At a press conference held on March 8, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke extensively about the future of China-Africa relations as the two sides mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Responding to a question from the News Agency of Nigeria, Wang Yi highlighted the significance of the milestone year, noting that 2026 has also been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, aimed at deepening cultural and social connections between the two sides.

According to Wang Yi, the relationship between China and Africa has demonstrated resilience and vitality over the past seven decades, withstanding changing international circumstances while continuing to expand in scope and depth.

“For 70 years, China-Africa friendship has stood the test of changing international circumstances and shown strong vitality,” he said.

He further noted that for 36 consecutive years, China’s foreign minister has begun the new year with a visit to Africa, describing the tradition as a clear reflection of China’s diplomatic commitment to the continent.

Wang Yi recalled that during his visit to Ethiopia earlier this year, many people spoke fondly about the historic visit of former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai to Africa. He also noted that in Tanzania, people continue to cherish memories of Chinese assistance in constructing the TAZARA Railway, a landmark infrastructure project linking Tanzania and Zambia.

He paid tribute to the Chinese engineers and workers who contributed to the railway’s construction, including those who lost their lives during the project.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that China-Africa friendship has been passed down from generation to generation—forged heart to heart, and built with sweat and blood,” Wang Yi stated.

He also emphasized that in the current era, Xi Jinping continues to place great importance on relations with Africa. According to him, the Chinese President consistently promotes a policy of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith in China’s engagement with African countries.

Wang Yi revealed that within the first two months of 2026 alone, President Xi Jinping had already sent three messages to African partners. These included a congratulatory letter marking the launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a message to veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, and a congratulatory message to the African Union Summit, continuing a tradition that has now reached its 14th year.

“These messages demonstrate that China’s top leader wants the torch of China-Africa friendship to be passed from generation to generation,” Wang Yi noted, adding that Africa can count on China’s steadfast support for its development and revitalization.

Looking ahead, the Chinese Foreign Minister outlined three key developments expected to shape China-Africa relations in 2026.

First, he announced that China will take fresh steps toward building a China-Africa community with a shared future. This will include hosting multiple African leaders in China to strengthen mutual support and cooperation between both sides as “all-weather partners.”

Second, Wang Yi revealed that China will implement full zero-tariff access for 100 percent of African imports beginning May 1, a move designed to boost trade and expand economic opportunities for African exporters.

“As part of China’s commitment to high-standard opening up, we are removing tariffs completely to boost trade, multiply benefits for the people, and help Africa access the enormous opportunities of the Chinese market,” he explained.

Third, the minister announced that nearly 600 activities and events will be organized throughout the year under the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. These initiatives are expected to promote deeper cultural interaction, mutual understanding, and stronger ties between citizens of China and African countries.

Wang Yi concluded by emphasizing that China remains ready to work closely with African nations to draw inspiration from their shared civilizational heritage, strengthen people-to-people connections, and continue building a lasting partnership for future generations.

The remarks reaffirm China’s long-standing diplomatic, economic, and cultural engagement with Africa, as both sides mark a historic milestone in their relations.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/china-reaffirms-commitment-to-stronger-africa-relations-as-diplomatic-ties-mark-70-years/

China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, has called for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic engagement to address rising global tensions, particularly the escalating conflict in the Middle East, while reaffirming China’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and global stability.

Speaking during a press conference on the sidelines of the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 8, 2026, Wang Yi responded to questions from Chinese and international journalists on China’s foreign policy priorities and key international developments. 

At the beginning of the briefing, Wang Yi extended greetings to women around the world in recognition of International Women’s Day, while also acknowledging the role of the media and the wider international community in engaging with China’s diplomatic efforts.

He noted that the international system is currently undergoing profound changes, describing the global landscape as one marked by “transformation and turbulence,” with conflicts and geopolitical tensions continuing to flare up in several regions. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that China remains confident in its development trajectory and its role in contributing to international peace and stability. 

According to the Chinese foreign minister, China’s diplomacy continues to focus on safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests while promoting fairness, justice and adherence to international law. He said Beijing firmly opposes unilateralism, power politics and what it described as bullying practices in international relations.

