The Government Printing Department was officially relaunched on May 29, 2026, at its New England Ville headquarters in Freetown, signalling the beginning of a major restoration and modernisation effort for one of Sierra Leone’s oldest public institutions.
Salifu Suma, the Government Printer, described the event as “a new beginning” for an institution that has supported governance and public administration for over 200 years. Founded in 1794 and known as the Royal Gazette since 1801, the department was the first government printing establishment in British West Africa and the second on the African continent, after South Africa. Over the years, it has published official gazettes, parliamentary records, educational materials, legal notices, and other important state documents.
Mr Suma acknowledged that the department had suffered years of decline due to outdated machinery, limited investment, and operational disruptions, but praised employees for keeping it running under difficult circumstances. He announced a transformational partnership with Diming Yimo Printing Group to improve machinery, production systems, and operational standards.
The partnership will bring advanced technology, technical expertise, and a significant investment to reposition the department as a competitive, sustainable printing enterprise that meets international standards. Mr Suma stated that the program will prioritise staff welfare and capacity building, with jobs protected, skills upgraded, and staff capabilities strengthened.
He described the initiative as an investment in Sierra Leone’s future that will strengthen public service delivery, create job opportunities for young people, and improve government communication systems. Mr Suma thanked the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for its assistance and praised staff resilience. “Today, we start a new chapter together—one of renewal, professionalism, innovation, and progress,” he said.
