A sudden power outage briefly disrupted the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press conference today at the Miata Conference Hall, Youyi Building, during crucial national discussions on youth development, climate change, and the environment.

The blackout occurred approximately 15 minutes into a statement by Chernor Bah, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, who was outlining the goals and progress of the ongoing national conversation on youth and environmental issues.

The high-level event, attended by journalists, government officials, and private sector representatives, resumed with renewed focus after power was restored.

Despite the interruption, the conference continued with presentations on key national development issues. Minister Ibrahim Sannoh, the newly appointed Minister of Youth Affairs, shared his vision for youth, emphasizing inclusive development and opportunities for youth-led climate action initiatives.

Dr. Abu Bakarr S. Massaquoi, Executive Chairman of the Environmental Protection Agency, detailed the agency’s efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, highlighting the importance of policy implementation and inter-agency coordination.

Esther Yealie Kamara, co-founder and executive director of the Youth Initiative for Climate Change, advocated for increased youth participation in climate discourse and environmental sustainability projects, urging more grassroots engagement and education.

Gabriel Kpaka, Deputy Director General and Head of Operations at the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, provided a forecast for the upcoming 2025 rainy season, stressing the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of evolving climate trends.

The press conference is a regular feature of the ministry’s weekly briefing sessions, aimed at promoting transparency, civic awareness, and inclusive discourse on national development challenges.