By: Alimatu Kargbo
At the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press conference on Tuesday, 13th May 2025, key government ministers provided crucial updates on pressing national issues, including staff grievances at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), the ongoing border dispute in Yenga, the MPOX outbreak, and rising lawlessness in Freetown.
The ministers reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace, public health, and institutional reform.
SLBC Staff Welfare and Governance Concerns
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, revealed that he had recently met with SLBC staff to discuss concerns related to poor wages and institutional governance. Notably, some employees were reportedly earning below the national minimum wage. Staff also called for the dissolution of the SLBC Board.
Minister Bah clarified that the SLBC Act of 2010 outlines the Board’s composition and authority, and it cannot be arbitrarily dissolved, as it includes representatives from reputable bodies such as the Bar Association, Inter-Religious Council, and civil society.
He confirmed that staff earning below minimum wage have been identified, and discussions with the Ministry of Finance and the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) are ongoing to address salary disparities and reclassification.
On the demand for the release of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) report on SLBC, the minister emphasized that the report is classified and advised staff to formally request access from the ACC.
Addressing allegations that the Ministry had seized SLBC cameras, Minister Bah clarified that new equipment was independently acquired through UNDP support to enhance government press briefings and civic engagement efforts.
Minister Bah also provided updates on the Yenga border dispute with Guinea. He stated that Sierra Leone has submitted formal reports to ECOWAS and the African Union, calling for intervention to uphold the country’s sovereignty.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, has directed Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, to brief the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council on the situation.
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, reported over 2,100 confirmed cases of MPOX since January 2025, with 12 deaths linked to underlying health conditions. The Western Area remains the epicenter.
He urged the public to follow the ABCs, Avoid Body Contact, maintain hygiene, and call 117 for help. Most patients recover within two to three weeks with hospital care.
To strengthen the response, the government has established: A 400-bed facility in Hastings, A 100-bed center in Calaba Town
Due to global vaccine shortages, doses are reserved for high-risk groups. The government is negotiating additional supplies from India, the UAE, WHO, and GAVI. Dr. Demby warned against illegal vaccine sales, reminding the public that treatment remains free.
Law and Order: National Discipline Campaign Launched
Minister of Internal Affairs, Retired AIG Morie Lengor, confirmed calm in Yenga, although Guinea has closed its side of the border, disrupting trade. The government has responded with food support and efforts to boost local agricultural sales.
He called for peace, stressing that “war is not an option.” On urban disorder, Minister Lengor pointed to noise pollution and traffic chaos in Freetown. He announced a stakeholder dialogue on discipline and urban sanitation, with immediate plans to decongest Lumley and sanitize the Central Business District.
“Our aim,” he said, “is to make Sierra Leone the most peaceful and safest country in the world.”
Civil Society Reacts: Valnora Edwin Weighs In
Valnora Edwin, Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network, criticized successive governments for failing to establish visible infrastructure in Yenga, weakening claims of ownership. She recommended erecting permanent structures once a resolution is reached.
On urban disorder, Edwin blamed weak law enforcement and poor planning. She urged authorities to enforce laws decisively to restore order in the capital.
