSA) and Karpowership.
Under this agreement, Sierra Leone will receive 25 megawatts of electricity during the rainy season and 45 megawatts in the dry season, addressing seasonal fluctuations in power supply. Additionally, the government has reached a negotiated settlement to restructure outstanding debts owed to Karpowership, ensuring continued energy stability.
Minister Bah also revealed that the Ministry’s Civic Day Series will resume in Kono District on July 28-29, 2025. The two-day event will feature a quiz and debate competition on the first day, followed by a Town Hall meeting with government ministers and Kono stakeholders on the second day. Further details will be shared on the Ministry’s social media platforms.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, highlighted President Bio’s new role as ECOWAS Chairman and his vision for the region. Key priorities include:
Restoring constitutional order and strengthening democracy in member states. Enhancing regional security cooperation to promote trade, investment, and integration. Removing non-tariff trade barriers to facilitate smoother movement of goods and services across borders. Restoring trust and credibility in ECOWAS amid recent political challenges.
Addressing concerns about financial burdens, Minister Kabba clarified that ECOWAS Commission funds will cover bloc operations, with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Finance providing supplementary support. He assured citizens that the country’s economy will not be overburdened, citing the 0.5% ECOWAS levy as a sustainable funding mechanism.
Kabba also emphasized Sierra Leone’s moral obligation to contribute to regional stability, recalling how other nations supported Sierra Leone during its civil war.
On the longstanding Yenga border issue with Guinea, Minister Kabba stated that while President Bio’s leadership will adhere to ECOWAS protocols, Sierra Leone is actively pursuing diplomatic avenues for a peaceful resolution.
Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, Sierra Leone’s representative in the ECOWAS Parliament, praised President Bio’s leadership credentials, noting his military background as an asset in engaging with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—countries that recently exited the bloc.
Lamina outlined Sierra Leone’s potential benefits under Bio’s chairmanship, including Economic growth and tourism promotion. Increased regional influence for the Sierra Leonean military. Completion of the ECOWAS Depot in Lungi (95% done), which will host the ECOWAS standby force.
Madam Juliet Anderson, National Coordinator of the Civil Society Movement in Sierra Leone, congratulated President Bio on his ECOWAS role. She commended Sierra Leone’s open civic space, contrasting it with restrictions faced in other West African nations.
Anderson also expressed optimism that Sierra Leone’s ECOWAS leadership could facilitate a peaceful resolution to the Yenga dispute with Guinea.
The press conference underscored the government’s commitment to energy stability, civic engagement, and regional leadership. With President Bio at the helm of ECOWAS, Sierra Leone is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping West Africa’s future while addressing domestic priorities.