Addressing the escalating military situation in the Middle East, Wang Yi expressed deep concern over renewed strikes and rising tensions involving Iran and other regional actors. He described the unfolding crisis as a conflict that “should not have happened” and warned that the continued use of force risks further destabilizing the region.

China’s position, he said, centers on the need for an immediate ceasefire and an end to military operations, stressing that armed conflict only fuels further hatred and instability. 

Wang Yi outlined several principles that China believes should guide efforts toward resolving the crisis. These include respect for national sovereignty, rejection of the use of force, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and the pursuit of political solutions through dialogue and negotiation.

He further emphasized that countries in the Middle East should determine their own future and resolve regional issues independently, without external interference or attempts to impose regime change.

China, he added, remains ready to work with countries in the region to restore stability and promote peaceful development.

The Chinese foreign minister also spoke extensively about the need for reforms in global governance, highlighting China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which he said has gained broad support from more than 150 countries and international organizations.

The initiative, he explained, promotes principles such as sovereign equality, adherence to international law, multilateralism and a people-centered approach to development. According to Wang Yi, these principles reflect the growing aspirations of developing nations, particularly those in the Global South, for a more balanced and inclusive international system.

He noted that the Global South has become a major force in shaping the world economy, with its share of global economic output rising significantly over the past four decades.

China, he said, stands firmly with developing countries and will continue working with them to promote peace, development and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Responding to questions about relations between China and the United States, Wang Yi stressed that the relationship between the two powers carries global significance and must be managed carefully to avoid confrontation.

He warned that turning away from dialogue could lead to misunderstanding and miscalculation, while open conflict between the two countries would have disastrous consequences for the world.

Instead, he called for both nations to engage on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, emphasizing that constructive engagement between Beijing and Washington would benefit not only the two countries but the broader international community.

Throughout the press conference, Wang Yi reiterated China’s broader diplomatic vision of building what Beijing describes as “a community with a shared future for humanity.”

He said China will continue to support multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations, and work with other nations to address global challenges including conflict, economic instability and governance gaps.

According to Wang Yi, the world is entering a period of increasing multipolarity, where no single country should dominate global affairs and all nations—regardless of size or strength—should participate equally in shaping the international order.

China, he concluded, intends to remain a constructive force in global diplomacy by promoting dialogue, cooperation and peaceful development in an increasingly complex international environment. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/china-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire-and-dialogue-as-middle-east-crisis-deepens/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Chief of Army Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Major General Kemoh Sesay, has commended Sierra Leonean troops for their professionalism, discipline and restraint during a recent border incident involving Guinean security forces in Falaba District.

Major General Kemoh Sesay made the remarks during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s Weekly Press Briefing held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown. The Press Conference followed the safe release of sixteen Sierra Leonean security personnel who had earlier been arrested by Guinean forces during a disagreement along the Sierra Leone–Guinea border.

Providing a detailed account of the incident, the Army Chief explained that the Sierra Leonean personnel had been preparing to erect a temporary structure on land reportedly allocated to them by a Paramount Chief on the Sierra Leonean side of the border.

However, during the process, approximately ten Guinean soldiers, accompanied by a Guinean Paramount Chief from a nearby community, reportedly approached the location and halted the construction, claiming that the land in question fell within Guinean territory.

According to Major General Kemoh Sesay, the situation escalated when the Guinean soldiers later returned with a significantly larger contingent of armed personnel, estimated at more than 300 troops. Faced with overwhelming numbers, the sixteen Sierra Leonean security personnel on the ground were subsequently arrested by the Guinean forces.

Despite the tense situation, the Army Chief praised the conduct of the Sierra Leonean commanding officer and his troops, stating that their calm and measured response helped prevent the incident from escalating into a potentially serious military confrontation between the two neighbouring countries.

“The officer made a battle appreciation,” Major General Kemoh Sesay explained. “He understood that even if shots were fired and lives were lost, the situation could easily escalate into a full-scale conflict between two sister nations.”

He said the commanding officer carefully assessed the situation on the ground and made the decision to prioritize de-escalation rather than engage in armed confrontation. According to him, the troops complied peacefully when surrounded and asked to surrender their weapons, thereby avoiding unnecessary bloodshed.

