Author: gleanernewspaper

By James SambaThe concepts of “blue economy” and “green economy” are gaining global traction as frameworks for sustainable development. However, in Sierra Leone, much like in many other African countries, understanding and implementing these concepts remain challenging. This blog critically examines how Sierra Leone perceives and measures these concepts, drawing on the sustainable livelihood approach and perspectives from key stakeholders in government, development experts, and ordinary citizens. Understanding the Blue and Green Economy The green economy aims to improve human well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities (UNEP, 2011). The blue economy, on the other…

When the government of Sierra Leone decided to go into agreement with Chinese Mining Company Leone Rock Metal Group, serious concerns were raised about security, and monopoly amongst others. But the Minister of Mines, Julius Mattai boasted about his close affinity with President Bio and that whatever thing he does will be accepted by the President without a second thought. The Minister of Mines also took it upon himself and talk down other credible companies that should have been given the ports and rail contract for which the government would have gained a huge amount of money in terms of…

Since the government launched its landmark Free Quality School Education Program in 2018, Sierra Leone has made significant gains in school enrollment. Before the introduction, education outcomes and skills acquisition were among the lowest in Africa. The education sector also faced deep access inequalities, weak sector governance, and inefficient public spending and management. The Free Education Project has helped in addressing these challenges, as well as supporting the Government of Sierra Leone in its efforts. Other non-governmental organisations and private individuals have also helped in making sure that this government initiative achieves its desired outcome. Hon. Abdul Muniru Lansana and David…

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has formally launched the popularisation and decentralisation of ownership of the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-2030 at a colourful ceremony in Moyamba Town, where he assured of the government’s commitment to prioritising district needs in implementing the plan. He described the ceremony as a novelty, stressing that the ceremony “opens a new chapter in our government’s desire to localise our developmental strides and place the key to the country’s sustainable economic growth and development in the hands of the people. This initiative is not just a plan, but a promise to…

Executive Chairman of PRA, Brima Baluwa Koroma and President Dr Julius Maada Bio His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has received the annual report from the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) and assured them of looking through it while calling on them to do more reforms. In his introductory statement before presenting the report, Executive Chairman of PRA, Brima Baluwa Koroma, said that as a statutory body charged with a lot of responsibilities, among them the mandate to manage government strategic stock, they are obliged by law to present a report on their activities, successes, challenges and plans for the…

The Honorable Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has engaged a cross-section of Sierra Leoneans in London.During the meeting at the Strand Palace Hotel, held on Friday, 12th July 2024, Vice President Dr Juldeh Jalloh spoke in-depth about the efforts of the government under the direction of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to reposition and elevate Sierra Leone, both domestically and on the international stage.The honourable Vice President also acknowledged the challenges incurred amid the positive forward strides.This meeting followed a session with the Sierra Leone High Commissioner, Dr Morie Manyeh, and staff…

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,…