Author: gleanernewspaper

For nearly four decades, illegal foreign-owned fleets have devastated Sierra Leone’s once sustainable fisheries industry. Sierra Leone’s 400 km Atlantic coastline once contained abundant marine resources crucial to the nation’s economy. Fishing contributes 12% of the country’s gross domestic product and is the primary source of protein for 80% of the population. The industry employs around 500,000 people out of a population of eight million. But these jobs and economic benefits are in jeopardy. They have already dwindled and are under continual threat from the brazen network of foreign vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing along Sierra…

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) held its annual Board/Management Retreat from November 27 to 30, 2024, at LIA Hotel in Lungi, focusing on the theme “Strengthening Digitalization for Improved Revenue Generation.” The event brought together the Minister of Finance, Board members, and senior management to discuss innovative digital strategies aimed at enhancing tax collection efficiency and addressing challenges in tax administration and domestic revenue mobilisation. In his keynote address at the opening, the Minister of Finance, Mr Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, stressed the importance of leveraging technology, such as the Integrated Tax Administration Systems ITAS), Product Tracing System (PTS), Fuel…

Freetown is preparing to welcome another group of Sierra Leonean nationals repatriated from Lebanon as the government intensifies efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens amidst the unpredictabilities of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. On Monday, December 2, 2024, a total of 41 Sierra Leonean women will arrive in Freetown to reunite with their families, following coordinated efforts by the Sierra Leonean government and its diplomatic partners. This latest move follows last week’s evacuation of 168 Sierra Leoneans from Lebanon, an operation led by the Sierra Leone Embassy in Tehran, the consulate in Beirut, and supported by the International Organization for…

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning (CoL), has ended a two-day capacity-building workshop for Higher Education Institutions and respective stakeholders for online facilitation, including the use of artificial intelligence and inclusive technologies for Open and Distance Learning (ODL). In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Workshop, Dr. Issa Fofanah, welcomed participants at the session and expressed excitement for the scheduled topics that would be discussed. He admonished respective stakeholders to make meaningful contributions during the workshop, as the topics highlighted are key to the development of education in Sierra Leone. While delivering his…

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has officially validated its Strategic Development Plan (SDP) for 2025-2029 during a session held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Academy conference room, which saw significant participation from various stakeholders. The validation exercise was aimed at incorporating public feedback and ensuring comprehensive scrutiny of the document, which will guide the SLP’s operations over the next four years. During the validation session, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their contributions. He emphasised the critical importance of resources—such as technology, personnel, and financial support—in implementing the new Strategic…

His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, joined the First Lady and other Stakeholders in a Solidarity Walk for Prostate Cancer Awareness in Freetown. Addressing participants during the event, President Bio expressed gratitude to the women and youths of Sierra Leone for their unwavering support in raising awareness about prostate cancer, a condition primarily affecting men. “I want to say a big thank you to the women and youths of this country for dedicating their efforts to supporting an issue that does not directly affect them. To us, the men, this is a call to action to also show solidarity with…

Deputy Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Sierra Leone, Emilio Rossetti, and the Team Leader of the European Union, Els Mortier, paid a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas on Tuesday, 26/11/2025. The Team also commended the Sixth Parliament for enacting progressive legislation, including the Prohibition of the Child Marriage Act 2024. Emilio Rossetti, the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation, congratulated the House Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas and the House of Parliament on the ratification of two Financing Agreements from the European Union. He also intimated that the EU would…

As we navigate the complexities of governance, we must allow our credible institutions, like the Judiciary, to operate independently, free from political interference. The integrity of our judiciary and justice system is paramount to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is administered fairly and equitably. I am closely monitoring the ongoing legal proceedings between LeonOil and Jaffar, which have now escalated to the Court of Appeal following a Landslide ruling by the High Court in favour of Jaffar. The High Court has mandated that LeonOil deposit six Billion into a joint account to be established with Jaffar.…

The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 26/11/2024, debated and unanimously ratified the Twelve Million Euro (€12 Million) European Union Financing Agreement between the European Union Commission and the Government of Sierra Leone to improve trade competitiveness locally and internationally. The following Agreement was approved by the Parliament of Sierra Leone: Financing Agreement between the European Commission and the Republic of Sierra Leone-Business Environment and Competitiveness for ‘Salone” (BEC4S), Dated 20th March 2024. Presenting the Financing Agreement before lawmakers, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Bockarie Albert Kalokoh, affirmed that the agreement is a Twelve Million Euro for a constructive dialogue…

Photo credit: SL Mining Ltd. Sierra Leone has launched an energy-transition roadmap that requires mining companies to connect to the national grid by 2040, reports Bloomberg. The transition to grid power is expected to reassure renewable-energy investors about the demand in Sierra Leone, justifying the $10.9bn power expansion plan. This move is part of a broader strategy to increase the country’s power capacity from 300MW to 4.5GW by 2050, with 90% of the energy coming from renewable sources. The mining industry, which represents 70% of Sierra Leone’s export earnings, currently self-generates over 500MW using diesel. The country’s existing power production…