Major General Kemoh Sesay stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as weakness but rather as a demonstration of discipline, patriotism and a strong commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

“It takes courage and professionalism for soldiers to choose restraint in such circumstances,” he said. “Our troops showed maturity and discipline in handling the situation.”

He further confirmed that all sixteen Sierra Leonean security personnel have since been safely released and returned to Sierra Leone. Their weapons, he added, were also returned intact by the Guinean authorities.

While addressing broader issues relating to the Sierra Leone–Guinea boundary, the Major General called for a comprehensive joint border survey involving both countries in order to resolve long-standing boundary uncertainties.

He disclosed that the proposed survey would cover the entire Sierra Leone–Guinea boundary, stretching across districts including Kambia, Koinadugu, Falaba, Kono and Kailahun.

The Army Chief suggested that neutral regional and international organisations such as the Mano River Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union could be involved in the process to ensure transparency and mutual agreement.

According to him, once a comprehensive and officially recognized joint boundary survey is conducted, recurring border disputes between the two countries are expected to be conclusively addressed.

Major General Kemoh Sesay concluded by reaffirming the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity while maintaining peaceful diplomatic relations with neighbouring Guinea.

He also commended the captain and troops involved in the incident for their professionalism and composure, noting that their actions helped preserve peace between the two nations while protecting Sierra Leone’s national interests. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/major-general-kemoh-sesay-hails-troops-professionalism-after-sierra-leone-guinea-border-incident/

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, has reassured Sierra Leoneans that the Government remains firmly committed to diplomacy, regional peace and the protection of its citizens following the recent border disagreement between Sierra Leone and Guinea that led to the arrest of sixteen Sierra Leonean security personnel.

Speaking at the Weekly Press Conference convened by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba provided a comprehensive briefing on the diplomatic efforts that secured the safe release of the detained officers and addressed broader regional and international issues affecting Sierra Leone. The Press Conference also featured the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Kemoh Sesay and Sierra Leone’s Deputy Ambassador to Guinea, H.E. Fatmata Sawaneh.

Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba disclosed that the Government of Sierra Leone deployed a carefully coordinated diplomatic strategy to secure the release of the detained security personnel, who had been arrested by Guinean forces during a border disagreement in Falaba District.

According to him, the swift intervention was guided by Sierra Leone’s longstanding commitment to diplomacy and regional cooperation. He explained that historical, cultural and political ties between Sierra Leone and Guinea played a vital role in resolving the matter peacefully.

“The relationship between Sierra Leone and Guinea is deep and longstanding. Our nations share historical, cultural and economic bonds that make dialogue and cooperation the only viable path in moments of misunderstanding,” the Minister stated.

He confirmed that the sixteen officers were treated with dignity while in custody and were later released following diplomatic engagements between the two Governments.

The Foreign Minister also commended the leadership of Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who coordinated key aspects of the diplomatic response to ensure a peaceful resolution.

Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba further reassured the public that relations between Sierra Leone and Guinea remain cordial and strong, despite the recent border misunderstanding.

He reminded citizens that the two countries share a unique historical connection, particularly between 1967 and 1997, when Guinea provided refuge for Sierra Leonean leaders during periods of political instability.

Beyond history, he emphasized that the two nations maintain strong cultural, social and economic interactions, including cross-border trade and community ties.

“Conflict between Sierra Leone and Guinea would not only be unnecessary but also counterproductive to the progress and stability both countries seek,” he stressed.

The Minister reiterated that both Governments remain committed to maintaining peace along their shared border while strengthening diplomatic cooperation.

Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba  also addressed concerns about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly regarding the safety of Sierra Leoneans residing in the Gulf region.

He referenced President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s statement issued in his capacity as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in which the President called for restraint and de-escalation among the parties involved in the conflict.

President Bio, he noted, urged all actors to operate in accordance with the United Nations Charter and International Law, while encouraging renewed diplomatic engagement through regional and international frameworks.

Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba emphasized that ECOWAS’s position is consistent with that of the African Union, both of which are advocating for peaceful resolution and diplomatic dialogue.

Providing further updates, the Foreign Minister confirmed that the Government of Sierra Leone recently successfully evacuated twenty-four nationals and embassy personnel from the Islamic Republic of Iran following escalating tensions in the region.

