Author: gleanernewspaper

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…

Ibrahim Sorie Kamara, Senior Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Department The National Revenue Authority (NRA) and the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, on Wednesday, 27th March 2024, held a transformative seminar and the launch of the Sierra Leone induction program since its membership in May 2023 at the Freetown City Council. The conference aims to promote transparency and accountability through increased tax awareness. The event brought together diverse groups of government officials, tax experts, legal practitioners, financial institutions, tax advisors, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as members of the public, to discuss…

The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) proudly announces the commencement of its first seafarer’s training program since 1975. This historic initiative marks a significant milestone in our nation’s maritime industry and underscores our commitment to fostering excellence in marine education and training. To revitalise Sierra Leone’s naval workforce and elevate standards within the industry, the seafarer’s training program will equip aspiring seafarers with the essential skills, knowledge, and certifications required to excel in the global maritime sector. Participants will undergo comprehensive training in various maritime disciplines, including navigation, seamanship, safety protocols, and maritime law. The launch of this training program…

By Fatmata BJ Samura The Institute for Development (IFD), in partnership with UK International Development and Leh Wi Lan, recently held a Research Dissemination event at the New Brookfields Hotel in Sierra Leone. The event aims to address the issues of violence and inclusion in schools, with critical stakeholders presenting their findings and recommendations. The program began with remarks from chairpersons and a representative of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Schools Education (MBSSE). Madam Rebecca Freeman, an advocate for children with disabilities, emphasised the importance of addressing violence and promoting inclusion in schools. Osman Kamara, Director of Research…

The Parliament of Sierra Leone debated and ratified two military defence agreements on Tuesday, 26/03/2024, to enhance the country’s security architecture. Parliament ratified the following Agreements: 1. The Military Framework Agreement Between The Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the Republic of Turkiye and (2) A Military Cooperation protocol between the Ministry of Defence of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Sierra Leone. They presented the Agreements before ratification, and the Deputy Defence Minister, Colonel Rtd. Muana Brima Massaquoi said these agreements are military cooperation that strengthens…

By Andrew Keili When you have 32 young people buried in a mass grave, having died from abuse of a particular drug and 63% of patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital because of that same drug, and when you walk down the streets and see youths crouched in corners as if in a daze, you can’t help but feel we have a national disaster on our hands. Nobody needs to be reminded about the devastation caused by the Kush epidemic, dominating most national discussions. With additives comprising several chemicals, including formalin, a toxic chemical commonly used to preserve bodies, Kush is…

The European Union (EU), in collaboration with Solidaridad West Africa and partners, has commissioned the first state-of-the-art cashew processing factory in Sierra Leone. Constructed with funding from the EU under the Boosting Agriculture and Food Security Project, the factory provides a safe and hygienic environment for cashew processing. It employs over 300 women and youths from the Waterloo Cashew Processors and Sellers Association. The Newton, Sierra Leone factory will be commissioned on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024. It is estimated to process over 800 kilograms of raw cashew nuts daily and about 200 metric tonnes annually. This increase in production is…

In a compelling address at the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr Sidie Mohamed Tunis, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, emphasised the crucial role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in fostering peace and understanding in the West African region and beyond. The general debate theme, “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding,” resonated deeply with Dr Tunis and aligned perfectly with the core objectives of the ECOWAS Parliament. Established to promote peace, security, and stability in West Africa, the ECOWAS Parliament has steadfastly championed values such as democracy, human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. Dr. Tunis articulated…