Author: gleanernewspaper
National Minerals Agency, Director General, Ing. Hadji Dabo Audits conducted by the Audit Service Sierra Leone uncovered alarming disparities at the National Minerals Agency (NMA), revealing that a staggering one billion, seven hundred and fifty-three million, two hundred and eighteen thousand Old Leones—designated for the mining development fund intended for various beneficiary communities has reportedly been mismanaged. The audit findings show that these funds were never disbursed to the communities, causing significant delays and interruptions in the implementation of planned development projects. The auditors have urged the NMA’s Director of Finance and Administration to promptly transfer the misallocated NLe1.7 billion…
Sudanese refugees, mostly women and children, wait for a food distribution point to open at a temporary camp on April 22, 2024, in Adre, Chad [Dan Kitwood/Getty Images] Today, African heads of state are convening on the margins of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa to discuss Sudan’s devastating conflict and come up with strategies to try and put the country on a path to peace and stability. It is no surprise that Sudan remains at the top of the continent’s agenda. Nearly two years into the war, with tens of thousands dead and millions displaced, the country is…
Sierra Leone has officially inaugurated its new embassy in Doha, Qatar. The ceremony was presided over by Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who represented His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio at the event. Minister Kabba emphasised Sierra Leone and Qatar’s long-standing and friendly diplomatic relations, saying that the embassy’s opening marks a new chapter in their bilateral interactions. He was optimistic that this development would improve cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, fisheries, and construction. “This new impetus will broaden the bilateral agenda between our two sisterly states,” he added. During his…
Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Executive Director for the Africa West Constituency of the International Monetary Fund Professor Ouattara Wautabouna The Executive Director (ED) for the Africa West Constituency of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Professor Ouattara Wautabouna, has successfully concluded a five-day working visit to Sierra Leone. This visit, which took place from February 13 to February 17, 2024, involved comprehensive discussions with key members of the Sierra Leonean government, focusing on crucial economic issues and the ongoing Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Program with the IMF. Professor Wautabouna, who previously served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Côte d’Ivoire,…
The African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government unanimously adopted the 25th Report of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) on UN Security Council reform at its 38th Ordinary Session. The report was presented by Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who is the C-10 Coordinator and has played a key role in advocating for the reform. In his address to the assembly, President Bio expressed his deep gratitude for leading the initiative to advance the United Nations Security Council reform agenda. He emphasised that the report captures African nations’ collective determination to pursue meaningful…
Sierra Leone’s President, Dr Julius Maada Bio, made a compelling call for African leaders and citizens to work together to achieve universal immunisation across the continent at a recent High-Level Side Event during the 38th African Union Summit. As the keynote speaker at the event, which focused on the theme “Reaffirming Africa’s Commitment to Immunisation: A Call for Action to Strengthen Health Systems,” President Bio emphasised the importance of decisive leadership and immediate action to ensure African populations’ health and well-being. The meeting aimed to assess progress in immunisation efforts across Africa since the adoption of the Addis Declaration on…
The Wages and Compensation Commission (WCC) of Sierra Leone convened an important meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today at their newly established office located at 19F Bath Street, Brookfields. The primary aim of this gathering was to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges associated with harmonizing pay scales and salaries within the public sector, as well as to outline the WCC’s strategic plans for implementing necessary reforms. Chairman of the WCC, Hon. Alpha Osman Timbo, warmly welcomed the IMF representatives and expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration between the IMF and the Sierra Leonean…
President Julius Maada Bio met with Dr Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) President Julius Maada Bio met with Dr Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in Rome as part of a major diplomatic effort to revitalise Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape. This meeting was critical in reinforcing the FAO’s role as a key development partner in Sierra Leone’s pursuit of improved food security and agricultural advancement. The discussions focused on supporting the country’s flagship agricultural initiative, Feed Salone, which aims to transform the agricultural sector and ensure sustainable food systems. During the…
The Parliament of Sierra Leone convened to discuss and approve six presidential nominees for various key positions aimed at enhancing the nation’s development. The Eighth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, led by Hon. Matthew S. Nyuma, the Leader of Government Business, was presented during the session. The nominees, who underwent rigorous interviews under oath and live media coverage, were unanimously approved by Members of Parliament (MPs) for their respective roles. The six nominees approved by Parliament include: 1. Mr Abu Bakarr Sapay Foray-Musa – Commissioner General of the National Lands Commission 2. Hon. Solomon…
The Executive Director (ED) for the Africa West Constituency of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Professor Ouattara Wautabouna, has successfully concluded a five-day working visit to Sierra Leone. This visit, which took place from February 13 to February 17, 2024, involved comprehensive discussions with key members of the Sierra Leonean government, focusing on crucial economic issues and the ongoing Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Program with the IMF. Professor Wautabouna, who previously served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Côte d’Ivoire, marked this visit as his inaugural official engagement since his appointment in November 2023. He arrived in Freetown on…