By: Mariama Bundu
At the weekly government press briefing held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Miatta Conference Hall, Youyi Building, Freetown, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, provided crucial updates on pressing national issues, notably Sierra Leone’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking and the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.
Minister Chernor Bah began his address by tackling one of the most concerning issues currently confronting Sierra Leone — the infiltration of drug cartels and trafficking networks within and beyond the country’s borders. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and full cooperation with international partners in tackling the menace of illicit drugs.
Speaking specifically about the widely publicized case involving a Sierra Leone Embassy vehicle found in possession of drugs in neighboring Guinea, Minister Bah confirmed that Guinean authorities had concluded their investigations and formally charged the suspects to court.
He clarified that the probe did not establish any criminal involvement of the then Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Guinea. “The President only exercised his discretion to recall the Ambassador as a matter of diplomatic prudence,” Bah explained, adding that the government is determined to ensure that no public office or diplomatic privilege is ever used to shield criminal activities.
Turning to the case of the alleged Dutch drug trafficker, identified as “Jos,” Minister Bah assured the public that the Attorney General’s office is working closely with international partners, including Dutch authorities, to facilitate his extradition. He emphasized that while Sierra Leone remains fully committed to global cooperation on drug enforcement, due legal processes will be followed.
“The rule of law must remain the foundation of our justice system. We will not allow shortcuts or political interference in matters of extradition or prosecution,” Bah said.
Addressing another controversy surrounding reports of a Turkish drug lord allegedly holding a Sierra Leonean diplomatic passport, Minister Bah was firm in his response: “Investigations are underway, and I want to make it clear that the Government of Sierra Leone does not, and will never, issue diplomatic passports to known criminals.”
He stressed that while individuals can choose to become criminals, “no one will drag the country’s reputation through the mud without consequences.” He reaffirmed that all necessary checks and verifications will be done to maintain the integrity of Sierra Leone’s diplomatic processes.
Bah concluded by reiterating President Julius Maada Bio’s zero-tolerance policy on drug trafficking and corruption, saying, “This government will not relent in dismantling every network, foreign or domestic, that seeks to use Sierra Leone as a transit point or safe haven for illicit drugs.”
In the second part of the briefing, Augustine Bamie Anthony, Communication Specialist at the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), announced the official release of the 2025 WASSCE results, providing a detailed statistical breakdown of the national performance.
A total of 148,313 candidates registered for the 2025 examination across Sierra Leone. Of this number, 97,817 results have been released, while 13,237 results were withheld due to suspected examination malpractice. In addition, 35,020 candidates were marked absent during the exams, and 3,537 results from 20 private schools remain withheld pending payment to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Anthony noted that while the overall pass rate improved slightly compared to last year, English Language continues to be the weakest subject nationwide. Only 11.77% of candidates passed English Language, while Mathematics saw a 47% pass rate, showing moderate improvement.
In terms of overall achievement, 52% of candidates (47,434 students) obtained at least five credits, including English and Mathematics — a performance the ministry described as “encouraging but with room for significant improvement.”
The top-performing candidate for the 2025 WASSCE is Roselyn Jalloh of Modern Academy Senior School of Excellence, who earned 4 A1s, 3 B2s, and 2 B3s, with an impressive average grade unit of 1.78. The second-best student is Affuah-James Russel from The International School Limited, who scored 6 A1s, 2 B3s, and 1 C5, averaging 1.89.
Among schools, Dele Peddle International High School emerged as the top institution, recording a 100% pass rate among its candidates. Other notable performers include Kambo Lebanese Secondary School and Naihacon Secondary School, both achieving above 98% pass rates.
Despite notable improvements in overall performance, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education expressed deep concern over the persistently low English Language pass rate. Anthony stated that the ministry, in collaboration with WAEC and education stakeholders, will soon convene a National Education Stakeholders Conference to discuss the root causes of this problem.
He added that the ministry has also intensified efforts to curb examination malpractice, noting that WAEC introduced paper serialization and other security measures during the 2025 exams to safeguard the integrity of the assessment process.
In closing, both Minister Chernor Bah and the MBSSE spokesperson emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting accountability, and investing in human capital development through education.
As Sierra Leone battles both drug trafficking and educational challenges, the government’s message was clear — no criminal network will escape justice, and no student will be left behind in the nation’s pursuit of progress.