The evacuees were safely relocated to the Republic of Armenia as part of emergency measures activated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

According to him, the group comprised fourteen students, one private citizen, three Sierra Leonean diplomats and six locally recruited staff members of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Tehran.

He assured the public that the Government continues to monitor developments across the Middle East and remains prepared to take additional measures if necessary to ensure the safety of Sierra Leoneans abroad.

“The safety and welfare of Sierra Leonean citizens anywhere in the world remains a top priority for this Government,” he emphasized.

The Minister concluded by reaffirming Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to diplomacy, regional cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution.

He stressed that the Government will continue working closely with neighbouring countries and international partners to maintain stability and safeguard Sierra Leone’s national interests.

The Foreign Minister also urged the public to remain calm and rely on verified information from official sources, noting that the Government remains proactive in addressing both regional developments and global events that may affect Sierra Leone and its citizens. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/foreign-minister-updates-on-border-incident-middle-east-tensions-and-safe-evacuation-of-sierra-leoneans/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, hosted members of the Executive of the Fullah Progressive Union (FPU) for an Iftar gathering at his residence in Freetown, where discussions focused on the growth, sustainability and future direction of the union.

The delegation was led by the President of the Fullah Progressive Union, Alhaji Umaru Sanu Barrie, and included several key members of the organization’s leadership. The meeting provided a moment for reflection on the Union’s historical achievements, its commitment to community service and its continued contribution to national development.

During the engagement, the leaders of the Fullah Progressive Union commended Vice President Juldeh Jalloh for his humility in public service and his steadfast dedication to Sierra Leone and the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

Among those who spoke during the gathering were the Secretary General of the Union, Alhaji Osman Bah and the Financial Secretary, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazak Bah. Both officials praised the Vice President for what they described as his consistent support for the activities and vision of the Fullah Progressive Union.

They highlighted Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s longstanding engagement with the organization and his contributions to initiatives aimed at strengthening the Union’s development agenda. According to them, his leadership and encouragement have played an important role in helping the Union expand its outreach and maintain its focus on promoting education, social support and community empowerment.

The Union leaders also reflected on the organization’s work in supporting educational opportunities for young Sierra Leoneans. Over the years, the Fullah Progressive Union has been involved in scholarship initiatives that have assisted hundreds of students across the country. They noted that such interventions continue to play a vital role in empowering young people and contributing to the country’s human capital development.

In addition to educational support, the FPU has also extended assistance to vulnerable groups within society, including widows and disadvantaged families. The leadership of the union reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining these humanitarian efforts as part of its broader mission to strengthen community solidarity and promote social welfare.

Responding to the remarks, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh expressed deep appreciation for the visit by the Union’s leadership and commended the Fullah Progressive Union for its dedication to community service and national progress.

He described the Union as a valuable partner in promoting social development, noting that organizations driven by community spirit and volunteerism play an important role in complementing Government efforts aimed at improving the lives of citizens.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh particularly praised the Union’s scholarship programme and its support to vulnerable groups, describing such initiatives as meaningful contributions to building a more inclusive and supportive society.

The Vice President encouraged the leadership of the Fullah Progressive Union to remain steadfast in their mission and continue expanding their activities to reach more communities across Sierra Leone.

He emphasized that community-based organizations have the capacity to drive positive change at the grassroots level, adding that sustained collaboration and commitment are essential for national development.

The Iftar gathering concluded with prayers offered for peace, unity and continued progress in Sierra Leone. Members of the Fullah Progressive Union reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote national cohesion and development while pledging their continued support for the Vice President’s vision for a prosperous Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-hosts-fullah-progressive-union-highlights-role-of-community-in-national-development/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its decision to withdraw its elected officials from participation in governance processes, citing concerns over the Government’s handling of electoral reforms and the recent appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner.

In a Press Statement issued on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the APC disclosed that its leadership and negotiating team attended a meeting convened by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) at Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, representatives of ECOWAS and other international and development partners to assess progress on the implementation of recommendations made by the Tripartite Committee under the Agreement for National Unity.

According to the APC, the central focus of the engagement was to review the status of electoral reform commitments outlined in the Tripartite Agreement. During the deliberations, the party expressed strong dissatisfaction with what it described as persistent disregard by the Government in implementing the agreed reforms.

