The Ministry of Information and Civic Education is gearing up to host a significant event: the Presidential Townhall, anchored by Minister Chernor Bah.

Scheduled for Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, starting promptly at 4 PM, at the prestigious Bintumani Conference Center, this townhall promises to be a pivotal moment for civic engagement and transparency in governance.

The primary goal of this townhall is to allow President Bio to provide an account of his stewardship in the first year of his second term. It’s a unique opportunity for citizens to pose direct questions, fostering transparent governance and promoting civic participation. The discussions will cover crucial topics such as the economy and the “Big 5 Game Changers,” foreign affairs, peace, national cohesion, and a civic call to action.

Minister of Information, Chernor Bah, emphasized the importance of this dialogue for accountability, stating, “The President wants to talk to you, the citizen, about one year of progress with the Big 5. He will be talking to you directly and will take questions from you, all across the country.”

How to Participate, Citizens have two avenues to attend:

Invitation: The Ministry is extending invitations to various interest groups, including market women, journalists, bloggers, students, teachers, civil society groups, and more.

Public Registration: For those not invited, a limited number of seats are available through public registration via bit.ly/3SazYep. Registration is essential for a chance to participate in this significant event.

To ensure broad participation, citizens can submit questions in advance through a dedicated link (https://bit.ly/3Wrvem7) or via SMS to shortcode 818 on various networks. This allows for a comprehensive range of topics to be addressed during the townhall.

The Presidential Townhall will be broadcast live across multiple media platforms, including SLBC, AYV, STAR, SLIK, and major national radio stations. It will also stream live on the Ministry’s social media pages and prominent bloggers’ platforms, ensuring widespread accessibility and participation.

For citizens outside the capital, live broadcasts and select watch parties in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko will facilitate direct engagement. Attendees at these locations will have the opportunity to pose questions directly during the event.

Guests are required to be seated by 3:00 PM. The main program, featuring President Bio, will last 90 minutes, with additional pre- and post-event activities extending the engagement to a total of one hour. Refreshments will be provided following the program, although transport refunds for invited guests will not be available.

As preparations intensify, the Ministry encourages all citizens to participate actively in this democratic process. Whether attending in person or engaging remotely, the Presidential Townhall aims to empower citizens, elevate dialogue, and strengthen national cohesion. Let’s make our voices heard and contribute to a more transparent and inclusive governance framework.