VP Jalloh Unveils Modernized Government Printing Department in Freetown

VP Jalloh Unveils Modernized Government Printing Department in Freetown

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has officially commissioned the modernized Government Printing Department, marking a transformative shift for the historic institution into a high-capacity industrial printing hub.

The relaunch ceremony, held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the department’s New England Ville headquarters, brought together senior government officials and development partners to celebrate what authorities characterized as a pivotal milestone in institutional renewal and economic self-sufficiency.

Executed through a strategic partnership with the DeMing Group, the modernization project introduced advanced digital and offset technology, comprehensive post-processing systems, and upgraded administrative facilities, including a modern exhibition showroom.

Addressing the assembly, Vice President Jalloh emphasized that the initiative represents a broader commitment to restoring national prestige and state efficiency.

“Today, we are not simply reopening a department; we are restoring national pride,” Dr. Jalloh remarked. “By modernizing state capacity, we demonstrate our resolve to transform legacy institutions into dynamic engines for development.”

The Vice President revealed that the project has already secured over $2 million in initial investment, with an additional $5 million projected over the next two years.

The upgraded infrastructure is expected to mitigate Sierra Leone’s reliance on overseas printing, enhance the security of state documents, and bolster the “Made in Sierra Leone” initiative through revenue generation and job creation.

“This institution is now a vivid realization that our public bodies can rise again,” Dr. Jalloh added, expressing confidence that the department will achieve financial autonomy by the conclusion of 2026.

He further expressed optimism that the Government Printing Department would become financially self-sustaining by the end of 2026.

“Moving forward, the Government Printing Department will transition from a consumer of public resources to a contributor to the national treasury, supporting broader economic activity.”

Government Printer Salifu Suma hailed the relaunch as a “new dawn” for one of the nation’s oldest institutions. Established in 1794, the department was a pioneer in West African government printing.

Suma noted that while the department had faced decades of technological stagnation, the new partnership positions the agency to meet rigorous international standards.

He further assured that staff welfare would remain central to the transition, with programs in place to upgrade the skills of existing personnel to match the new technology.

“Our ambition is to transform this department into a competitive enterprise capable of serving not just Sierra Leone, but the entire sub-region,” Suma concluded.