Sierra Leone’s Propaganda Minister? : The Activist [OSINT] (Part 1)
In 2 previous articles we delved into the definition of propaganda and a country profile of Sierra Leone.
Both articles in meant to exist in support of this OSINT investigation into Sierra Leonne’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education — Chernor Bah!
The referenced articles are not compulsory readings as this article can exist as a stand alone however they nonetheless provide valuable context to this article and are therefore highly recommended readings!
This article meanwhile serves as the first part of a trilogy on Chernor Bah — a Minister within Sierra Leonne’s governing Cabinet, its focus on his history prior to his appointment!
The Power of Social Media
Chernor Bah was appointed as the Minister of Information and Civic Education on the 15th of July 2023 right after Sierra Leone’s controversial election, won by Julius Maada Bio, under circumstances that have led many to question the integrity of said results!
And to properly understand the relevance of this appointment we will first need to delve deeper into Chernor Bah’s public presence prior to his ministerial appointment!
Something that would instantly strike an investigator upon looking into Bah is his highly prominent social media presence — specifically through Facebook, Instagram and X! The former according to statistics constituting the most used social media platform in Sierra Leone and the latter one of the fastest growing.
All this to say that Bah historically always seemed to have somewhat of a knack for public relations and a strong understanding of the utility of social media for message propagation!
And how did Chernor Bah utilize his reach through social media prior to his appointment?
The Feminist Activist
One aspect of Chernor Bah’s image that stands prominent within his social media activity presence (past and present) is his unwavering commitment to social justice!
His X description for example has the terms “feminist” and “activist” firmly supplanted within his descriptors!
Furthermore, his X profile also redirects to his website which is full of articles focused on social justice and specifically feminism.
Said articles focused primarily on championing women’s education!
And on similar themes Bah also places a heavy emphasis on African issues related to subjects such as foreign aid, decolonisation and more!
All noble causes (especially within a West African context) which paint Bah as a passionate fighter for justice, equality and morality!
In addition to his public persona however, Chernor Bah has also successfully fostered a highly polished private one through his familial ties!
Family Man
Chernor Bah’s social media posts paint a clear picture of him as a supportive husband and proud father to a series of childen.
The quintessential family man.
Jumbled throughout his Facebook for example are a series pictures of himself with his sons smiling along for the camera!
In addition to promoting his fatherly endeavours however Bah also places an equal emphasis upon his role as a husband! Often posting pictures of himself with his wife Aissatou Mila on all social media platforms!
With his X profile even displaying even mentioning himself as Mila’s wife in the description!
Another showcase of Bah’s family man (and indirectly feminist) credentials!
Bah’s wife, Aissatou Mila meanwhile is also active on all social media platforms — similarly to her husband often focusing on social issues (amongst other things).
This in addition to often posting in support of her husband and his initiatives — thus showcasing the couple’s admiration for one another to be a mutual sentiment!
All this indicating that Bah, from his end, wishes to present himself as a modern family man minister with a very altruistic and activist mindset!
Conclusion
In conclusion therefore Bah’s social media presence showcases him to be a man of character — publicly an exemplary advocate for a series of admirable causes and privately the ideal family man!
This however, begs the question of what his role is within a relatively controversial government led by Julius Maada Bio!
Is his appointment attributable to the government’s desire to carry on progressing in social justice related endeavours or to them wishing to utilise his clear PR based skills and knack for social media?
And is Chernor Bah accepting the position the result of his advocacy based intentions or to a more selfish desire for power, status and everything that comes with it!
As already alluded to answering these questions with any form of certainty is nothing short of impossible!
Nevertheless, within the next articles we will turn our investigation’s attention to Chernor Bah’s time as the Minister of Information and Civic Education thus hopefully providing the reader with the necessary tools to ultimately come to their own conclusions on the matter!
