Civic Day Series Strengthens Government-Citizen Relations in Port Loko

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

Residents of Port Loko have shown overwhelming support for the Civic Series initiative launched by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. Hundreds of residents, ranging from local activists and students to government officials and everyday citizens, gathered this week in a show of unity and civic engagement during the Civic Day series held in the district.

The two-day event, designed to bring government closer to the people, was met with great enthusiasm. One local activist, Nancy Gbamoi, shared her appreciation for the initiative: “We are happy for this initiative; it’s very important for us. Having all of these government ministers here gives us the opportunity to voice our concerns and ask questions about what the government is doing.”

The Civic Day series aims to foster open dialogue between the government and its citizens, providing a platform for people to ask questions, discuss issues, and get a clearer understanding of the government’s work at the grassroots level. The event brought together a wide spectrum of participants from across Port Loko District—local chiefs, students, activists, journalists, young people, and community leaders.

Bringing Government to the People

In his address at the event, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, explained that the Civic Day Series is part of a broader initiative by President Julius Maada Bio to take government directly to citizens across the country. Minister Bah emphasized the importance of face-to-face engagement in addressing the issues that matter most to the people.

“Today, we have brought the government of President Julius Maada Bio to the people of Port Loko. We are here to listen to you, to hear your concerns, and to give you an opportunity to ask questions about the work we are doing as a government,” Minister Bah remarked. He encouraged residents to take full advantage of the event and make their voices heard on a variety of issues affecting their communities.

The event’s focus on government transparency and accountability resonated deeply with the local population, many of whom expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to engage directly with high-ranking officials.

A Community-Centered Event

The first day of the Civic Day series was devoted to engaging the youth, particularly school children and young adults. The day’s events included a quiz and debate competition, where 12 schools from across Port Loko District participated. Students demonstrated their knowledge of civics, discussing topics related to national governance, democratic participation, and community development.

The quiz and debate competitions were lively and educational, offering young participants a chance to showcase their understanding of important issues while learning from each other. For many of the students, this event marked an important milestone in their understanding of their role in Sierra Leone’s democratic process.

“We need to teach the next generation about civics and their responsibilities as citizens,” said Minister Bah. “This is the future of our country, and we must ensure they are well-equipped to take on leadership roles in their communities and the nation as a whole.”

A Forum for Open Dialogue

The second day of the Civic Day series was even more impactful, as it featured a large town hall meeting with government ministers and heads of agencies. Up to nine government ministers, including representatives from sectors like education, health, and infrastructure, attended the event, along with three key heads of government agencies. The town hall provided an open forum where Port Loko residents were invited to ask questions directly to the ministers, creating a space for candid conversations and transparent exchanges.

One of the key topics discussed was local governance, with many residents seeking clarity on how government policies and programs are impacting the district. Several residents asked about ongoing infrastructure projects, the distribution of resources, and the role of local leaders in supporting national development goals.

The open dialogue was a chance for residents to express their concerns about their communities, and for ministers to offer direct answers, thereby building a deeper level of trust and understanding between the government and the people.

Expanding the Initiative Across the District

The success of the Port Loko edition has sparked excitement across the district, with local leaders already discussing the possibility of expanding the Civic Day series to other chiefdoms. District Council Chairman, Tejan Saccoh, shared his vision for the future of the initiative: “Ministers and I are discussing the possibility of taking this series to each chiefdom across the district. This program is very important because it brings government closer to the people and helps us understand their needs better.”

The local leadership’s enthusiasm for the Civic Day series is a clear indication of the initiative’s positive reception. Local leaders believe that taking this event to every chiefdom will create more opportunities for engagement, strengthen local governance, and increase public awareness about government programs and services.

A Step Toward Inclusive Governance

The Civic Day Series is part of a larger initiative by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education to promote transparency, civic education, and active citizen participation in governance. The initiative is rooted in the government’s commitment to fostering an informed citizenry and promoting democratic engagement across Sierra Leone.

The Port Loko edition marks the second successful series held by the Ministry, following a successful event in another district earlier in the year. The government has expressed its intention to continue the series across various districts to reach more communities and involve a broader cross-section of the population in the democratic process.

As residents left the Civic Day series, many expressed their gratitude for the event and their hopes for future editions. The general sentiment was one of empowerment—residents felt they had a direct line to their leaders, a rare opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to the national dialogue.

With plans to expand the Civic Day series, it is clear that the initiative is not only an important tool for promoting civic awareness but also a model for strengthening the relationship between the government and its citizens.