Author: gleanernewspaper
In a compelling speech at a cocktail event at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C., His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, urged Sierra Leone’s youths to separate politics from the critical process of national development. President Bio emphasized the importance of development for the future of young Sierra Leoneans, and the need for a collaborative effort to build a prosperous nation. During his speech, President Bio said, “It is one thing to lead, but another to get followers to follow.”He expressed confidence in the abilities of the next generation, citing the successful lobbying and negotiations led by young advocate, Ndeye…
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has donated $1.1 million worth of contraceptives and essential maternal health medications to Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health. The handover took place on September 26, 2024, at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel in Freetown, coinciding with World Contraception Day. UNFPA Country Representative, Nadia Rasheed, highlighted that this brings the total value of reproductive health supplies provided in 2024 to over $2 million, benefiting an estimated 755,000 couples in the next year. Despite improvements in contraceptive use, Sierra Leone continues to face high rates of teenage pregnancy and maternal mortality. Rasheed emphasized the importance of addressing…
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the United Nations, had a fruitful discussion with Sierra Leonean President, Julius Maada Bio, during a significant meeting held on the sidelines of the General Assembly. This meeting highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between the United States and Sierra Leone, as well as the collaborative efforts both countries are making to address pressing global and regional issues. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield began the meeting by extending her heartfelt congratulations to President Bio on Sierra Leone’s successful UN Security Council presidency in August. This achievement not only demonstrates Sierra Leone’s growing international influence but also reaffirms the country’s…
The United States Foreign Policy Association has conferred its esteemed Foreign Policy Association Medal upon His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, at the 2024 World Leadership Forum Dinner, recognizing his exemplary global leadership and progressive initiatives in Sierra Leone. In his acceptance remarks, President Bio expressed gratitude to the Association for the honour, stating his joy in receiving the medal as a representative of Sierra Leone’s ongoing advancement. He reflected on the privilege of leading a nation that has faced significant challenges but has consistently upheld its commitment to democracy. “I remain committed to the belief that democracy, though…
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown By Nikolas Fischer The German Africa Foundation describes Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the Mayor of Freetown, as an “inspiration.” In just six years, she has introduced models of sustainability to Sierra Leone´s capital. Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown in Sierra Leone, has been described as a powerful woman. She has improved her city in many ways and made it a pioneer in several areas. The Sierra Leonean capital now boasts of a liquid waste processing system, with 160 water storage tanks and rainwater collection systems installed. Extensive flood protection measures have also been implemented. Waste from toilets…
President Bio, Finance Minister, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, Chief Minister, Dr Sengeh, Ndeye Koroma, Sierra Leone Ambassador to the United States, Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai. By Mohamed K. Fofanah The Sierra Leone Compact Development Unit (SLCDU), operating under the Office of the Vice President, has successfully secured a transformative $480 million Compact from the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) aimed at revitalizing the nation’s energy sector. This significant funding is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the longstanding challenges faced by the energy industry in Sierra Leone. Ndeye Koroma, the National Coordinator of the SLCDU, has been at the…
At the recent United Nations General Assembly in New York, all countries approved a major new political declaration to radically scale up efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – a major threat to modern medicine. AMR threatens to unwind a century of medical progress and could return us to the pre-antibiotic era, where infections that are treatable today could become much harder to treat and grow potentially deadly tomorrow. AMR is caused largely by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial medicines – such as antibiotics – making microbes resistant to them, and diseases more dangerous and deadly. It’s an issue with implications…
US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken By Mohamed K. Fofanah The United States has expressed its enthusiastic approval following the recent signing of a significant $480 million grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to the Government of Sierra Leone. This landmark funding aims to enhance access to electricity across the nation, promote sustainable economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life of its citizens. The initiative represents a crucial step forward in addressing the energy challenges faced by Sierra Leone, a country that has long struggled with inadequate power supply. In addition to the MCC grant, the…
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, and his team, comprising the Senior Permanent Secretary, Joseph Tekman Kanu, and the Deputy Director General of Operations, NASSIT, Edwin Mohamed Kamara, are in Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend the first Africa Social Security Institutions Coordination and Cooperation Forum [ASSCCF] from the 25th – 26th of September, 2024, on the theme: ‘Fostering Inclusive Social Security in Africa: Extending Coverage to the Informal Economy, Rural Sector, and Migrant Workers.’ The conference, which recognises Social Security as a fundamental human right, attracted Government Ministers and technical participants from social security institutions…
Popular businessman and renowned football administrator, Umaru Bah, officially took up his new role as Team Manager of Sierra Leone’s national senior men’s football team, Leone Stars, on Thursday, September 26. Bah was formally introduced to the squad by the Acting General Secretary of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Mohamed Benson Bawoh, during training with home-based players, which marked the beginning of a new chapter for the team. Bah’s appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the country prepares for crucial qualification matches in both continental and global competitions. The new manager, known for his hands-on approach and keen…