SL Minister Chernor Bah Urges Denmark to Sustain Development Aid for Africa
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has made a strong appeal for continued international development aid, urging Denmark to uphold its 0.7% Gross National Income (GNI) commitment to global development, particularly in Africa. Speaking at a high-level conference organized by Save the Children and Plan International Denmark, Minister Bah emphasized the need for sustained support amid increasing global aid uncertainties.
Addressing representatives from all major Danish political parties, Bah highlighted the critical role of international aid in transforming lives, drawing from his own experience growing up in post-war Sierra Leone. He warned that funding cuts from key donors, including USAID and the UK, threaten progress in education, climate resilience, and youth employment across Africa.
“Development aid is not just a policy commitment—it is a lifeline for millions,” Minister Bah stated.
He urged Denmark to reject the false choice between defense spending and human security, emphasizing that investing in human capital fosters long-term stability. He stressed that African nations like Sierra Leone and South Sudan rely on European and Danish partnerships to tackle shared challenges, including climate change, access to education, and youth job creation.
Danish Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Global Development
Minister Bah’s compelling advocacy resonated with Danish lawmakers. In response, political leaders reaffirmed Denmark’s pledge to maintain its 0.7% GNI allocation for development aid. Key commitments from Danish policymakers included:
- Prioritizing children’s education, with a focus on girls and women’s rights.
- Strengthening alliances within the EU to mitigate the impact of USAID’s withdrawal.
- Encouraging Africa to remove trade barriers, fostering economic cooperation.
- Investing in human capital and gender equality as key drivers of sustainable development.
Danish MP and Conservative Party Foreign Affairs Spokeswoman Hellen Bonnesen emphasized the moral responsibility of development aid, stating:
“We must support children not because it is easy, but because it is the right thing to do.”
Focus on Education: A Catalyst for Africa’s Future
In a separate roundtable discussion with Danish Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen, who also serves as the Global Champion for Education Cannot Wait, Minister Bah reinforced the crucial role of education in Africa’s development. Minister Wammen echoed this sentiment, stating:
“The promise of education means all children—regardless of age, region, race, ethnicity, class, or gender—must be included.”
A Call for Stronger Global Partnerships
Minister Chernor Bah’s efforts, combined with Denmark’s renewed commitment, signal a significant step forward in sustaining development aid for Africa. As global funding uncertainties persist, Denmark’s leadership offers hope to thousands of children and young people who depend on international support.
This engagement underscores the need for:
- Stronger bilateral partnerships
- Innovative development strategies
- Unwavering international solidarity
Ensuring Africa’s progress remains on track and uninterrupted is not just a necessity—it is a shared global responsibility.
