By Marian Magdalene Bangura
Strategic Communications Unit – (MOICE)
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), will hold the 2026 Presidential Town Hall in Makeni City on Tuesday, 30th June 2026, under the theme “Year of Action.”
The highly anticipated civic engagement forum will bring His Exvellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio face-to-face with citizens to discuss key national issues, provide updates on government programmes, and respond directly to questions from the public.
This year’s Presidential Town Hall will focus on some of the government’s most significant priorities, including the Big Five Game Changers, the economy, gender empowerment, and ECOWAS and global leadership, among others. Citizens across the country are encouraged to participate by submitting questions through the official online platform or send SMS messages to 818.
Speaking on the choice of venue, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, explained that the decision came directly from President Julius Maada Bio, who believes that meaningful leadership requires engagement with all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation.
According to the Minister, the President deliberately selected Makeni to demonstrate that governance and accountability are national responsibilities that transcend political boundaries.
“The President believes accountability extends to every Sierra Leonean, not only those who supported him at the polls,” Minister Bah stated.
He noted that hosting the Town Hall in Makeni, an area not traditionally regarded as this government’s stronghold, reflects the President’s unwavering commitment to civic education, open dialogue, and strengthening democratic participation.
Minister Bah emphasized that the event will provide an opportunity for President Bio to present his administration’s achievements, address concerns raised by citizens, and reaffirm that the government’s development agenda is designed to improve the lives of all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of region or political persuasion.
The 2026 Presidential Town Hall will be an inclusive platform where citizens can engage directly with the Head of State on issues affecting their communities and the nation at large.
Under the banner of the “Year of Action,” the discussion will spotlight progress made in implementing the government’s flagship development priorities, commonly referred to as the Big Five, while also examining economic reforms, initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls, and Sierra Leone’s growing influence within ECOWAS and on the global stage.
The event will be broadcast live on AYV Television, SLBC TV, SLBC Radio, and Star TV, as well as community radio stations and social media platforms, ensuring nationwide access for citizens unable to attend in person.
As part of the government’s ongoing commitment to transparency and citizen engagement, members of the public are encouraged to submit questions ahead of the event through the official application portal or via SMS.
The Presidential Town Hall continues to be one of the government’s flagship civic engagement initiatives, creating a direct line of communication between the Presidency and the people while promoting accountability, inclusiveness, and participatory governance.
With Makeni set to host this year’s edition, the 2026 Presidential Town Hall is expected to reinforce the message that national development is a shared responsibility and that every Sierra Leonean has a voice in shaping the country’s future.
