By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has officially reopened Sierra Leone’s newly modernized Government Printing Department, describing the transformation as a landmark achievement in strengthening national institutions, enhancing public service delivery and restoring confidence in state-owned enterprises.

Representing President Julius Maada Bio at the official relaunch ceremony held on Friday, 29th May 2026, at the Government Printing Department headquarters in New England Ville, Freetown, the Vice President said the reopening marked a major milestone in Government’s commitment to rebuilding critical institutions and driving economic transformation through innovation, productivity and self-reliance.

Addressing Government officials, development partners, stakeholders and staff of the institution, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh described the event as a defining national moment, stressing that the reopening represented far more than the restoration of a physical structure.

“Today, we are not simply reopening a department; we are restoring national pride. We are modernizing state capacity and we are demonstrating once again that this Government is committed to transforming old institutions into engines of national development,” the Vice President stated.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh explained that the once-declining institution has now been transformed into a modern industrial printing hub through a strategic partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and the DeMing Group of Companies. According to him, the upgraded facility is now equipped with advanced digital and offset printing technology, post-processing systems, exhibition spaces, training facilities, modern offices and a state-of-the-art showroom.

He emphasized that the transformation aligns with Government’s broader national vision of reducing dependence on foreign services while promoting local productivity, industrialization and sustainable economic growth.

“Our vision for Sierra Leone is not a vision of dependency. It is a vision of productivity. It is a vision of innovation. It is a vision of self-reliance,” he affirmed.

The Vice President further disclosed that the newly upgraded Government Printing Department would offer secure, efficient and high-quality printing services to Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, while also serving private businesses, schools and institutions across Sierra Leone and the wider sub-region.

“With this investment, we are restoring local capacity, improving efficiency and security, creating jobs and demonstrating that our public institutions can once again become productive engines of growth,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said.

He revealed that the project has already attracted more than US$2 million in investment, with an additional US$5 million expected over the next two years to further strengthen the institution’s operational capacity and regional competitiveness.

According to the Vice President, the modernization of the Government Printing Department will significantly reduce Sierra Leone’s dependence on foreign printing services, improve the security and integrity of sensitive national documents, create employment opportunities for young people, promote the “Made in Sierra Leone” agenda and contribute to increased domestic revenue generation.

“This institution is now more than a printing press. It is a vivid realization that institutions can rise again,” he declared.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also disclosed Government’s ambition for the institution to become financially self-sustaining by the end of 2026, transitioning from reliance on public resources to becoming a revenue-generating institution capable of paying taxes and contributing meaningfully to national economic growth.

He commended the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, the Government Printer, Salifu Lahai Suma, Sierra Leone’s Embassy in China, development partners and other stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the successful transformation of the institution.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, described the reopening as a historic moment and a clear demonstration of President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to national renewal and institutional reform.

He noted that the Government Printing Department, established in the 18th century, once stood as a major pillar of national development and pride, hosting the second printing press in Africa and the first in West Africa. According to him, by the 1970s, the institution had grown to become Sierra Leone’s second-highest revenue-generating public institution.

“Then came the decline,” Chernor Bah said, explaining that years of neglect had left the once-thriving institution abandoned and deteriorated.

“The machines fell silent. The infrastructure deteriorated. What was once a source of pride became a shadow of itself,” he remarked.

The Minister stated that President Bio challenged his Ministry to restore the institution and transform it into a world-class printing and publishing facility.

“Today, we delivered. We unveiled the rebirth of a major national jewel,” he said.

Chernor Bah further disclosed that Government had restored infrastructure, secured strategic partnerships for capacity development, installed world-class equipment and repositioned the institution for long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

He described the refurbished facility as one of the most impressive public institutions in Sierra Leone, highlighting features including a modern showroom, exhibition spaces, pavilion, proposed museum and training arena.

“Our ambition is clear; to build the premier printing and publishing facility in West Africa, serving Sierra Leone and ultimately the continent,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Government Printing Department, Salifu Lahai Suma, called on Government Ministries, Departments, Agencies and private institutions to support and utilize the services of the refurbished institution.

He emphasized that the department is now fully equipped with modern printing technology capable of delivering efficient, professional and internationally competitive services.

“As we enter this new era, we encourage public institutions and private companies to work with us as we continue to provide efficient, professional and reliable printing solutions for the nation,” Salifu Lahai Suma stated.

The relaunch of the Government Printing Department is widely regarded as a significant step in Government’s broader agenda to modernize public institutions, diversify the economy, strengthen industrial capacity and position Sierra Leone as a regional hub for world-class printing and publishing services.

For many attendees, the reopening symbolized more than infrastructure renewal; it reflected Government’s determination to restore institutions that once stood as pillars of national development and reposition them to meet the demands of a modern and competitive economy. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-reopens-modernized-government-printing-department-says-public-institutions-can-rise-again/