By Sahrfoa Matturie
Bonthe, Sierra Leone – The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) has commenced its first-ever Annual Retreat in Bonthe District, bringing together senior officials and technical staff to reflect on performance, strengthen institutional coordination, and outline strategic priorities aimed at enhancing public communication, civic education, and national development.
The retreat marks a significant milestone for the Ministry, as it seeks to reposition itself as a central driver of informed citizenship, democratic participation, and social cohesion. By hosting the event in Bonthe, MoICE is also reinforcing the government’s commitment to decentralization and regional inclusion.
Addressing participants, the Director of Communications at the Ministry, Charles Champion, described the retreat as a critical platform for honest reflection and forward planning. He noted that the Ministry is confronted with growing challenges, including misinformation, disinformation, and low levels of civic awareness, which threaten democratic stability and national unity.
Champion emphasized that an informed and engaged citizenry remains the backbone of democracy and sustainable development. He said the Ministry is prioritizing innovative communication strategies, improved public outreach, and stronger collaboration with stakeholders to ensure accurate information reaches citizens at all levels. According to him, strengthening public trust through transparency and effective communication is essential for national cohesion.
A major highlight of the retreat was a presentation by the Government Printer, Salifu Lahai Suma, who outlined the transformation of the Government Printing Department under a new public-private partnership involving investors from China and Canada. Suma explained that the partnership is designed to unlock the department’s economic potential by introducing modern printing technology, improving efficiency, and expanding its commercial capacity.
He noted that under the arrangement, government retains majority ownership while benefiting from foreign investment, advanced technology, and technical expertise. The initiative, he said, will create employment opportunities, facilitate skills transfer to local staff, and ensure long-term sustainability. Suma stressed that the department is being repositioned not merely as an administrative service provider, but as a viable contributor to national economic development.
The retreat also showcased opportunities in tourism and conservation. Joe Sparrow, Head of Barefoot Adventure, announced plans to host an international sport fishing competition in Bohoi Village, Bonthe District, on February 12, 2026. He explained that sport fishing is a non-consumptive activity that promotes marine conservation, as fish are caught, photographed, and released back into the water.
The competition is expected to attract international participants from countries including France, Spain, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, South Africa, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire. Sparrow said the event will boost tourism, create local economic opportunities, and highlight Bonthe’s rich marine biodiversity. He commended the Minister of Fisheries and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies for their support, describing inter-agency collaboration as key to sustainable community development.
Overall, the retreat, alongside initiatives such as the transformation of the Government Printing Department and the planned international fishing competition, underscores MoICE’s commitment to innovation, inclusive development, and effective public engagement. By taking national-level activities to Bonthe, the Ministry is strengthening regional participation while advancing a broader agenda of unity, sustainable growth, and informed citizenship across Sierra Leone.
