Author: gleanernewspaper

In Sierra Leone, the National Land Commission is working harder to inform and educate the public about the nation’s land governance reforms. The Commission was created by the Julius Maada Bio administration and approved by the legislature to settle land disputes and advance equitable and just land ownership, especially for women. To gain a better understanding of the Commission’s functions, Dr. Philip Pessina Mornya, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stressed the significance of involving stakeholders in diverse communities. In particular, he emphasized the Commission’s efforts to resolve land disputes that have endangered peace and resulted in property loss in…

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has presided over the DePAC meeting with emphasis on the Constitutional Review Process, CRC, while also highlighting the many law reforms his government has made in recent years. In his update Attorney General, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley said following His Excellency’s reelection as President in June 2023, he issued directives for the conclusion of the CRC, which he noted had gone on for many years. He recalled that the President had also emphasised that he saw the process as part of his commitment to strengthening the country’s democracy and had, therefore, urged everyone to…

On Monday 8th April 2024, a combined team from the National Consumer Protection Commission (NCPC), the Directorate of Standards and Compliance of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the Standards Bureau, mounted a sting operation in Waterloo, closing three building materials shops found in possession of substandard iron rods. The team was led by the CEO of the NCPC, Lawrence Landi Bassie, supported by the Director of Standards and Compliance in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Madam Nguanya Massaquoi, and an expert from the Standards Bureau, the media, and the police from Waterloo. Speaking during the operation, Mr…

IMATT College Law School has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the 89th position out of 694 universities worldwide in the prestigious Jessup Moot Competition. This outstanding achievement places IMATT College in 2nd position in the league of African teams ahead of renowned institutions such as the University of Lagos, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Tunisia, Lesotho and two American universities, among others, solidifying its position as a leading academic institution in the field of law. The team from IMATT College demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and legal acumen throughout the competition, showcasing their expertise in international law and advocacy. Their performance stands as…

On Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the State House in Freetown, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio cordially welcomed His Excellency Sheikh Shakboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates. The meeting was to continue the conversation about strengthening Sierra Leone-UAE bilateral and diplomatic ties in the wake of President Bio’s recent visit to the UAE in March.  President Bii and Minister Al Nahyan discussed how to achieve both countries’ development goals by securing common goals during their meeting. Sierra Leone expressed gratitude to His Highness Mohamed Bin Zayed,…

President Julius Maada Bio proclaimed a “National Emergency on Drug and Substance Abuse” in a historic speech to the nation, vowing to combat the growing epidemic of synthetic drugs, especially the lethal Kush, which has been wreaking havoc on Sierra Leone’s youth. President Bio claimed that drug and substance abuse are gravely endangering society and that they are having a disastrous effect on the country. He declared that “Enough Is Enough”. He demanded immediate action to address this crisis, highlighting the rise in Kush usage and the subsequent decline in the well-being of the country’s youth. The President stated that…

In a strategic move to support President Bio’s Government’s Big Five Projects, the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) recently engaged COVEC West Africa Limited, a Chinese Construction and Engineering Company, to construct an ultra-modern medical facility and student hostels. The Wednesday, 3rd April 2024 meeting saw the NASSIT Director General, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, welcoming the delegation and emphasising NASSIT’s commitment to contributing to the Government’s flagship programs. Director General Daboh highlighted NASSIT’s role as a statutory public Trust responsible for administering Sierra Leone’s National Pension Scheme. He expressed his dedication to establishing partnerships to support the construction of…

Recent insults, intimidation, attacks, and threats against journalist Amadu Lamrana Bah have alarmed the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), primarily from people who are thought to be government employees and supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). The press release from the Journalists umbrella body said, “Bah, recognised in March 2024 as ‘Journalist of the Year 2023’ by SLAJ, has consistently spoken truth to power and held public officials to account for years, regardless of the government in power.” Following his repeated questions about the opportunity costs of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s international lectures and…

Foday Mansaray, Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) The Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) has announced a strategic alliance with African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy, which will occur from November 4–8, 2024. With this partnership, Sierra Leone’s energy sector achieves a significant milestone that underscores its commitment to forging international alliances and its enormous potential in the oil and gas sector. After its fifth licensing round ended in October 2023, with 56 blocks made available and many applications from major industry players, Sierra Leone is now concentrating on stepping up its exploration efforts to find more…

A group photo of stakeholders at the UNDP draft CPD consultations.UNDP Sierra Leone /Desmonda Aminata Cole The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone recently conducted validation consultations with the Government and various stakeholders regarding its draft Country Programme Document (CPD) for 2025-2030. This collaborative effort is significant in ensuring the CPD aligns with the nation’s priorities and development goals. The consultations serve as a platform for inclusive dialogue, allowing for a comprehensive review and refinement of the proposed strategies and objectives within the CPD. The UNDP’s commitment to engaging local partners reflects its dedication to promoting sustainable development…