Government Printing Press Resumes Operations After Years of Dormancy

The Government Printing Press of Sierra Leone has officially resumed operations following years of decline and inactivity, with officials describing its revival as a significant milestone in strengthening public service delivery, creating employment opportunities, and reducing dependence on imported printing services.

The facility, located at New England Ville in Freetown, was formally reopened on Monday by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh during a ceremony attended by government officials, development partners, staff, and members of the public.

Speaking at the reopening, Vice President Jalloh said the restoration of the printing press goes beyond infrastructure rehabilitation, describing it as a symbol of national renewal and institutional rebuilding.

“Today, we are not simply opening the printing press; we are restoring our national dignity,” he stated.

He emphasized that government performance should be measured by tangible improvements in citizens’ lives, adding that public institutions must be transformed into productive assets that contribute to economic growth and efficient service delivery. The reopening aligns with ongoing government reforms aimed at modernizing state institutions through innovation and improved operational efficiency.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, said the revival of the facility was the result of deliberate efforts to restore an institution that had been largely abandoned for years. He noted that the facility was previously in a severely deteriorated state, with broken equipment and non-functional spaces.

“We found a place with broken machines and empty rooms, but we saw potential,” he said. “This is not just the reopening of a building; it is an investment in the future of Sierra Leone.”

Minister Bah commended long-serving staff for maintaining the institution through difficult years and acknowledged the support of President Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Jalloh, and international partners in making the restoration possible.

The modernization project was implemented in partnership with Chinese investors, who say the upgraded facility is expected to enhance local production capacity, reduce import costs, and create employment opportunities.

Chairman of China Diming Group, Mr. Meng, said the investment reflects growing economic cooperation between Sierra Leone and China. He noted that the facility will support industrial productivity while also providing training and skills development for local workers.

“We want every employee to grow professionally and share in the company’s success,” he said.

Managing Director of the Government Printing Department, Salifu L. Suma, described the reopening as a turning point for an institution long affected by outdated machinery and limited resources. He said the new investment provides an opportunity to reposition the department as a modern, revenue-generating national enterprise.

“Our ambition is not simply to reform the institution,” he stated. “Our ambition is to transform it into a modern and productive national asset.”

Historically, the Government Printing Department has been responsible for producing official gazettes, government publications, educational materials, and other public documents. However, years of underinvestment significantly weakened its capacity.

Officials say the newly installed equipment will expand production capacity and enable the department to serve government institutions, private entities, and the wider public more efficiently.

The ceremony concluded with Vice President Jalloh and other dignitaries touring the refurbished facility and inspecting the newly installed printing machines.

For many workers, the reopening represents more than the restoration of a public institution it signals renewed optimism that state-owned enterprises can once again play a meaningful role in Sierra Leone’s economic and institutional development.