Author: gleanernewspaper

Sierra Leone has taken a significant step forward in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by convening a high-level policy dialogue on the draft Sierra Leone Agency for Universal Health Coverage (SLAUHC) Bill. The Ministry of Health organised the one-day engagement in Freetown on May 6, 2025, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which brought together over 60 senior leaders from the health sector, including ministers, directors, and technical heads. The proposed SLAUHC Bill envisions the creation of a dedicated agency to integrate and manage two major national health financing mechanisms: the Free Healthcare Initiative (FHCI) and the Sierra…

Sierra Leone, a nation endowed with abundant mineral wealth, finds itself embroiled in a land dispute that raises critical questions about governance, human rights, and the rule of law. The ongoing saga surrounding the Kasafoni land issue serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between economic development and the rights of local communities. Recent developments have intensified the urgency of this situation, revealing the complexities involved in addressing land rights in a post-conflict society. The Public Petition Committee was scheduled to meet recently to discuss pressing concerns regarding land claims made by the residents of Dansogoia, Sambaia, and…

The deputy managing director, Mr. Ini Ebong, recently made a major visit to FirstBank’s subsidiary in Sierra Leone, where he addressed staff members and reiterated the bank’s commitment to regional growth. Since June 2024, Mr. Ebong has served as DMD, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles as Executive Director of Treasury and International Banking and Group Executive in the same industry. Mr. Ebong said he was impressed by FirstBank Sierra Leone’s young and vibrant staff during his visit. He emphasised the vital role that employees play within the larger FirstBank Group and urged them to uphold the…

A $60 million investment deal with Kissy Industry Limited has been formally approved by the Parliament in a historic move that could drastically alter Sierra Leone’s economic situation. Announced in Freetown on July 10, 2025, this noteworthy development is a daring step towards industrial growth and economic revitalisation in the West African country. Building on the agreement’s initial presentation on July 3, the ratification came after a lengthy and passionate debate in Parliament. Signed earlier in January 2025, the agreement focuses on enhancing operations in the rapidly growing oil palm sector with the dual objectives of increasing job opportunities and…

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has successfully negotiated a historic $5 million deal with China’s Diming Yimo Printing Company, marking a major step towards modernising the country’s printing industry. The goal of this historic agreement is to modernise the Government Printing Press and turn it into a cutting-edge, digital facility that can meet regional and national printing demands. A significant step forward in Sierra Leone’s continuous efforts to improve public infrastructure and raise the calibre of state printing services is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was signed during Minister Bah’s official visit to Beijing.…

In a significant diplomatic encounter, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone hosted a delegation from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), led by President Dr. George Agyekum Donkor. Dr. Donkor praised President Bio for the favourable macroeconomic data seen in Sierra Leone during his administration during this courtesy visit to the president’s office in Freetown. “Every macroeconomic indicator has been performing well, Your Excellency. An indication of the success of your government. “Congratulations,” he said, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to promoting investment prospects in the area. To foster economic growth and development among the fifteen member…

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio recently received a courtesy call at State House in Freetown from Dr. Ali Bin Sammikh Marri, the State of Qatar’s Minister of Labour. This visit, which aimed to reaffirm Qatar’s commitment to bolstering bilateral cooperation with Sierra Leone, particularly in the areas of labour and employment, was a significant step in the development of the two nations’ international relations. Minister Marri’s official visit was meant to explore possible collaboration between the labour sectors of the two countries, according to Mr. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Labour and Employment, who welcomed the…

Group photo The conclusion of a crucial three-day workshop in Freetown, Sierra Leone, aimed at improving civil society participation in Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSRG). This workshop, which will take place from July 14–16, 2025, brings together government officials, development partners, technical experts, and representatives of various civil society organisations (CSOs) to promote cooperation and improve oversight of the security sector. Senior officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the European Union Delegation, Germany, the ECOWAS Resident Representative, and UNDP Sierra Leone gave remarks to officially open the workshop. Together, these parties seek to strengthen civil society’s contribution to…

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Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary Tiwai Island has been officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s biodiversity conservation efforts. This recognition is largely due to the tireless efforts of activist Tommy Garnett, whose decades-long dedication to environmental preservation has played a critical role in protecting this lush forest, which is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of primates. On Sunday, the announcement was made, and the 66-year-old Garnett expressed profound joy, relief, and hope. Speaking from the verdant surroundings of Tiwai Island, he reflected on the path that led to this…