MoICE Updates Public on Key Government Initiatives and Disaster Responses

On September 24, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) conducted its weekly press briefing, providing crucial updates on government initiatives, disaster responses, and efforts to promote peace and national cohesion. Here are the key highlights:

Deputy Minister Bockarie Abdel Aziz Bawoh announced an upcoming Town Hall discussion on higher education, organized by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education in collaboration with MoICE. Scheduled for September 26, 2024, at the Fourah Bay College Multi-Purpose Hall, the event will focus on the quality of higher education, financing, and collective responsibility. It will be live-streamed across all major media platforms, including MoICE’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

Deputy Minister Bawoh highlighted a significant boost for President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s Feed Salone Flagship Project. On September 18, 2024, the Islamic Development Bank pledged $40 million to support the Government of Sierra Leone’s agricultural development efforts through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. This support underscores the President’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in food production.

Deputy Minister Bawoh announced that the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs will commemorate UN World Tourism Day on September 27, 2024. The event will showcase Sierra Leone’s tourism potential and raise awareness about the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Lt. Gen. Brima Sesay, Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), provided an update on the seven-story building collapse at Shell New Road, which destroyed several structures, including residential homes and a mosque. Twenty-four individuals were recovered, with 16 fatalities and 8 survivors. The injured were swiftly taken to Rokupr and Choithram hospitals for treatment. Lt. Gen. Sesay expressed gratitude to various organizations, including the Gento Group of Companies, Marampa Mines, and the Sierra Leone Red Cross, for their support during the rescue operation, which concluded on September 24, 2024.
Rev. Shodankeh Johnson, Chairman of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), updated attendees on the Commission’s efforts to promote peace nationwide. The ICPNC has established regional offices and appointed peace ambassadors to foster a culture of peace and unity. Rev. Johnson highlighted the Commission’s role in resolving the stalemate between the Government of Sierra Leone and the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), through the implementation of the National Unity Agreement. As part of the International Day of Peace celebrations, the Commission engaged citizens through radio shows and football matches to raise awareness about peace. Rev. Johnson urged citizens to spread positive messages instead of negativity.

Mrs. Rosaline McCarthy, National Focal Person and Founding Member of the Mano River Women’s Peace Network (MARWOPNET) in Sierra Leone, discussed the Network’s role in fostering peace within the Mano River Region. Through mediation and advocacy, MARWOPNET has facilitated collaboration among the Heads of State in the Mano River Union (MRU) to serve their citizens’ interests. Mrs. McCarthy emphasized the importance of women’s participation in decision-making processes, noting that it is both a peace and human rights issue. She commended the Government for passing the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act and the Child Marriage Act, which advance the rights of women and girls in Sierra Leone.