By: Zacharia Jalloh
In a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between government and citizens, over 50 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) showcased their achievements at the Salone Civic Festival. The three-day festival, held from December 11 to 13 at the Youyi Building precinct, was organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education.
The MDAs’ Performance Showcase served as a public report card, providing citizens with a rare opportunity to directly engage government officials and gain firsthand insight into how public resources are being utilised to drive national development under the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) and the Big Five Game Changers.
Spanning key sectors such as Agriculture, Health, Security, Finance, and Technology, each MDA booth featured interactive displays highlighting projects, policies, and reforms. Senior officials were on hand to respond to questions, fostering constructive dialogue and reinforcing a culture of transparency and accountability.
The showcase brought policy to life through tangible demonstrations. At the Arms and Ammunition Commission booth, officials explained the commission’s mandate, outlined legal procedures for firearm acquisition, and demonstrated a weapon-destruction machine alongside decommissioned rifles, an evocative symbol of the government’s commitment to national security.
The festival atmosphere was one of vibrant civic engagement. The Ministry of Sports booth stood out with energetic displays as athletes from football, boxing, tennis, karate, and gymnastics showcased their skills, complemented by an exhibition of international medals won by Sierra Leonean athletes.
As host, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education highlighted its public engagement initiatives, including weekly press conferences, the Civic Day Series, and Presidential Town Halls. The Ministry also displayed key approved policies, with a draft of the landmark Data Protection and Right to Access Information Bill made available for public viewing.
Innovation and digital transformation took centre stage at the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation booth. Young innovators presented home-grown digital solutions, while the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) unveiled the Wan-Gov platform, a proposed one-stop portal for accessing government services. Major telecommunications providers Orange, Africell, and QCell also engaged directly with citizens to address service-related concerns.
In alignment with the national Feed Salone initiative, the Ministries of Agriculture, Trade, and Fisheries showcased local agricultural produce and marine products, while outlining strategic pillars for achieving national food security. A key highlight was the preview of the proposed fish harbour at John Obey, expected to significantly boost the fisheries sector.
In a practical demonstration of service delivery, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) deployed its mobile licensing vehicle at the festival grounds. Notably, His Excellency the President and the Chief Minister were among the first to experience the streamlined service.
The Salone Civic Festival has firmly positioned itself as a cornerstone of national unity, transparency, and participatory governance. By bringing citizens face-to-face with the machinery of government, the event vividly reflected President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s vision of a connected, accountable, and people-centred administration. The message was unmistakable: the festival signals a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s civic engagement journey.
