It could be recalled that the Information Directorate, Youyi Building, Freetown under the auspices of the Ministry of Information and Communication on Thursday 31st May, 2018 held its very first weekly press conference under the New Direction.
The conference was held at the Ministry’s conference room, and participants described it as very successful and timely.
Speaking further, Mr. Jamiru affirmed the ministry’s position as the official machinery to inform, educate and entertain the public. He pointed out that President Bio was elected by the people of this nation under the platform of a new direction, which offers hope, trust and goodwill for a prosperous Sierra Leone.
He threw insight on the President’s address to Parliament, citing that this will serve as a roadmap for good governance, disciplined leadership, professionalism and delivery.
He made mention of the Executive Orders, some of which have already been executed. These include the suspension of duty waivers; except those falling under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Missions; the regularization of the Single Treasury Account in conformity with the Fiscal Management and Control Act 2017; moratorium on export of timber logs among other expenditure control measures.
On his own part, the Minister of Information and Communication, Mohamed Swaray reiterated the call of H.E the President for regularity and punctuality in government business. He told journalists that President Bio’s meeting with Permanent Secretaries and Professional Heads of Department immediately after his swearing-in-ceremony was to build confidence and trust among Civil Servants, describing them as delivery vehicles for the implementation of government policies.
He pointed out that plans are afoot to engage key players in the telecommunications sector, to address pertinent issues dealing with improved service delivery, improved internet connectivity, accessible and affordable mobile phone services.
Also addressing the media was the Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa. He pointed out that the Executive Orders issued by the government were aimed at tackling the imbalances in government expenditure. He cited restrictions on public spending and the enforcement of the retirement age at 60 years, which were all geared towards revenue mobilization and tackling wastages in a bid to meet expenditure requirement.