The APC specifically pointed to the appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), arguing that the decision contradicts the spirit and sequence of reforms outlined in the Tripartite framework. The party maintained that the appointment has raised serious concerns about the credibility of the electoral management body and could undermine public confidence in future elections.

In its statement, the APC asserted that Edmond Sylvester Alpha is widely associated with the contested 2023 electoral process, a development the party believes could further erode trust in the Electoral Commission if left unaddressed. The party therefore reiterated that its withdrawal from parliamentary and local council participation remains in force until Edmond Sylvester Alpha vacates the position of Chief Electoral Commissioner.

The APC leadership emphasized that the decision to withdraw from governance structures was not motivated by partisan interests but by what it described as a principled stance aimed at safeguarding electoral integrity and democratic legitimacy in Sierra Leone. According to the party, its actions are intended to encourage adherence to constitutional principles and to ensure that reforms agreed upon under the national unity framework are implemented faithfully.

Furthermore, the party underscored its commitment to the democratic process and reiterated that it remains open to constructive engagement once credible steps are taken to restore public confidence in the electoral reform agenda.

“The party remains ready to re-engage constructively in the governance process once meaningful steps are taken to restore confidence in the electoral reform process and uphold the commitments contained in the Agreement for National Unity,” the statement noted.

The APC also reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and lawful means of political engagement, stressing that its approach is guided by a desire to defend the sovereign will of the people while maintaining stability and democratic order in the country.

The statement was signed by the APC National Secretary-General, Lansana Dumbuya, who reiterated the party’s dedication to democratic principles and its continued pursuit of electoral reforms through legitimate and peaceful channels.

The meeting at Brookfields Hotel forms part of ongoing national and international efforts to monitor and facilitate the implementation of the Tripartite Committee’s recommendations aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions and restoring confidence in the country’s electoral processes. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/apc-restates-decision-to-withdraw-from-government/

By Isatu Sankoh

The Government of Sierra Leone has recorded notable progress in public sector delivery and accountability following the release of the 2025 Ministerial Performance Contract Report by the Office of the Chief Minister. The comprehensive assessment evaluates the performance of all Government Ministries and provides insight into how effectively they delivered on national priorities during the review period.

The report assesses 29 Ministries and their affiliated Departments and Agencies, examining their performance against clearly defined targets agreed upon under the Government’s performance management framework. Introduced as part of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s governance reforms, the performance contract system is designed to ensure that Ministries remain accountable for delivering measurable results that improve the lives of citizens.

According to the report, the overall performance of Ministries in 2025 was rated “Good,” with an average performance score of 78 percent, reflecting steady improvements in governance, financial stewardship, service delivery and public accountability across Government institutions.

The Ministerial Performance Contract system is anchored in the Government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) and the administration’s flagship development agenda known as the “Big Five Game Changers.”

These national priorities include strengthening food security and inclusive economic growth, improving human capital development, expanding youth empowerment initiatives, advancing technology and infrastructure and enhancing public sector governance.

Under the system, each Ministry signs an annual contract with the President outlining specific targets linked to national development objectives. Ministries are subsequently evaluated on their ability to meet those commitments using measurable performance indicators.

In the 2025 assessment cycle, Ministries were evaluated across 17 key performance indicators covering areas such as policy formulation, service delivery improvements, financial management, procurement compliance, citizen engagement and institutional accountability.

The evaluation process involved self-assessment reports from Ministries supported by documentary evidence. These reports were verified by the Performance Management Team within the Office of the Chief Minister with support from independent institutions including the Audit Service Sierra Leone and the National Public Procurement Authority.

The report highlights several notable achievements across Government Ministries during the year under review.

A total of 89 Cabinet Papers were approved and 145 Ministerial agreements were signed, demonstrating active policy development and inter-governmental collaboration across Ministries.

Ministries also recorded improvements in strategic planning and operational management. Compliance rates reached 70 percent for strategic planning and 74.5 percent for annual work plans, indicating stronger institutional planning processes across the public sector.

