Capitol Times Newspaper

Gov't Takes Civic Day to Pujehun

By Marian Magdalene Bangura
Strategic Communication Unit – MOICE

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE), in partnership with the National Revenue Authority (NRA), will take the Civic Day Series to Pujehun District from 1st to 2nd June 2026 under the theme, “Government at Your Doorstep.”

The initiative is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen civic engagement, promote transparency, and foster direct interaction between citizens and public institutions across the country.
The two-day event will provide residents, youth groups, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and other community stakeholders with an opportunity to engage government officials on key national and local development issues.

Discussions will focus on a wide range of topics affecting citizens and communities, including governance, taxation and domestic revenue mobilization, constitutional review, civic responsibility, national development priorities, healthcare preparedness, education, agriculture, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.

Officials say the collaboration with the National Revenue Authority is intended to deepen public understanding of taxation, revenue generation, and the critical role citizens play in supporting national development through tax compliance. The engagement will also enhance awareness of how public revenue contributes to essential services such as healthcare, education, road construction, and community development projects.

Over the years, the Civic Day Series has evolved into one of the Government’s flagship public engagement platforms, aimed at bringing governance closer to the people and promoting inclusive dialogue between citizens and state institutions.
Through town hall meetings, question-and-answer sessions, and community interactions, citizens will have the opportunity to raise concerns, seek clarification on government policies, and contribute ideas directly to government representatives.

Speaking ahead of the event, organizers noted that the initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring that public information reaches communities nationwide while strengthening trust, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.

The Pujehun Civic Day is expected to attract participation from government ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, local authorities, students, traders, youth organizations, and members of the public from across the district.
Residents are encouraged to actively participate and take advantage of the platform to engage constructively on issues affecting their communities and the nation at large.

The Civic Day Series continues to advance the national message of collective responsibility and active citizenship under the banner: “Salone Big Pass Wi All.”
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Over 200 WASSCE Candidates Face Death-Defying River Journey for Exam

More than 200 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) students from various communities in Samu Chiefdom reportedly risked their lives today while traveling by boat from Kassarie to Mambolo to sit to their Chemistry practical examination.

The students were forced to cross the Great Scarcies River under difficult and unsafe conditions in order to reach a designated laboratory examination centre. Many of the candidates, according to eyewitness accounts, were not adequately prepared for such a hazardous journey, as they boarded overcrowded local boats amid fear, unstable weather conditions, and strong river currents.

The journey, described by some residents as “dangerous but unavoidable,” exposed the candidates to significant risks as they struggled to access essential facilities required for their practical examination.

Concerned parents and community stakeholders have expressed serious worry over the absence of nearby science laboratory facilities within Samu Chiefdom. They noted that students should not be compelled to endanger their lives in pursuit of education, especially during critical national examinations.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent infrastructural and logistical challenges faced by students in remote and riverine communities across Sierra Leone. Practical subjects such as Chemistry continue to pose additional burdens due to the requirement for specialized laboratory access, often located far from candidates’ communities.

Residents are now calling on the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to urgently establish and adequately equip science laboratories within accessible secondary schools in Samu Chiefdom. They argue that such interventions would significantly reduce the risks faced by students and improve the overall quality of science education in rural areas.

Education stakeholders further emphasized that bringing examination and laboratory facilities closer to students would not only safeguard lives but also promote fairness, equal opportunity, and improved academic performance among candidates nationwide.

Credit: Victor T.J
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Mining Sector Must Serve the People…
Mines Minister Stresses National Ownership of Minerals

By:Mohamed Osman Bangura(Political)

The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to responsible, transparent and sustainable management of Sierra Leone’s mineral resources. He stressed that minerals are national assets held in trust for citizens and must be managed effectively to drive development, community empowerment and economic transformation.

He highlighted plans to strengthen regulation, investment and value addition in the mining sector through inclusive engagement with government, mining companies, investors, development partners, researchers and local communities. He also emphasized regional and international cooperation, including partnerships with African states and global institutions such as the World Bank.

Minister Mattai noted that Mining Week will feature exhibitions, panel discussions and research on innovation, technology and exploration, with a focus on women in mining, community development, environmental protection and local content. He reaffirmed that responsible mining and mineral processing, including lithium, are key to maximizing national benefit and ensuring sustainable growth.

He emphasized that transparency in mineral governance ensures fair and equitable distribution of revenues by making all financial flows visible, accountable, and subject to public oversight. This helps prevent mismanagement, strengthens trust, and guarantees that mining benefits are shared among government, communities, and development priorities across Sierra Leone.
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IMBO Students Join Global Women in Maritime Celebration

Students and staff of the Institute of Marine Biology and Oceanography (IMBO), Fourah Bay College (FBC), on 18th May participated in the celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime held at Tombo Wharf.

The event was organized to recognize and appreciate the important role women continue to play in the maritime sector while encouraging more women and girls to pursue careers in maritime-related fields. It brought together maritime workers, students, community leaders, and representatives from various organizations, creating a platform for dialogue and awareness.

Speakers at the programme highlighted the significant contributions of women in fishing, shipping, marine safety, fisheries management, and other maritime activities. They also emphasized the importance of promoting equal opportunities, inclusion, and gender balance within the maritime industry to ensure sustainable sector development.

The celebration included speeches, panel discussions, and awareness activities aimed at advancing gender equality and fostering a safe, supportive, and enabling environment for women in maritime professions. Participants also gained deeper understanding of the barriers women face in the sector and the need for targeted empowerment initiatives.

The event was described as highly educational, inspiring, and impactful, offering participants valuable insights into maritime career opportunities and reinforcing the importance of supporting women’s active participation in maritime development and governance.
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Africell CEO Pushes Stronger Digital Infrastructure for West Africa

Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, has emphasized the critical role of digital infrastructure in strengthening digital sovereignty and advancing sustainable technological development across West Africa during the 18th Edition of the West Africa Internet Governance Forum 2026 held in Freetown.

Speaking on behalf of Sierra Leone’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) at the regional forum hosted at the Miatta Conference Centre, Gerjawi stressed that digital sovereignty depends on strong telecommunications infrastructure, including fibre optic networks, telecom towers and last-mile connectivity.

He noted that MNOs have invested heavily in expanding connectivity across Sierra Leone and the region, adding that reliable internet access is essential for global competitiveness and citizen protection in an increasingly digital world.

Gerjawi called for supportive Government policies, targeted subsidies and investment-friendly regulations to expand services to underserved communities. He also highlighted the role of telecom operators in promoting digital literacy, cybersecurity and online safety.

The Africell CEO further identified mobile money as a major driver of financial inclusion, urging stronger collaboration and innovation to expand access to credit, savings and insurance services across West Africa.

At this year’s Oxford Africa Conference, Julius Maada Bio urged young Africans to lead Africa’s transformation into a global powerhouse, stressing that the continent’s future depends on innovative youth driving sustainable development.
He encouraged students abroad to return home and apply their knowledge to reshape Africa’s destiny. He also called for fairness in global climate financing and urged stronger African investment in resilience and adaptation to climate impacts.