By Kadiatu Sankoh
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education weekly press conference held on July 22, 2025, updated the public on several crucial national developments. Key issues covered included the recent national dialogue on electoral reform, updates on national identification linkage requirements, law enforcement efforts to curb urban disorder, transportation reforms, and urban renewal initiatives. The session featured presentations from multiple government Ministries, Departments, and partner Agencies. The following are the key highlights:
- Government Supports Proportional Representation in Electoral Reform Dialogue
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, informed the public about the recently concluded National Dialogue on the Preferred Electoral System for Sierra Leone. The dialogue, aligned with Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Committee Report, debated the First-Past-the-Post versus the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral systems. Political parties, including the main opposition APC, along with civil society groups, presented position papers during the session.
Minister Bah clarified the government’s stance in favor of the Proportional Representation system, which he argued promotes national cohesion, inclusion, cost savings, and violence prevention. He added that many political parties and civil society organizations agree with this position, citing its potential to enhance national development and democratic stability
- Mandatory NIN Linkage for Banks and Mobile Number by End of 2025
Minister Bah also shared updates on the Bank of Sierra Leone’s directive requiring all citizens to register and link their bank accounts with their National Identification Number (NIN). Going forward, all new bank accounts must be linked to a NIN immediately, while existing account holders have until December 31, 2025, to complete the process.
He further announced that, effective October 1, 2025, the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA) will begin deactivating unregistered mobile phone numbers that are not linked with NINs. This measure aims to improve financial security, user protection, and seamless digital transactions.
Additionally, Minister Bah revealed that both commercial banks and mobile operators have been directed to enroll NIN-linked users into the National Payment Switch, a system designed to support effortless transactions between bank accounts and mobile wallets. He urged all citizens to take prompt action to comply with these regulations.
- Taskforce Formed to Tackle Urban Indiscipline and Lawlessness
Minister of Internal Affairs, Retired AIG Morie Lengor, provided updates on the newly established Taskforce on Indiscipline and Lawlessness, formed in response to President Bio’s directive to restore order in the capital. The taskforce comprises representatives from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Freetown City Council (FCC), Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA).
Minister Lengor reported that the taskforce has successfully banned commercial motorbikes from the Central Business District (CBD) due to repeated public disturbances. In collaboration with the FCC, 23 key streets have been identified and cleared of unlawful street trading. The taskforce is also addressing noise pollution in residential areas, and has set up a 900 toll-free number on all mobile networks for citizens to report violations.
- Security Situation Stable as Crime Rates Decline
Deputy Inspector General of Police and Head of the Taskforce, Sahr Y. Senesi, affirmed that the nation remains peaceful and stable. He recounted a strategic meeting held on April 17, 2025, at the Freetown City Council, where all key transport and trade unions were engaged about clearing the identified 23 streets. Union representatives were tasked with sensitizing their members to the goals of the Taskforce.
DIG Senesi confirmed that the clearing of key locations—including Model Junction, Jui Junction, Shell, and Wilkinson Road—have been completed. He also reported a significant drop in crime, with 8,567 crimes reported in Q1 and 3,785 in Q2, indicating a reduction of 4,782 cases between the two quarters.
- Road Safety and Enforcement Upgrades Underway
Augustine Kaitongi, Director of Road Safety and Enforcement at SLRSA, stated that the agency has introduced a Highway Management Unit (HMU) to remove faulty vehicles abandoned on highways, which pose risks to public safety. He commended SLRA for providing a holding area at Mile 91 to accommodate the towed vehicles.
Under the leadership of Executive Director, James Bio, the SLRSA also rolled out a Mobile Licensing Vehicle initiative, which allows citizens to obtain licenses at no additional cost, improving access while reducing opportunities for financial exploitation. The service is accessible via a 24-hour toll-free line (844) for license requests, complaints, and accident reporting.
Director Kaitongi also announced that the Ministry of Transport and Aviation will soon host a national consultation on the proposed Vehicle Age Policy, which seeks to regulate the importation of old vehicles and enhance road safety standards across the country.
- FCC to Launch CBD Regeneration and Beautification Project
Koma Hassan-Kamara, Information, Education, and Communication Officer at the Freetown City Council, attributed the rise in lawlessness and congestion in the city to rural-urban migration. She praised the taskforce’s interventions as timely and long overdue, noting that the FCC had struggled for over two years to bring order to Freetown.
Madam Hassan-Kamara announced that the FCC will soon commence its CBD Regeneration Project, a comprehensive effort aimed at beautifying the city, installing streetlights, and enforcing parking controls. The project will be carried out in partnership with SLRA and SLRSA, and forms part of the city’s broader urban renewal strategy.