The Ministry of Information and Civic Education has announced that Makeni will host the 2026 National Presidential Town Hall scheduled for June, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen civic education and public participation in governance.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, during the Ministry’s Staff Retreat held on Bonthe Island in the Southern Region.
The Presidential Town Hall is an annual civic engagement platform designed to educate citizens on national development issues while providing an opportunity for direct interaction between the Presidency and the public. The initiative also serves as a tool for promoting civic awareness, accountability, and inclusive governance.
The programme was first held in 2024 in Freetown, where President Julius Maada Bio personally engaged with citizens and addressed a wide range of national concerns. In 2025, the town hall took place in Kenema, with over 25 Cabinet Ministers representing the President and responding to more than 50 questions on key policy and development issues.
According to the minister, hosting the 2026 edition in Makeni is aimed at expanding civic education outreach, particularly in northern communities, while reinforcing citizens’ understanding of government policies and national development priorities.
Bah noted that the move reflects the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to deepening civic participation and ensuring that civic learning is accessible across all regions of the country.
He added that the Ministry would continue to support President Bio’s Year of Action by delivering accurate and timely public information, while also closing communication gaps between the government and citizens.
The minister further disclosed that the Civic Day Series would continue in other districts and in the diaspora, while the National Civic Festival is expected to hold in December, with the date to be announced later.
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