Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, has urged citizens to recognise the country’s progress since 1999 and move beyond persistent criticism which, he said, often offers no solutions.

Speaking during a press briefing to deliver the Government’s Independence message, Bah challenged those who routinely describe Sierra Leone as “the worst country on the planet,” saying such remarks are frequently made without constructive proposals to address the nation’s challenges.

“No one should tell you that Sierra Leone has not made progress since 1999,” he said.

Bah highlighted what he described as significant improvements in public infrastructure and essential services, including roads, healthcare facilities, water supply, electricity, and education. He said these developments demonstrate measurable progress compared to the years following independence and the difficult periods of the country’s past.

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The Minister also cautioned against romanticising colonial rule, recalling a time when colonial authorities controlled citizens’ movement, education, and access to basic amenities.

He said that despite ongoing development challenges, independence and the right for Sierra Leoneans to make their own national decisions remain far preferable to colonial governance.

Bah acknowledged that Sierra Leone has not yet achieved all of its development goals, but maintained that the country is in a better position than it was during the colonial era.

He called on citizens to shift from criticism to contribution by bringing forward ideas and actively participating in national development.

Bah said independence should be viewed not only as a historical achievement, but also as an ongoing responsibility requiring unity and collective effort in shaping Sierra Leone’s future.

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