The Parliament of Sierra Leone, on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, ratified a Joint Venture Agreement between the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and Diming Yimo Printing Group for the development of Sierra Leone.
The following Agreement was ratified by the Parliament of Sierra Leone:
1. Joint Venture Agreement between the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and Diming Yimo Printing Group, dated 24th March 2026.
Presenting the agreement prior to ratification, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, described it as an important step in promoting the printing sector. He said the agreement is about modernizing the government printing sector.
Chernor continued that the Government Printing Department is the first printing facility in Sub-Saharan Africa and that it requires major intervention to deliver innovative printing services.
He said 5 million US dollars will be invested to modernize and bring digital printing facilities to the country. “Government’s financial contribution to the investment is zero,” he said.
He concluded that the agreement is for a ten (10) year period before being transferred to the people of Sierra Leone.
Hon. Rugiatu R. Kanu, representing Western Rural, and who is the Chairperson of the Information and Civic Education Committee in Parliament expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of the agreement prior to parliamentary approval.
She, however, highlighted the significance of the agreement, which has greatly improved the printing sector. She emphasized the speed and reliability of the printing equipment.
“The Government Printing Department is currently producing with high quality,” she said. In addition to job creation, Hon. Rugiatu said many Sierra Leoneans are being trained to operate the printing equipment without the investors’ direct involvement.
“This agreement is not contentious, and it is a good agreement,” she concluded.
Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, representing the Western Area, emphasized the significance of the agreement.
He proceeded by referencing laws that clearly state all government agencies must do their printing at the Government Printing Department, a requirement that is being flouted by many government institutions. He said the facility does not only provide printing services but also performs other functions.
Hon. Tawa encouraged Parliament to ensure full parliamentary oversight to ensure government institutions print at the Government Printing Department. He urged the investors to consider the recycling component of the facility.
Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, Deputy Leader of Opposition 2, representing Tonkolili District, spoke about the omission of the start date for the investment.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the 70/30 percent sharing arrangement, saying the government deserves more. He mentioned the need for a review of the agreement after every 5 years of operation. He urged the Minister of Information to ensure a proper review of the agreement.
Hon. Emerson Lamina, Deputy Leader of Government Business,2 representing Kono District, commended the Ministry of Information and the government for the drafting of the agreement.
He said the agreement is one of the best that will benefit the people of Sierra Leone. He encouraged the Minister to ensure institutions do their printing business with the Government Printing Department.
He said the agreement fulfils capacity building for staff in the institution. “The Government Printing Department is providing quality printing services in the country,” he concluded.
Rounding up the debate on the side of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, the Leader of the Opposition, centered his remarks on expressing satisfaction with the transfer of knowledge and training capacity for staff at the Government Printing Department.
He said the agreement will reduce reliance on importation and provide opportunities for dispute resolution.
Amidst the advantages of the agreement, Hon. Kargbo called for more monitoring during the implementation stage.
“The agreement grants import duty waivers and tax exemptions,” he said. Hon. Kargbo requested that investors ensure full compliance with procurement and other laws in the country.
He called for a review of salaries for staff in the Government Printing Department, considering the significant progress in the department.
He concluded that government documents dealing with National Security should not be printed by foreign agencies, as according to him, there are classified documents related to the security of the state.
Concluding the debate, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, commended the Ministry of Information for the many reforms, particularly with the improvements at the Government Printing Department.
Speaking on the percentage sharing in the agreement, the Leader of Government Business said the 30%/70% arrangement is beneficial and will help government generate resources for the state.
He debunked claims by the opposition that the agreement has no commencement date. Hon. Nyuma clearly emphasized that staff currently working in the Government Printing Department will be retained and none of them will be sacked or relieved of their duties.
Hon. Mathew Nyuma said the tax waivers in the agreement are well structured. He ended by commending the Leadership of Parliament for consistently enacting and ratifying progressive laws for the development of the state.
Responding to concerns raised by Legislators, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, acknowledged Parliament for ratifying the agreement and said he would work tirelessly with other agencies to address concerns raised by legislators. He said the Government of Sierra Leone will fully monitor the implementation of the agreement.
