Freetown, 6th June 2025 — Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, delivered a compelling call for responsible content creation and stronger digital protections during a high-level panel at the 2025 Sierra Leone Innovates Digital Government Summit, held at the Freetown International Conference Centre.
Speaking on the theme “Exploring TikTok Monetization: Pathways for Sierra Leone’s Digital Creators,” Minister Bah underscored the growing influence of digital platforms like TikTok in shaping public discourse, economic opportunity, and civic behavior.
“TikTok isn’t just a stage for entertainment—it’s a civic space. Creators now have the power to shape narratives, drive behaviors, and even influence national outcomes. But that power must come with responsibility,” he stated.
As the government official charged with oversight of media regulation and civic education, Bah emphasized three key priorities:
- Strengthening digital and media literacy across Sierra Leone to ensure creators and consumers alike can navigate online spaces safely and critically.
- Combatting misinformation by promoting content standards that protect the public interest while respecting freedom of expression.
- Creating an enabling policy environment where creators are empowered to monetize ethically, access training, and partner in civic transformation.
“Monetization without media literacy is a risk. We must not only support creators to earn—but also equip them to discern, inform, and uplift.”
Minister Bah further announced that the Ministry of Information and Civic Education is exploring partnerships with digital platforms, including TikTok, to expand access to tools, mentorship, and safeguards for local content producers.
“This government will not only regulate—we will enable. We see our creators as entrepreneurs, educators, and change agents.”
The panel featured leading voices from across the tech and creative sectors, including Salima M. Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation; Boniswa Qhama Sidwaba, Head of Content Operations for TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa; and Juliet Konya Sesay, TikTok President in Sierra Leone.
The Minister’s participation forms part of the government’s broader commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive development, civic engagement, and youth empowerment.