By: Alimatu Kargbo
Speaking at a press conference held at Miata conference center, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, outlined key Cabinet decisions while highlighting progress in the education of women and girls.
Bah reflected on past challenges, noting that only one in three girls would start school at year one, while just one in ten completed tertiary education. He added that fewer than 10 percent of girls were expected to complete schooling, and by ages 18 to 19, one in two girls would have been pregnant, often resulting in their expulsion from school.
Despite these setbacks, he said the country has now recorded its highest number of girls in tertiary education in history.
Providing updates from the Cabinet meeting held on 11 March 2026 and chaired by President Julius Maada Bio, Bah emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, noting that Cabinet conclusions are now regularly shared with the public.
He disclosed that Cabinet approved a comprehensive review of the Public Procurement Act of 2016 to improve transparency, efficiency, and value for money in public spending.
Cabinet also approved Sierra Leone’s accession to the International Organization for Mediation, strengthening the country’s role in global peace and dispute resolution.
Among other decisions, Cabinet endorsed agreements on humanitarian services under a third-country national arrangement and approved funding to support the government’s legal defence in ongoing international proceedings.
In the justice sector, Bah revealed that Cabinet approved steps to review and improve the conditions of service for judges, including the preparation of a new amendment bill.
He further stated that Cabinet approved moves to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s commitment to abolishing the death penalty.
To tackle fraud, Cabinet also approved a comprehensive legal framework targeting schemes such as online investment scams and overseas travel fraud, aimed at protecting citizens and state resources.
Bah concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency, reform, and national development.
