The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has commended Africell for launching a nationwide Free Call-In Service for radio stations, describing the initiative as a significant boost to democracy, civic participation, and national connectivity.

Delivering the keynote address at the official launch held on 13th February 2026 at Africell’s Wilberforce office, in commemoration of World Radio Day, Minister Bah underscored the enduring power of radio as Sierra Leone’s most accessible and far-reaching communication platform.

“Radio reaches Famah-Bundu and Pakandi, all the way to Bonthe Island. Its message reaches the last person,” he said, highlighting the medium’s ability to connect even the most remote communities across the country.

The Minister praised Africell’s innovation for merging the influence of radio with mobile technology, enabling citizens not only to receive information but also to actively engage in public discourse through call-in programmes without the burden of airtime costs.

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“One of the challenges of radio has always been that people consume information without talking back. The best public communication happens when there is real conversation, and Africell has now bridged that gap,” he noted.

According to Minister Bah, the new service addresses longstanding challenges faced by radio stations, particularly limited airtime credit for facilitating interactive programmes. By removing financial barriers, the initiative strengthens dialogue between broadcasters, government officials, and the public.

Describing the move as a direct investment in democratic governance, the Minister emphasized that access to communication platforms is fundamental to citizen participation.

“Democracy dies when people do not have the opportunity to talk. Today, Africell has given the microphone to ordinary people across the country so they can be part of the national conversation,” he stated, adding that the initiative aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision of expanding civic engagement.

As the country approaches the electioneering period, Minister Bah called on media practitioners and callers to use the platform responsibly. He stressed the importance of respectful dialogue, tolerance, and ethical broadcasting.

“We can disagree without being disagreeable. We do not need insults or abusive language. When you are given the microphone, you also carry public responsibility,” he cautioned.

He further noted that the initiative would complement efforts by the Independent Media Commission (IMC) to strengthen call screening and promote professionalism on the airwaves, especially given that families and children form part of radio audiences.

Addressing concerns about press freedom, Minister Bah rejected claims that Sierra Leone’s media space is shrinking. He asserted that the country currently enjoys its most liberal media environment in history, citing the growing number of radio stations, television platforms, newspapers, bloggers, and online media outlets.

“The evidence does not support the claim that the space is shrinking,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the official unveiling of the Africell Free Call-In Service for radio stations nationwide.

Minister Bah expressed gratitude to Africell on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone for its continued support to the media sector and its role in strengthening democratic engagement across the country.