By: Alimatu Kargbo
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education on Tuesday 21st October 2025, held its weekly press conference, providing critical updates on national matters ranging from the Kono mining tragedy to the upcoming United Nations commemoration and the release of the 2025 WASSCE results.
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, assured citizens that the government is actively working on a rescue mission to save over 100 artisanal miners trapped in a mining site in Nimikoro Chiefdom, Kono District.
He expressed sympathy for the victims and pledged that updates on the rescue efforts would be shared with the public in the coming days.
Minister Bah also addressed recent drug-related incidents involving Sierra Leone.
He disclosed that Guinean authorities have completed their investigation into the Sierra Leone Embassy utility vehicle case, charging the suspects to court. The investigation found no criminal involvement of the then Sierra Leone Ambassador to Guinea, though President Julius Maada Bio exercised discretion in recalling him.
On the extradition of alleged Dutch drug trafficker Jos, Minister Bah confirmed that the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice is collaborating with international partners, including Dutch authorities, to ensure due process.
He also refuted claims that a Turkish drug lord possessed a Sierra Leone diplomatic passport, stating that the matter is under investigation. He emphasized that while individuals may commit crimes, the government does not knowingly issue passports to criminals.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess Piagie Alghali, highlighted Sierra Leone’s 65 years of partnership with the United Nations (UN), describing the country as one of the UN’s peacekeeping success stories.
She announced that as part of the UN’s 80th anniversary celebrations, there will be a flag-raising ceremony at the Hockey Pitch to honor fallen peacekeepers, along with an inter-school quiz, symposium, and photo exhibition, climaxing with a peace concert at Gigibonta.
Deputy Minister Alghali reiterated Africa’s call for UN Security Council reform, championed by President Bio, to end Africa’s historic underrepresentation. She also revealed that Sierra Leone will assume the UN Security Council Presidency for the second time in November 2025.
The Communication Specialist at the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Augustine Bamie Anthony, provided a breakdown of the 2025 WASSCE results:148,313 candidates registered, 97,817 results released, 13,237 results withheld, 35,020 absentees, 3,537 results withheld for 20 private schools pending payment
Subject pass rates stand at 11.77% in English Language and 47% in Mathematics.
Mr. Anthony reported that 52% of candidates, 47,434 students, scored five credits and above.
Roselyn Jalloh of Modern Academy Senior School of Excellence emerged top performer with an average grade unit of 1.78, followed by Affuah-James Russel of International School Limited with 1.89.
Overall, Dele Peddle International High School achieved a 100% pass rate, topping the national rankings. Bintu Fatmata Kamara Esq., Legal Officer at the National Fire Force, briefed the press on the Fire Safety Bill, which seeks to minimize fire risks nationwide.
The Bill, consisting of 58 sections, mandates the Chief Fire Officer under Section 8 to recommend additional fire hydrants and, under Section 9, criminalizes prank calls to fire hotlines. Madam Kamara noted that the bill emphasizes prevention, public awareness, and nationwide consultations before its submission to Parliament.
She also shared the National Fire Force’s free toll lines: Central: 300, Kissy Eastern: 301, Western: 302, Far East: 309.
