Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernoh Bah
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernoh Bah, is facing backlash after embarrassing a female citizen during a town hall meeting in Freetown.
The meeting, which was moderated by Minister Bah, took a turn when the woman insisted on asking a question that was not part of the scripted agenda. Despite the woman catching the attention of the President, who allowed her to speak, Minister Bah proceeded to insult her, calling her “rude and impolite.”
This behaviour was deemed disrespectful by many observers, as questioning the decision of the President in public is seen as disrespectful to both the President and the people of Sierra Leone.
The woman, undeterred by the Minister’s insults, raised concerns about the high cost of living and the price disparity between locally produced goods like pepper and imported goods like rice. President Bio responded by emphasizing the importance of agriculture and self-sufficiency in food production.
Political observers have called on Minister Bah to apologize to the woman and all women in Sierra Leone for his disrespectful behaviour. Additionally, Bah’s dismissive attitude towards journalists who questioned his actions has further fueled the controversy.
In a statement defending his actions, Minister Bah insisted that the woman’s behaviour was rude and impolite, despite the President allowing her to speak. This response has only added fuel to the fire, with many criticizing Bah for his lack of respect towards the citizens he is meant to serve.
Minister Bah’s behaviour at the town hall meeting has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. As a professed Feminist, his actions have not only embarrassed a female citizen but have also raised questions about his commitment to gender equality and respect for all citizens of Sierra Leone. It remains to be seen whether Minister Bah will address the issue and make amends for his disrespectful behaviour.