Government Ministries collectively introduced 133 service delivery innovations, reflecting efforts to modernize public services and improve efficiency in addressing citizens’ needs. Ministries responsible for lands administration, agriculture, fisheries, public administration and health were among the leading institutions driving innovation in public service delivery.

The report also underscores the growing emphasis on citizen engagement and public accountability within Government operations.

Across all Ministries, 1,355 citizen engagement activities were conducted, including public consultations, community outreach initiatives and customer satisfaction surveys.

These engagements provided opportunities for Ministries to interact directly with communities, gather feedback on Government programmes and strengthen transparency in public administration.

The Ministry of Transport and Aviation recorded the highest number of engagement activities, followed by the Ministries of Local Government and Fisheries, Water Resources, Agriculture, Lands and Tourism.

Officials say those initiatives demonstrate a growing commitment by Government institutions to build stronger relationships with citizens and ensure that policies respond to the real needs of communities.

Financial management and revenue mobilization also showed positive results across government ministries.

According to the report, Ministries collectively generated approximately NLe 21.1 billion in domestic revenue, reflecting increased efforts to improve revenue collection and financial accountability across Government institutions.

In addition to domestic revenue, Ministries attracted an estimated US$884 million in external funding and appropriation-in-aid resources, supporting development projects in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture and public service delivery.

The Ministry of Finance recorded the largest contribution to domestic revenue generation, while several other Ministries including Mines, Lands, Communication and Internal Affairs also made significant contributions.

Meanwhile, Ministries such as Energy, Works and Public Assets, Water Resources, Fisheries and Transport secured substantial donor and project funding to support national development initiatives.

The evaluation further revealed improvements in institutional accountability mechanisms across Ministries.

The average response rate to audit queries was estimated at 76.9 percent, demonstrating stronger compliance with financial oversight requirements.

Similarly, compliance with public procurement procedures reached 72.1 percent, indicating progress in strengthening transparency and adherence to procurement regulations within Government institutions.

Ministries also held numerous integrity committee meetings aimed at promoting ethical conduct and accountability within the public sector.

Officials say those measures form part of broader Government efforts to combat corruption and strengthen public trust in state institutions.

The report categorized ministerial performance into several ratings based on performance scores.

Ten Ministries were rated “Very Good,” ten received “Good” ratings, while seven Ministries were classified as “Fairly Good.” Two Ministries recorded “Satisfactory” performance levels.

Importantly, no Ministry was rated as performing poorly during the review period, a development Government officials say reflects steady progress in strengthening performance management across the public service.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security emerged as the top-performing Ministry, achieving all of its performance targets during the year.

Other Ministries that recorded strong performance include Water Resources and Sanitation, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Transport and Aviation.

Despite the progress recorded, the report acknowledges several challenges that continue to affect ministerial performance.

Among the key concerns identified are limited financial resources, shortages of technical staff, weak data management systems and coordination challenges across Ministries.

Frequent changes in performance management focal persons in some Ministries were also cited as a factor that disrupted reporting processes and reduced institutional continuity.

In some cases, Ministries submitted late reports or incomplete documentation, affecting the accuracy and efficiency of the evaluation process.

To address those challenges, the Office of the Chief Minister has recommended several reforms aimed at strengthening the performance contract framework.

These include establishing a digital Performance Management Information System, strengthening the role of Permanent Secretaries in supervising performance processes and introducing stronger monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

The Government is also considering the development of a national performance management policy to institutionalize the system and ensure consistent accountability across all public institutions.

Officials say the results of the 2025 evaluation demonstrate that the Ministerial Performance Contract system is gradually transforming Sierra Leone’s public administration into a more accountable and results-oriented governance framework.

As the Government moves forward under the national theme of “Year of Action and Delivery,” Ministries are expected to build on those gains by improving service delivery, strengthening transparency and accelerating the implementation of development programmes across the country.

The Office of the Chief Minister has encouraged citizens, Civil Society Organisations and development partners to actively engage with the report and provide feedback on how Ministries can further improve their performance in delivering national development goals.

Government leaders believe that sustained commitment to performance management and accountability will play a critical role in achieving Sierra Leone’s long-term vision of inclusive growth, improved public services and national prosperity for all. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/government-records-strong-performance-across-ministries-in-2025-ministerial-contract-evaluation/