By: Saidu Jalloh
On October 13, 2023, USAID Country Representative Randy Kolstad met with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor A. Bah, to discuss key initiatives for the upcoming year, with a strong emphasis on electoral reform and peace-building.
During the meeting, Kolstad reaffirmed USAID’s dedication to supporting democratic processes in Sierra Leone. He highlighted ongoing efforts to implement electoral reforms and strengthen peace-building initiatives, which align with USAID’s mission to promote sustainable governance and civic engagement in the country.
However, a significant part of the discussion centered on improving public access to information. Both parties agreed that enhancing transparency and ensuring citizens have access to timely and relevant information is vital for accountability in governance. They underscored the importance of bolstering information dissemination systems to empower citizens and encourage their active participation in civic matters.
Looking to the future, Kolstad and Minister Bah explored opportunities for further collaboration. USAID expressed its commitment to support the Ministry’s strategic objectives, including the strengthening of the media sector, the promotion of civic education, and the enhancement of public communication channels.
Minister Bah praised USAID for its ongoing support and welcomed the focus on critical areas such as electoral reform and peace-building. Both parties expressed optimism about deepening their partnership to advance transparency, democratic governance, and national development.
This meeting underscores the strong collaboration between USAID and the Ministry of Information, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing democracy and fostering progress in Sierra Leone.
