Author: gleanernewspaper

Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella-(KKY) The Ministry of Energy is currently embroiled in a major internal conflict over immediate and long-term solutions to Sierra Leone’s severe energy crisis. Senior officials from the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) and the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) are extremely concerned about the solutions proposed by Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, the Energy Sector Lead. Many insiders refer to his plans as the “Grim strategy,” predicting that the severe power outages will continue until 2026. Attendees at Dr Yumkella’s meetings have expressed frustration, claiming that his proposed solutions lack clarity and fail to address the country’s urgent needs. A…

Award-winning entrepreneur, media personality, and author Vickie Remoe proudly announces the release of her third children’s book, “Bundu and the Dundun.” Published by her independent imprint, Pikin Books, this captivating story teaches vowel sounds for the letter “u” while immersing young readers in the vibrant dance and drumming traditions of Sierra Leonean masquerades. “Bundu and the Dundun” is available on Amazon starting June 16th, coinciding with the Day of the African Child, a significant cultural celebration across the continent. Bridging Cultural Gaps: Authentic African Stories for Children “Bundu and the Dundun” is the latest addition to Remoe’s acclaimed series of children’s books, specifically designed to…

The Investment Framework Agreement (Ratification) Act 2025 was finally discussed and approved by the Sierra Leonean Parliament on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, following a thorough examination and several revisions. With an emphasis on the development and investment of Sherbro Island, this important piece of legislation seeks to expedite the ratification of an investment framework agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Sherbro Alliance Partnership Limited. Alpha Sesay Esq., the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, introduced the Bill to Parliament, stressing its significance in creating a strong basis for investment in Sherbro Island. He explained that the…

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, led a high-profile delegation on June 24, 2025, to assess the progress of the Senehun Modern Bridge and the restoration of the vital 162.5-kilometer road that links Sierra Leone’s major economic hubs. This inspection was not only to assess infrastructure improvements but also to engage with stakeholders involved in the ambitious 8,700-hectare Mattru oil palm project, which is projected to generate over 1,000 jobs for local youth and women. During the visit, Minister Kpaka announced that President Julius Maada Bio is set to officially commission the bridge soon, a…

In a move to address the escalating issue of drug addiction among youth in the ECOWAS region, the Honourable Members of the Committee on Health of the ECOWAS Parliament, under the leadership of Hon. Orlando Pereira Dias, conducted a courtesy visit to the Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas, the Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone. The visit was part of a broader initiative aimed at fostering collaboration among Member States to tackle the pressing challenge of drug abuse that has increasingly affected young people across the region. Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, the Deputy…

Sierra Leone’s Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, met with Babakov Alexander Mikhailovich, the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation. This high-level meeting, held recently, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to bolster inter-parliamentary cooperation and deepen the longstanding relations between Sierra Leone and Russia. The meeting unfolded in a spirit of collaboration, aimed at enhancing both diplomatic and legislative ties. Historically, the relationship between the two countries has been characterized by mutual respect, political stability, and shared aspirations for economic development. Recognizing the strategic role of parliamentary diplomacy,…

A senior delegation from the World Bank has successfully wrapped up a week-long mission in Sierra Leone, which took place from June 16 to June 20, 2025. The visit, organized through the World Bank Country Office in Freetown, aimed to evaluate the progress of ongoing projects and monitor key policy indicators essential for the country’s access to budgetary support under the Bank’s Development Policy Operations (DPO). During their stay, the World Bank team engaged in extensive discussions with various government departments and agencies, notably the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). The NDMA has made commendable progress by successfully meeting its…

In a significant step towards enhancing its climate action efforts, Sierra Leone has officially launched the Association of Carbon Conservation and Reforestation (ACCR). This pioneering initiative was celebrated at the British High Commission in Freetown on June 19, 2025, with eminent guests including government officials, ambassadors, donors, development partners and private sector leaders. The event was hosted by British High Commissioner Madam Josephine Gauld LVO, who emphasised the significance of this initiative amidst global climate finance trends. As the demand for market-based climate solutions escalates globally, Sierra Leone is strategically positioning itself as an attractive destination for climate change mitigation…

On the sidelines of the U.S.–Africa Business Summit, the Government of Sierra Leone and CEC Africa (Sierra Leone) Limited (CECASL), represented by the sponsors of the Nant Power Project, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the first U.S.-sourced LNG terminal in West Africa. This transformative initiative marks a major leap toward energy security, industrial growth, and economic integration across the region. Under the MoU, CECASL will lead the development of a world-class LNG terminal in Sierra Leone, enabling the 108MW Nant Power Project to transition from LPG to LNG, in line with its Power Purchase Agreement. The infrastructure will position Sierra…

All of the participants in the recent referee development course held in Sierra Leone received heartfelt congratulations from FIFA Fitness Instructor Cherifi Nasreddine, who also praised their exceptional dedication and professionalism during the training. “This is a proud moment for the country as a whole, not just for the participants,” Nasreddine said. It illustrates the notable advancements in Sierra Leonean referee development. Kudos to all who participated! The rigorous program, which drew referees from all over the nation, was intended to raise fitness standards, advance technical expertise, and raise officiating standards generally in compliance with FIFA’s exacting standards. Under Nasreddine’s…