By Mohamed Kamara
Freetown – Dr. Martin Lewis, a Sierra Leonean scholar and senior lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Vancouver, has commended the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor A. Bah, for his recent nationwide outreach to promote government policies and strengthen civic awareness.
Dr. Lewis made the remarks while reflecting on the Minister’s engagement with residents of Kambia District, describing it as a timely and strategic effort to counteract the spread of misinformation and political polarization.
“Civic education is the backbone of sustainable peace and national unity in every country,” Dr. Lewis stated. “In Sierra Leone, misinformation and disinformation have clouded political discourse, leaving the average citizen confused and misinformed about their rights and obligations.”
He emphasized that civic education should empower citizens to understand their responsibilities to the state and fellow citizens, as well as the role of government in delivering services. He argued that a well-informed public is crucial in combating corruption, drug abuse, and social injustice, and in holding political aspirants accountable through informed scrutiny of their records.
Dr. Lewis noted that the impact of disinformation is particularly widespread in rural areas, where access to credible information is limited. He stressed the need for civic engagement that transcends political, religious, and ethnic affiliations. “Nation-building requires collective effort. It is not about where one belongs but what one contributes,” he said.
The academic further praised Minister Bah’s ongoing tour of all 16 districts to educate citizens about government work and national development. According to him, such initiatives foster informed decision-making during elections and help citizens distinguish leaders committed to integrity, justice, and national service.
“Civic education empowers the people to act as watchdogs, resist violence, report wrongdoing, and participate meaningfully in governance,” Dr. Lewis said. “It promotes unity by eliminating the biases that often divide citizens along political lines.”
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s post-independence history, Dr. Lewis recalled a time when civic education was a standard part of school curricula and adult education centers were established to foster national discipline. He believes that if such programs had continued uninterrupted, the nation would experience fewer tensions, especially during post-election periods.
He concluded by calling for both moral and financial support to sustain the Minister’s civic education campaign, noting that while organizations like UNESCO and a reputable German foundation, The Will, have shown interest, the ultimate success depends on the cooperation of Sierra Leoneans, regardless of political affiliation.
“With more districts awaiting the Minister’s message, this initiative is a powerful tool for transformation. It deserves support, not resistance,” Dr. Lewis affirmed
