Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, recently received the prestigious 7th Bai Bureh Service Delivery Award for the year 2024, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to public service in Sierra Leone Although he could not attend the ceremony on December 14th due to unavoidable circumstances, Minister Bah remained actively engaged with the event’s organizers (Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation), ensuring that his appreciation for their efforts was communicated effectively. His commitment to public service recognition led him to dedicate time on March 6, 2025, to meet with the Executive Director of the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, Amb. Unisa Fofanah (Totti), to personally accept the award. This act underscores the Minister’s dedication to transparency and accountability in public service.
During the award presentation, Amb. Fofanah extended his congratulations to Minister Bah for being recognized as the Minister of the year 2024. He praised the Minister for successfully transforming the Ministry of Information and Civic Education into a hub of public information, emphasizing the ministry’s critical role in disseminating useful and impactful information to the citizens of Sierra Leone. This recognition reflects not only the Minister’s individual efforts, but also the important initiatives undertaken by the ministry to enhance communication and public awareness in a rapidly changing information landscape.
In response, Minister Chernor Bah expressed admiration for the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, commending them for their dedication and consistency in promoting service delivery and civic responsibility within the community. He remarked, “I have been following the strides of the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, and I must confess that I love what you guys are doing.” His acknowledgement of the foundation’s work highlights the importance of such organizations in fostering an informed citizenry that can actively participate in the governance process. The Minister’s words serve as a testament to the collaborative spirit that is essential for effective governance and societal growth.
Looking forward, Minister Bah articulated his vision for establishing a robust collaboration between his ministry and the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, particularly in the area of civic education. Recognizing the need for greater civic engagement among the youths in Sierra Leone, he noted, “As a youth-led non-profit organization, my ministry will definitely establish a working partnership with your organization on fostering civic engagement among young people in Sierra Leone.” This commitment reflects a forward-thinking approach to governance, wherein collaboration with grassroots organizations can drive meaningful change and empower the next generation to take an active role in shaping their future. The intersection of governmental support and community-driven initiatives promises a brighter, more informed Sierra Leone.