Sierra Leone Minister Bah Discusses Digital Democracy and Civic Engagement with Youth

Hon. Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education in Sierra Leone, recently 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. The event, organised by the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown. Minister Bah emphasised the need for public institutions to listen to young people’s concerns and integrate them into policy discussions.

The discussion centred on how young Sierra Leoneans use digital platforms to demand accountability, contribute to public debates, and shape policy. Participants 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.

Minister Bah 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, Minister Bah 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.

Minister Bah 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.

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.

Reflecting on the increasing involvement of youth in governance, Minister Bah expressed pride in their expanding opportunities to lead and influence national development. The Sierra Leone Youth Policy Dialogue Forum is an example of efforts to bridge the gap between the government and young people, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued in policy discussions.

Key points

• Minister Bah calls for greater collaboration between government and youth in Sierra Leone.