Author: gleanernewspaper

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…

Joseph Sesay appeared in court on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in connection with grave accusations of cyberbullying against Edward Sesay. Under Section 44(1)(a) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021, Joseph was charged with two counts of cyberstalking in the case that was brought before Magistrate Sao Mamakoh Kallon at Pademba Road Court No. 3. The charge sheet states that the aforementioned incidents took place in Freetown on December 3, 2023. Joseph is accused of spreading threatening audio messages against Edward via the WhatsApp account linked to the phone number +232 31214660. According to reports, the purpose of these…

Africell Sierra Leone has introduced its own Fantasy Premier League (FPL) exclusively for its subscribers, which is an exciting development for football fans. This program gives supporters a thrilling opportunity to show off their managerial skills while competing for alluring rewards. On Thursday, July 31, 2025, the launch event was held at Africell’s headquarters, which is situated on Pivot Street, Wilberforce in Freetown. Africell’s Media Relations Team Lead, Abdul Aziz Kamara, provided more details on the Fantasy Premier League’s foundation during the launch. According to him, it’s a free online game that lets fans take on the role of virtual…

The Tzu Chi Foundation’s Sierra Leone branch hosted an informative volunteer training session at the Pre-School Centre in the St. Edward’s Compound on July 29. Forty committed volunteers from all over the region, both new and returning, came together for this event. The training’s main goal was to increase the participants’ comprehension of and dedication to Tzu Chi’s mission, which places a strong emphasis on compassion, service, and moral behaviour. Brother Ishmeal Alfred Charles oversaw the training, and Sister Margaret Bessie assisted in organising the day’s events. The session’s theme, “Understanding the Organisation’s Mission and Spirit,” offered a wealth of…

Tony O. Elumelu, Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, delivered a powerful keynote address at the World Bank and IMF’s African Caucus of Governors on July 31, 2025, in Bangui, Central African Republic. The event was graciously hosted by His Excellency Professor Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic. Mr. Elumelu’s address, titled “Resilient Infrastructure, Human Capital, and Green Assets: Essential Levers for Strong, Inclusive, and Sustainable Growth,” was a compelling call to action for African governments, development partners, and the private sector. He urged stakeholders to reimagine the continent’s…

Cocaine smugglers have long been sending the drug to Europe from South America via West Africa, including through Sierra Leone (AC Vol 48 No 13). In July 2008, then Transport Minister Ibrahim Kemoh Sesay was suspended and later sacked during an investigation into the arrival of 700 kilograms of cocaine in a twin-engined aircraft that landed at Lungi airport. He denied any wrongdoing and was not prosecuted for any criminal offence. Fast forward to October 2023, when authorities in Antwerp intercepted a shipment of 7.7 tonnes of cocaine hidden between soya beans exported from Sierra Leone – the first in a series of similar…

Prince Andrew, Duke of York speaks to Aliko Dangote during the London Global African Investment Summit at St James’ Palace on December 1, 2015 in London, England [Anthony Devlin-WPA Pool/Getty Images] By-Tafi Mhaka On July 9, 2025, I was overwhelmed by a profound sense of despair and disappointment upon reading a report from Oxfam International, a globally recognised NGO, revealing that just four of Africa’s richest billionaires hold a combined wealth of $57.4bn. According to Oxfam, this figure exceeds the total wealth of approximately 750 million Africans, roughly half of the continent’s population. Moreover, the top 5 percent of Africans now control nearly…