Freetown: Parliament of Sierra Leone ratified a Joint Venture Agreement between the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and Diming Yimo Printing Group, marking a significant step toward modernizing the government's printing sector.

According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the agreement dated 24th March 2026, received parliamentary approval following extensive debate among legislators. Presenting the agreement prior to ratification, Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah described the initiative as a move to promote the modernization of the printing sector. The Government Printing Department, recognized as the first printing facility in Sub-Saharan Africa, requires major intervention to deliver innovative services. The five million US dollars investment aims to modernize and introduce digital printing facilities in the country, with no financial contribution from the government. The agreement spans a ten-year period before full transfer to Sierra Leonean ownership.

Hon. Rugiatu R. Kanu, Chairperson of the Information and Civic Education Committee representing Western Rural, expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation preceding parliamentary approval while acknowledging significant improvements. She highlighted the equipment's speed and reliability, noting that the Government Printing Department currently produces high-quality output. Many Sierra Leoneans receive training in operating the equipment without direct investor involvement. She concluded that the agreement is non-contentious and beneficial.

Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, Deputy Speaker representing Western Area, emphasized the agreement's significance. He referenced existing laws requiring all government agencies to print through the Government Printing Department, a requirement widely flouted. The facility provides printing services alongside other functions. He urged parliamentary oversight to ensure institutional compliance and encouraged investors to incorporate recycling components.

Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, Deputy Leader of Opposition 2 representing Tonkolili District, raised concerns regarding the omitted investment start date and the 70/30 percent sharing arrangement, suggesting that the government deserves a larger share. He proposed a five-year review mechanism and urged the Minister to ensure proper agreement evaluation.

Hon. Emerson Lamina, Deputy Leader of Government Business 2 representing Kono District, commended the Ministry for drafting a quality agreement benefiting Sierra Leoneans. He encouraged institutions to utilize the Government Printing Department and noted the capacity-building provisions for staff.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition, expressed satisfaction with the knowledge transfer and training capacity for Government Printing Department staff. The agreement reduces import reliance while providing dispute resolution opportunities. He requested enhanced implementation monitoring, noting import duty waivers and tax exemptions. He called for a salary review considering departmental progress and emphasized that national security documents remain printed domestically, protecting classified state information.

Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, commended the Ministry for reforms improving the Government Printing Department. He defended the 30/70 percent arrangement as beneficial for government revenue generation and refuted opposition claims regarding the commencement date. Staff retention remains guaranteed without dismissals. Tax waivers appear well structured.

Minister Chernor Bah acknowledged the Parliament's ratification and committed to working with agencies addressing legislative concerns. The Government of Sierra Leone will fully monitor the agreement's implementation.