Director of Communications Myk Berewa Defends 'Mission 300' Amid Scrutiny Over Project Funding

Director of Communications Myk Berewa Defends 'Mission 300' Amid Scrutiny Over Project Funding

The Director of Communications in the Office of the President, Myk Berewa, has issued a public defence of Mission 300—the continental electrification initiative linked to Sierra Leone's 'Energy 300' project—following allegations of misleading public representation of its funding status. The controversy was sparked by Star TV Station Manager Abdul Rahman Kamara, who, in an online interview, claimed the programme was presented to the public as if its funding had already been fully secured.

In a professional social media response, Berewa expressed concern that journalists would question the integrity of Mission 300, a programme the World Bank states has already provided electricity to 32 million Africans and is targeting an additional 157 million, including communities within Sierra Leone.

"It is deeply concerning that a prominent journalist would label Mission 300—which has already connected 32 million Africans to electricity and targets 157 million more, including citizens of Sierra Leone—a scam. This reflects a significant systemic issue," Berewa wrote.

Berewa’s statement directly addressed Kamara's criticisms, which also implicated Energy supervisor and strategist Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, accusing him of misrepresenting the funding status of Energy 300. Kamara alleged the project was presented as fully financed despite its structure as a Public-Private Partnership.

To substantiate his defence, Berewa cited data released by the World Bank Africa in November, highlighting that Mission 300 has successfully connected 32 million people across sub-Saharan Africa, with ongoing projects aimed at reaching an additional 157 million. The Bank further reported that nearly $8 billion in financing has been mobilised, supporting approximately 90 projects across 40 countries under the initiative.

He further underscored the transparency and scale of the programme by mentioning the World Bank’s recently launched Mission 300 Progress Portal, an online platform dedicated to tracking connections, financing, and project outcomes.

As Sierra Leone advances with its national Energy 300 rollout, Berewa’s remarks serve to rebut Kamara’s criticisms by leveraging World Bank data on the programme’s comprehensive continental progress.