By Mariama Bundu
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Honourable Chernor Bah, has once again brought pride to the nation after being named West Africa’s Best Minister of Information by the Africa Diaspora Journalists Network (ADJN) and Afriqu Europe Magazine.
The prestigious recognition celebrates Minister Bah’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and reform-driven approach in reshaping Sierra Leone’s information and civic education landscape. The Certificate of Honor was presented in a brief but dignified ceremony attended by media representatives, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Lokombe Nkalulu, Editor-in-Chief of Afriqu Europe Magazine, and Abdoul Rahaman Bah, a respected investigative journalist, officially handed over the award, praising the Minister’s outstanding contribution to transparent governance and credible public communication.
According to the organizers, Minister Bah was chosen for his innovative communication strategies, his unwavering commitment to civic empowerment, and his effort to build bridges between the government and citizens through openness and dialogue. They described him as a “beacon of integrity and excellence,” whose work has strengthened public trust and elevated Sierra Leone’s global image in information management and democratic governance.
In his brief remarks during the presentation, Minister Bah expressed profound gratitude to the organizers and the people of Sierra Leone for their continued support. “This recognition belongs not just to me but to my entire team at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education,” he said. “Our goal has always been to ensure that every Sierra Leonean has access to accurate information, understands their civic rights and responsibilities, and can actively participate in nation-building.”
Under his leadership, the Ministry has undergone a visible transformation—modernizing its operations, enhancing government-media relations, and ensuring greater access to public information. Minister Bah has also championed initiatives aimed at digital literacy, countering misinformation, and empowering young people to use information responsibly in the digital era.
His emphasis on civic education has played a crucial role in encouraging citizens to engage constructively with governance processes. Through nationwide outreach campaigns, radio programs, and community engagements, his ministry has promoted the values of peace, tolerance, accountability, and national unity—key pillars in Sierra Leone’s democratic growth.
The Africa Diaspora Journalists Network, which coordinated the selection process, lauded Minister Bah’s transparency-driven leadership model, stating that his approach represents “a new paradigm for public communication in Africa—one that is inclusive, credible, and rooted in service to the people.”
They noted that his vision aligns with the growing continental demand for truthful and responsive governance, especially at a time when misinformation poses a serious threat to democratic institutions.
Minister Bah’s recognition also shines a light on Sierra Leone’s ongoing commitment to open governance, a policy direction strongly backed by President Julius Maada Bio’s administration. By improving civic engagement and enhancing the credibility of state information, the Minister’s office has become a key instrument for democratic accountability and good governance.
This latest honor adds to Chernor Bah’s growing list of international recognitions for his distinguished service as a journalist, advocate, and public servant. Before joining government, he was globally recognized for his work in youth empowerment, gender equality, and social justice—values that continue to shape his leadership style today.
In the eyes of many Sierra Leoneans and international observers, Minister Bah’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a national endorsement of Sierra Leone’s progress in communication reform. His award serves as both inspiration and validation that the country’s information sector is on the right path—transparent, responsive, and people-centered.
As the inscription on his award reads, “For outstanding leadership and excellence in promoting transparent communication and civic education in West Africa,” it is clear that Chernor Bah’s impact extends beyond borders—symbolizing a new chapter in how public information can empower citizens and strengthen democracy across the region.
