By Salamatu Conteh
Hon. Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education, has called for stronger engagement between government and young people, saying public institutions must find practical ways to listen to youth and reflect their concerns in policy discussions.
He made the remarks during a fireside conversation titled “Youth Voices, Digital Democracy, AI and the Future of Civic Engagement” at the Sierra Leone Youth Policy Dialogue Forum. The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) organised the forum, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.
The discussion focused on how young Sierra Leoneans use digital platforms to demand accountability, contribute to public debate and influence policy. Participants also considered the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence, misinformation and disinformation, and the role of public institutions in supporting informed and responsible online engagement.
Minister Bah outlined the work of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) to improve access to information and bring government communication closer to citizens. He pointed to initiatives including multilingual public information, toll-free telephone services, and regular government press conferences. These press conferences give citizens opportunities to engage ministers and raise questions about issues affecting their lives.
While describing these efforts, the Minister acknowledged that more work is needed to strengthen public participation, particularly among young people. He noted that government engagement should reach people on the platforms where they already share views and take part in public discussions.
On establishing regular youth-government dialogue platforms, Minister Bah said meaningful engagement should not be limited to formal meetings or traditional institutional structures. Instead, he called for practical approaches that allow the government to hear young people’s concerns and bring them into policy conversations.
The Minister also urged young people to recognise progress in Sierra Leone while continuing to demand accountability and improvements in governance. He highlighted developments in inclusive education and disability rights, while stressing that progressive policies must translate into practical support that improves people’s lives.
As an example of the Ministry’s commitment to inclusion, Minister Bah said sign language interpreters are provided at all MoICE events. He also noted that the Ministry is working with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) to train more interpreters and expand access to sign language support across the government.
Reflecting on youth leadership, Minister Bah expressed pride in the growing opportunities for young people to take part in governance and leadership in Sierra Leone. He encouraged them to have confidence in their ability to lead, contribute to national development and help shape the country’s future.
Ms Iris Aminata Bangura moderated the conversation, giving young people an opportunity to speak directly with the Minister. Topics raised included digital inclusion, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, misinformation and disinformation, public accountability, and the need for stronger dialogue between citizens and public institutions.
The forum gave participants space to consider how digital tools can support democratic participation and to explore how government and young people can work together to make civic engagement more accessible and meaningful.
