Author: gleanernewspaper
On March 6, 2025, Hon. Bernadette Wuyata Songa, the President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus in Sierra Leone, delivered a powerful message urging women across the nation to actively engage in capacity building to enhance their representation in positions of trust. Her remarks came during a two-day High-Level Policy Dialogue Forum held at the Miatta Conference Center in Freetown, coinciding with the celebration of International Women’s Day. The forum was centred around the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” In her address, Hon. Wuyata Songa acknowledged the relentless struggles that women face but emphasized their resilience in…
In a shocking twist in the ongoing fight against organized crime, Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious figure in the European cocaine trade, continues to enjoy his freedom in Sierra Leone, despite being one of the continent’s most wanted criminals. With a staggering €200,000 bounty on his head and a total of 49 years in prison, Leijdekkers is still at large, mingling with officials and living a luxurious lifestyle in Sierra Leone. At only 33 years old, Leijdekkers has established a criminal empire that has earned him the title of “King of the Quays” in Antwerp. His operations are linked to the…
In a significant step towards promoting gender inclusion and advancing national development, the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone held a high-level meeting with District Mammy Queens representing 12 districts at State House. This engagement underscored the government’s commitment to empowering women and integrating their voices into policy development. The Mammy Queens, who serve as vital community leaders, presented their ongoing initiatives focused on creating Terms of Reference, a comprehensive policy framework, and potential legislation aimed at enhancing their contributions to national progress. The Chief Minister praised the Mammy Queens for their dedication, acknowledging that their advocacy efforts resonate with President…
At the inaugural joint African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Country Correspondents and ATAF Women in Tax Network (AWITN) Leadership Conference, Mrs Jeneba J. Bangura, the Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone and Vice President of AWITN, delivered a powerful call to action for African tax leaders to prioritize gender-responsive tax policies and empower women economically. Representing AWITN Chairman Ms Veronique Herminie, the former Commissioner General of the Seychelles Revenue Commission, Mrs Bangura emphasized the critical role of equitable tax systems in fostering Africa’s economic development. Echoing the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, “For ALL Women and Girls:…
His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, participated in a significant high-level panel discussion focused on agricultural investment during his visit to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The event, which took place on the third day of his visit, brought together a distinguished group of global agricultural and financial experts, including former World Bank Vice President Hafez Ghanem and the former Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The discussions primarily revolved around strategies to enhance agricultural investment and finance, with the overarching goal of improving food security…
In a significant development for Sierra Leone’s health sector, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his government’s dedication to achieving universal health coverage following the country’s successful acquisition of a $20 million grant from the Pandemic Fund. This global financing initiative is designed to bolster pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities in low- and middle-income nations. During a recent briefing, Health and Sanitation Minister Dr. Austin Demby, alongside representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), outlined the details of the funding award. Dr. Demby explained that securing the Pandemic Fund was a…
A high-level delegation from Sierra Leone, led by Deputy Minister of Health Prof. Charles Senesie, participated in the inaugural Regional Public Service Leadership Conference on Human Health Workforce Development held in Monrovia, Liberia. The four-day summit brought together experts and senior government officials from various countries to discuss and strategize on enhancing healthcare systems through regional collaboration. During his address, Prof. Senesie praised the conference organizers for their efforts in bringing together leaders to focus on critical healthcare issues. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, asserting that it is essential for the improvement of healthcare systems across the region.…
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at elevating global tourism and fostering business exchanges, the Qatari government has officially ratified a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sierra Leone. This pivotal agreement, finalized during a recent Cabinet meeting, is set to enhance cooperation between the two nations in the realms of tourism and business events, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties and promoting economic growth. The MoU underscores Qatar’s strategic vision to broaden its international partnerships, positioning itself as a prominent hub for tourism and global business activities. As both Qatar and Sierra Leone seek to leverage their unique geopolitical…
President Julius Maada Bio and Commissioner General Jeneba Bangura The National Revenue Authority (NRA) is under intense scrutiny as the Ministry of Finance demands increased revenue collection to fund the government’s lavish spending. Recent meetings have highlighted President Julius Maada Bio’s dissatisfaction with the NRA’s ability to generate revenue, which is critical for meeting the government’s rising wage bill and other excessive spending. During a recent meeting at the Customs Department, Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura delivered a stern message on President Bio’s behalf, expressing frustration with the NRA’s failure to meet revenue targets. He emphasised that the country’s…
By Zainab Sunkary KoromaIn the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s brutal 11-year civil war, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established under the Lome Peace Accord to promote healing and reconciliation. Among its many recommendations was a call for press freedom, enshrined in Section 75 of Volume 2, Chapter 3 of the 2004 TRC report. The report emphasized that freedom of expression is the lifeblood of democracy and that restrictions on it represent an abysmal state of affairs. Two decades later, Sierra Leone’s press freedom landscape remains a mixed bag. While the country’s 1991 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and international…