Author: gleanernewspaper

After serving as Germany’s official diplomatic representative in Sierra Leone for two years, His Excellency Jens Kraus-Massé, the ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Sierra Leone, has formally taken a leave of absence from His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. Hon. Musa Timothy Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, thanked President Bio for providing the audience during his remarks. He said that Ambassador Kraus-Massé was a true friend of Sierra Leone and that the Ambassador had worked on several projects to improve the two countries’ bilateral ties while he was there. Ambassador…

Emmanuel Sahr Tondoneh, the new Ombudsman, and Madam Jenneh Jabati, the newly approved Deputy Minister II of Finance, were sworn in by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio after their successful parliamentary approval. According to Mr. Barba Brima Fortune, the President’s secretary, the two officials had been unanimously approved after completing the due diligence process conducted by members of Parliament. All ministers, deputy ministers, and ombudsmen must take an oath of office prior to taking up their positions, he continued, and the swearing-in was done in compliance with those provisions. Madam Jenneh Jabati, Deputy Minister II, spoke on behalf…

By Jeneba A. Conteh Business magnate Adekalie Conteh was charged with murder and malicious damage when he appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on August 7, 2025. Conteh is charged with killing Andrew Mansaray at Tokeh Village Peninsula on February 16, 2025, during a fight. According to the charge sheet, Conteh is accused of killing Mansaray and willfully damaging Francis Lebbie’s three thousand new Leones Bluetooth music set. According to Lebbie’s testimony, Conteh showed up with a gang of armed associates on the day of the incident, causing chaos and upsetting nearby businesses. He explained…

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio called for a renewed national conversation focused on the adoption of proportional representation in a historic speech to kick off the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic. Beyond parliamentary elections, this appeal is being made for its implementation in the executive branch and the larger public sector. The strength of the country lies in shared responsibility and collective leadership, according to President Bio, who underlined the need for reforms that advance unity, equity, and inclusion. According to President Bio, “leaders entrusted with our nation’s future must continuously advocate for…

The newly elected President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, led a delegation from his Executive Committee on a courtesy visit to the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ministry of Sports. This visit demonstrates the SLFA’s commitment to forming partnerships with key national sports institutions to promote the growth and development of football in the country. At the NSA, Mr. Kamara introduced the members of his Executive Committee, which includes Vice President Alie Badara Tarawalie, Executive Members Pastor Philip Buck, Mohamed Sorie Jalloh, Brima Jalloh, Abdulai Osman Turay, and Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh. Dr.…

106 victims of recent fire disasters in three Freetown communities—Kroo Bay, Congo Town, and Black Hall Road—received emergency relief on Tuesday from Caritas Freetown, which was supported by the Spanish Catholic NGO Manos Unidas. A package of necessary food and non-food items was given to beneficiaries during the distribution ceremony, which was held at the Caritas Freetown headquarters in Kingtom. A 50 kg bag of rice, one gallon of palm oil, one gallon of vegetable oil, onions, a Maggi seasoning packet, and salt were distributed to each recipient. A rubber bucket, laundry soap, scented soap, a lappa (a traditional women’s…

Convicted cocaine smuggler, Jos Leijdekkers A shocking revelation from a former housekeeper for Jos Leijdekkers has shed light on the murky life of a notorious criminal who is wanted in Europe and is rumoured to have significant influence in Sierra Leone. In an interview with New Lines Magazine, the staffer described Leijdekkers as a generous philanthropist who has gained favour with top government officials, military leaders, and law enforcement, making him a significant figure in the nation’s shadow economy. Leijdekkers, who lived in Tokeh village and was well-known for his extravagant generosity, is said to have provided the locals with substantial…

“Three countries, one road”, is a phrase that aptly describes West Africa’s triple frontier of Sierra Leone, two other Mano River Union countries of Liberia and Guinea, and the Trans West African coastal highway. Borne out of a noble objective to promote the integration of its members and grow their economies, the Mano River Union’s dream was cut short for more than a decade, following the wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, from 1991 to 2003. Two decades later, the European Union is supporting the realization of this dream, through the construction of a section of the Trans West…

The program is viewed as an essential step in achieving the ECOWAS objective of unrestricted movement of people, products, and services, which enhances social ties, trade, and tourism throughout the region. As more nations join the Economic Community of West African States, the goal of a digitally connected West Africa is quickly becoming a reality. (ECOWAS) implement free roaming agreements. This week, Liberia and Sierra Leone officially activated their free roaming service, allowing citizens to communicate across borders without incurring expensive international roaming fees. This latest development marks another significant milestone for the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which aims to foster…

By: Jeneba A. Conteh John Sesay, 55, and his 19-year-old son, John Alfred Sesay, appeared before Magistrate Mamakoh Sao Kallon at Pademba Road Court No. 3 in Freetown and were remanded in custody. They are facing severe charges in connection with an alleged July 21, 2025, incident involving property damage and assault. Two counts of assault under Section 46 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861 and malicious damage under Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act of the same year have been brought against the pair. Police reports claim that the accused assaulted Aziz Alhassan Turay at…