By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has laid out the government’s roadmap to deliver on President Julius Maada Bio’s declaration of 2025 as “the year of delivery and bold actions.” Speaking at the weekly government press briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Sengeh emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating delivery and taking bold actions across all sectors of society.
“We will take bold action to protect women and girls in this country. We will take bold action on inclusion to ensure a place for everyone in our society. President Bio cares for everyone. That is why we will take bold action for this generation and generations to come,” Dr. Sengeh stated.
Highlighting the major successes of 2024, the Chief Minister praised the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for organizing the Salone Civic Festival. “This was one of the best things that happened in Sierra Leone in 2024. It brought everyone together. It brought the government closer to the people. It was just brilliant,” he said.
Dr. Sengeh also highlighted the recent success in negotiating the price of rice downwards. His office announced a deal with major rice importers to reduce the price of rice based on a pricing formula. “The biggest cry in this country for so many has been for the President to reduce the price of rice. Through a pricing formula, we have been able to negotiate a reduction. The people we negotiated with account for 90% of the rice we are importing into the country,” he explained.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, expressed optimism for the year ahead. “2025 will be an exciting year for delivery for the people of Sierra Leone,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that the negotiation for the reduction in the price of rice is part of a broader effort by the government. “We have done the groundwork for this. Last year, we launched the Consumer Protection Agency, and we have been working towards this,” he said. In the new year, a pricing formula could be developed for more local commodities.”
Dr. Sengeh also praised the stability of the exchange rate and highlighted that the country has attracted more than $1 billion in DFC investment through the private sector. “All of this has been possible because of the atmosphere we have created in Sierra Leone. And this year, they are willing to double their investment, so if you are in the private sector and you have good equity, you can approach DFC, just because you are in Sierra Leone,” he said.
The Chief Minister urged everyone to be excited about the future and to promote peace and harmony in the country.
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