Minister of Information Launches Africell Free Call-In Service to Deepen Democracy and Public Engagement.

By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education

The Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah has commended Africell for launching a Free Call-In Service for radio stations, describing the initiative as a major investment in democracy, public engagement, and national connectivity.

Delivering his Keynote at the official launch ceremony held on the 13th February 2026 at Africell’s Wilberforce office, in observance of the World Radio Day, Minister Chernor Bah highlighted the critical role radio stations play in reaching communities across Sierra Leone, including remote areas such as Bonthe Island and other rural areas. He noted that radio remains the most powerful medium for ensuring that information reaches every citizen. “Radio reaches Famah-Bundu and Pakandi, all the way to Bonthe Island. Its message reaches the last person,” he said.

Speaking highly of the service, Minister Bah said the new service effectively combines the enduring power of radio with mobile technology, enabling citizens not only to receive information but also to actively participate in national conversations.

“One of the challenges of radio has always been that people consume information without talking back. The best public communication happens when there is real conversation, and Africell has now bridged that gap,” he noted.

He explained that the initiative would eliminate long-standing challenges faced by radio stations, particularly the lack of airtime credit needed to facilitate call-in programs, thereby improving interaction between broadcasters, government officials, and the public.

Describing the initiative as a direct contribution to democratic governance, Minister Chernor Bah said, access to communication platforms is essential for citizen participation.

“Democracy dies when people do not have the opportunity to talk. Today, Africell has given the microphone to ordinary people across the country so they can be part of the national conversation,” he stated, adding that the initiative aligns with the vision of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to expand civic engagement.

To whom much is given, much is expected, as the country approaches the electioneering period, Minister Bah urged both media practitioners and callers to exercise responsibility in their use of the platform. He emphasized the need for respectful debate, tolerance, and ethical broadcasting.

“We can disagree without being disagreeable. We do not need insults or abusive language. When you are given the microphone, you also carry public responsibility,” he said.

He further noted that, the initiative would support ongoing efforts by the Independent Media Commission (IMC) to improve call screening and promote sanity on the airwaves, especially considering that children and families are among radio audiences.

Minister Bah went further to reject claims that the media space in Sierra Leone is shrinking, stating that the country currently enjoys its most liberal media environment. “We have more radio stations, television platforms, newspapers, bloggers, and online media than ever before in our history. The evidence does not support the claim that the space is shrinking,” he said.

He called on media professionals to help reduce political tension by promoting fair debate that uplifts national unity and cohesion.

The event was climaxed by the official launching of the Africell Free Call-In Service for radio stations nationwide, Minister Bah thanked the company on behalf of the Government and the people of Sierra Leone for its continued support to the media sector.