President Bio Highlights Development Gains
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has used the Fourth Presidential Town Hall Meeting held at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, to defend ongoing national reforms and highlight progress across key sectors including governance, education, health, agriculture and energy.
The interactive forum, held under the theme: “Year of Action,” brought together government officials, traditional leaders, local authorities, students, youth groups, civil society actors and residents from across Bombali District. The session allowed citizens to directly question the President on national issues, with a strong focus on accountability and government performance.
Speaking during the engagement, President Bio reaffirmed that the constitutional review process currently before Parliament is not intended to extend his stay in office. He explained that constitutional reforms are a normal democratic exercise aimed at ensuring that national laws remain relevant and responsive to changing realities. He added that Parliament will review and debate the proposals before any final decisions are made.
On the postponed population and housing census, the President confirmed that the exercise will be conducted later in the year, stating that the delay was necessary to ensure credibility and transparency. He described the census as a critical national exercise that will guide planning, development priorities and fair distribution of resources, urging citizens to fully participate.
The President also strongly emphasized national unity, warning against tribal and regional divisions. He argued that Sierra Leone’s diversity should be seen as a strength rather than a weakness, adding that development remains the only agenda capable of uniting citizens. He highlighted inclusivity in his government appointments, stating that merit rather than ethnicity guides selection into public service.
On the economy and energy sector, President Bio acknowledged longstanding challenges in electricity supply, attributing them to years of underinvestment. He said government is expanding generation capacity, including plans to add 50 megawatts to the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project, while also tackling issues such as vandalism and electricity theft that continue to undermine progress.
Addressing agriculture, the President highlighted the government’s “Feed Salone” initiative, aimed at transforming farming into a more productive and commercial sector. He said investments in mechanization, inputs, feeder roads and agricultural research are intended to improve food security and reduce dependence on imports, while supporting farmers to increase output and income.
On youth development, President Bio said education remains the foundation for opportunity, pointing to the Free Quality Education Programme as a major investment in human capital. He noted that while government cannot provide all jobs directly, it is focused on creating conditions that attract private sector investment and promote entrepreneurship among young people.
In the education sector, he reiterated government efforts to expand access, improve teaching standards, and eliminate illegal school fees. He also warned that schools found charging unauthorized payments would face consequences, adding that government is considering legislation to make free education a permanent national policy.
On healthcare, the President highlighted improvements in maternal and child health, citing significant reductions in maternal and infant mortality rates. He also noted expanded hospital construction, increased training of health workers, and the establishment of specialist medical training facilities. He further assured citizens that strong surveillance systems are in place to prevent the spread of regional health threats, including Ebola.
Turning to drug abuse and trafficking, President Bio said government has strengthened enforcement efforts, resulting in over 120 convictions. He added that rehabilitation centres have been established across the country, while international cooperation is ongoing to combat drug importation and strengthen maritime surveillance.
He warned that drug abuse threatens national development, and urged citizens to reject narratives that portray Sierra Leone negatively on the international stage. He said such perceptions risk undermining investment and national progress.
The President concluded by calling on citizens, especially young people, to reject divisive politics and focus on unity and development. He stressed that national progress depends on collective responsibility and sustained commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous Sierra Leone.
The town hall meeting reinforced government’s continued effort to promote transparency and direct citizen engagement in national decision-making processes.