Author: gleanernewspaper

President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, delivered a powerful statement at the GAVI Global Summit in Brussels, calling for renewed global commitment to health equity and immunisation access for all children, regardless of where they are born.Addressing world leaders and health advocates, President Bio emphasized that “health through immunisation is not a privilege, it is a right,” urging nations to treat access to vaccines as a matter of justice, not charity. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s achievements in expanding immunisation, including the introduction of the malaria and HPV vaccines and maintaining over 90% coverage of key childhood…

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has concluded a technical assistance mission to support Sierra Leone in its pursuit of a sovereign credit rating; a move aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to access international capital markets and attract foreign investment. This initiative follows a formal request by the Ministry of Finance for support in building capacity and mobilizing sustainable financing for national development. The mission, led by UNDP Africa’s Chief Economist Dr. Raymond Gilpin and international credit ratings expert Mr. Kelvin Dalrymple, is part of UNDP Africa’s technical assistance initiative to support countries to better prepare and understand the…

British actor and entrepreneur Idris Elba, accompanied by his team from Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP) Ltd, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to express gratitude for the Government’s support and the recent parliamentary ratification of the Sherbro Island investment project.The visit marks a significant milestone in the realisation of the Sherbro Island transformation initiative, an ambitious public-private partnership aimed at turning the island into a thriving hub for tourism, business, and economic growth.In his opening remarks, Mr. Elba thanked the President and Parliament for their steadfast commitment to the project. “I want to formally express…

A coalition of civil society organisations dedicated to environmental stewardship and land rights in Sierra Leone has issued a strong condemnation of the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) and the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning’s proposal to re-demarcate the Western Area Peninsula National Park (WAPNP). This alarming plan aims to excise 5,000 hectares from the existing protected forest area, which represents a significant 28.9% reduction in size, shrinking the park from 17,185 hectares to just 12,218 hectares. The WAPNP is not merely a forest; it is a crucial ecological asset that plays a vital role in maintaining the environmental health…

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,…