Bio Highlights Government Gains at Makeni Town Hall

President Julius Maada Bio has called for greater national unity and continued public participation in governance during a Presidential Town Hall Meeting at the University of Makeni.

The meeting was held at Fatima Hall on 30 June 2026 and brought together government officials, Paramount Chiefs, development stakeholders, youth and women’s groups, and residents of Makeni. It provided a forum for discussion on governance, national development and Sierra Leone’s future.

President cites development gains

In remarks at the meeting, President Bio outlined a series of achievements that he attributed to his administration. He said two million children had gained expanded access to education and reported that electricity coverage had risen to 36%.

He also cited reported reductions of 79% in maternal mortality and 59% in child mortality. On the economy, the President said food inflation had declined from 19% to 2.56%.

Bio further pointed to infrastructure development, including 473.46 kilometres of paved roads and the construction of 24 bridges. He also highlighted Sierra Leone’s current leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States, without specifying the particular position.

The figures and development outcomes were presented by the President during the meeting and were not independently assessed in the account of the event.

Call for unity and civic participation

President Bio urged Sierra Leoneans to reject tribalism and strengthen national cohesion.

“I have demonstrated to you all that I am inclusive, so I challenge you all to break the boundaries of tribalism. Through this challenge, let us see ourselves as one,” he said.

He reaffirmed commitments to transparent, inclusive and people-centred governance, while also stressing the importance of sustained engagement between the Government and citizens.

The President called on citizens to take part in the forthcoming national population and housing census. He assured the public that the exercise would be conducted transparently and credibly. No date or further details of the census were provided at the meeting.

Bio also reiterated commitments to improving education quality, expanding access to electricity, increasing investment in human capital and supporting women’s participation in agriculture and national development. He said collaboration with the private sector on ongoing road expansion projects would be strengthened.

Youth grants and information magazine

During the event, the President presented symbolic cheques to three beneficiaries representing 1,200 young people expected to receive start-up grants. The support was described as part of the World Bank- and Government-funded Productive Social Safety Nets and Youth Employment project, which is associated with a target of 8,000 businesses.

The amount of the grants and the identities of the three beneficiaries were not disclosed.

Bio also officially launched Volume 3 of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education Update Magazine. The publication was described as a platform for communicating Government policies, programmes and development achievements.

The town hall formed part of the Government’s wider emphasis on inclusive governance and direct engagement with communities.