By Salamatu Conteh
Hon. Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education, has called for greater collaboration between the government and youth, emphasising the need for public institutions to listen to young people’s concerns and integrate them into policy discussions.
He spoke at a fireside chat entitled “Youth Voices, Digital Democracy, AI and the Future of Civic Engagement” during the Sierra Leone Youth Policy Dialogue Forum, organised by the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.
The discussion centred on how young Sierra Leoneans use digital platforms to demand accountability, contribute to public debates, and shape policy. Participants also examined the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence, misinformation, and the role of public institutions in fostering responsible online engagement.
Minister Bah highlighted the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s initiatives to enhance information access and improve government communication with citizens. He mentioned projects such as multilingual public information campaigns, toll-free telephone services, and regular press conferences, allowing citizens to question ministers about pressing issues.
While he acknowledged the progress made, Minister Bah stressed that more must be done to enhance public participation among the youth. He insisted that government outreach should occur on the platforms where young people engage in discussions.
On the establishment of consistent youth-government dialogues, he advocated for practical approaches that go beyond formal meetings, allowing the government to better understand young people’s concerns and incorporate them into policy-making.
The Minister encouraged young people to recognise the advancements in Sierra Leone while continuing to seek accountability and improvements in governance. He noted progress in inclusive education and disability rights, emphasising that policies must translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
As a demonstration of the Ministry’s commitment to inclusion, Minister Bah stated that all MoICE events provide sign language interpreters. Furthermore, the Ministry is working with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) to train more interpreters and enhance access to sign language support throughout the government.
Reflecting on the increasing involvement of youth in governance, Minister Bah expressed pride in their expanding opportunities to lead and influence national development.
The discussion was moderated by Ms Iris Aminata Bangura, who allowed young attendees to engage directly with the Minister. Topics included digital inclusion, responsible AI usage, misinformation, public accountability, and the need for stronger dialogue between citizens and institutions.
The forum provided participants with a platform to explore how digital tools can enhance democratic participation and how the government and youth can work together to make civic engagement more accessible and impactful.
