Author: gleanernewspaper

Universal Access Development Fund (UADF) has achieved a significant milestone by connecting the residents of Foegamandu in Sandor Chiefdom, to mobile connectivity through its rural telephony project (RTP) to close the gap to the digital divide. This initiative aims to provide digital access to underserved communities, showcasing their dedication to closing the digital gap and granting all Sierra Leoneans access to technology’s transformative capabilities.The RTP rollout spans five rural communities, which include Yoyema in Kaiyamba Chiefdom, Sogablleh in Bum Chiefdom, Bendu-Cha in Bonthe District, Dodo-Kortuma in Kailahun District, and Foegamandu in Kono District. Approximately, 47,700 people in 114 rural and remote areas,…

Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) Chief Executive Officer, Alice Albright and President Bio By Andrew Keili Much has been said recently about the MCC compact. Some say it is the solution to all our electricity problems. Others say it is merely being used as leverage by the American Government to keep a tight rein on the Bio Government to take electoral reform seriously. I recently read something from a detractor that said- “Bo una lef we. MCC money na poyo money.” MCC is now almost as much in our political lingo as the misunderstood or rather the “over-understood” Tripartite. I can…

Foday B. L. Mansaray Jr, Director General, Petroleum Directorate Sierra Leone is making significant strides in its efforts to attract investment in its oil and gas sector, with plans to drill exploration wells by 2025 and establish a National Oil Company (NOC) within the next month. The African nation, which has an estimated 44 billion barrels of oil resources, is on the verge of awarding nine exploration blocks to a major African independent as part of its push to revive the sector. Foday Mansaray, the Director General of Sierra Leone’s Petroleum Directorate, highlighted the country’s potential as a future oil…

The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) held its inaugural meeting for the newly constituted Board of Directors today 9th July 2024 at the Authority’s Conference Room. This significant event was followed by an induction workshop for Board members, marking the beginning of a new era for the SLPHA under the new Sierra Leone Ports & Harbours Authority Act, of 2023.In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Hon. Manso A. Dumbuya, OOR; emphasized the expertise and commitment of the new Board members. He expressed gratitude to the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Alhaji Amb. Fanday Turay,…

Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr Fatima Maada Bio, delivered a powerful message at the SLPP North America Women’s Conference, calling for unity and support for President Julius Maada Bio’s “Big Five Agenda.” She emphasized the importance of focusing on development rather than personal ambitions, warning against early power struggles within the government. In her address, Dr. Bio highlighted the critical nature of the early stages of an administration for implementing key policies. She stressed the need for collective action to achieve lasting progress in areas such as education, healthcare, the economy, food security, and governance. By supporting the “Big Five…

Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday 09/07/2024, debated two Youth Bills and Committed them to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny. Parliament debated the following Bills: 1. The National Youth Service ( Amendment) Act,2024, which seeks to provide for an amendment of the National Youth Service Act, 2016 and to provide for other related matters and 2. The National Youth Commission (Amendment) Act 2024, seeks to amend the National Youth Commission Act, 2009 and to provide for other related matters. Presenting both Bills, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, highlighted…

Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh and Ambassador Chief Ernest Baimba Ndomahina The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, on Monday 08/07/2024, engaged Ambassador Chief Ernest Baimba Ndomahina, Commissioner of National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) in his Office at Parliament Building in Freetown. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the need for the Western Area to benefit from NaCSA’s projects and other activities they are involved in for purposes of poverty reduction. In his submission, the Deputy Speaker acknowledged the work of NaCSA in the development of the country and went on to…

Wan Fambul Framework, in collaboration with the Ministries of Local Government, Gender, Environment, and Planning and Economic Development, has successfully initiated the formation of the Village Development Structure (VDS) for Bisongo Village in Karene District. This initiative serves as a coordination mechanism at the village level, feeding into the Chiefdom People’s Planning Process.“These village structures will eventually handle the affairs of delivery and development on behalf of the government, serving as an effective coordination mechanism,” explained Rev. Jonathan Titus Williams, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, during the training session. He lauded Fambul Tok’s leadership in community development efforts, emphasizing…

All Peoples Congress eastern grassroots coordinator Kadiatu Sesay is on the run. Madam Sesay, an active grassroots member, has expressed concern about several attacks, detention, and threats from Sierra Leone police and members of the ruling Sierra Leone People Party supporters. Speaking with this medium, Mr Mohamed Barrie, public relations officer for the All Peoples Congress Party East District, stated that Madam Kadiatu’s human rights have been violated numerous times. In response to that attack, Madam Kadiatu actively condemned the act and criticised the police. She was beaten, detained, and given strict warnings to stop what the police perceived to…

The Sierra Leone Cabinet has given the green light to the Banana Island Seaport Project, a massive undertaking that will be located in the Dublin and Rickett Communities. The proposal was presented to the Cabinet by the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024. The project, estimated to cost a staggering $2 billion, will be spearheaded by the GENTO Group of Companies, led by businessman and philanthropist Mohamed Gento Kamara. The concession agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the GENTO Group of Companies has been approved for the design, financing,…