Author: gleanernewspaper

On March 12, 2025, a dedicated team from the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project, which is generously funded by the World Bank, convened with the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to provide a comprehensive update on the E-Parliament initiative. This meeting was pivotal in assessing the project’s current status and outlining the next steps for its successful implementation. The focal person for the project, Joseph Conteh, who serves as the Director of Information and Communication Technology in Parliament, opened the meeting by offering a concise background on the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project. He emphasized that this…

In a pivotal meeting with the ECOWAS Human Capital Development (HCD) delegation, the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing Human Capital Development as a central pillar of national growth. The discussions primarily focused on the potential access to the Catalytic Fund and the exploration of incubator opportunities, both of which aim to bolster the country’s development initiatives. During the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed a strong belief in HCD as a critical element of the government’s strategic agenda, referring to it as the second priority within the Big Five Game Changers for national development.…

By Abubakarr Bah, Information Attaché, Saudi Arabia At the Twentieth Emergency Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 7, 2025, His Excellency Mohammed S. Barrie, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), made a passionate appeal for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. His remarks came during a critical gathering attended by representatives from 57 member states, all reaffirming their commitment to fostering peace in the region. Leading Sierra Leone’s delegation, Ambassador Barrie represented the…

On March 6, 2025, Hon. Bernadette Wuyata Songa, the President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus in Sierra Leone, delivered a powerful message urging women across the nation to actively engage in capacity building to enhance their representation in positions of trust. Her remarks came during a two-day High-Level Policy Dialogue Forum held at the Miatta Conference Center in Freetown, coinciding with the celebration of International Women’s Day. The forum was centred around the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” In her address, Hon. Wuyata Songa acknowledged the relentless struggles that women face but emphasized their resilience in…

In a shocking twist in the ongoing fight against organized crime, Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious figure in the European cocaine trade, continues to enjoy his freedom in Sierra Leone, despite being one of the continent’s most wanted criminals. With a staggering €200,000 bounty on his head and a total of 49 years in prison, Leijdekkers is still at large, mingling with officials and living a luxurious lifestyle in Sierra Leone. At only 33 years old, Leijdekkers has established a criminal empire that has earned him the title of “King of the Quays” in Antwerp. His operations are linked to the…

In a significant step towards promoting gender inclusion and advancing national development, the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone held a high-level meeting with District Mammy Queens representing 12 districts at State House. This engagement underscored the government’s commitment to empowering women and integrating their voices into policy development. The Mammy Queens, who serve as vital community leaders, presented their ongoing initiatives focused on creating Terms of Reference, a comprehensive policy framework, and potential legislation aimed at enhancing their contributions to national progress. The Chief Minister praised the Mammy Queens for their dedication, acknowledging that their advocacy efforts resonate with President…

At the inaugural joint African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Country Correspondents and ATAF Women in Tax Network (AWITN) Leadership Conference, Mrs Jeneba J. Bangura, the Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone and Vice President of AWITN, delivered a powerful call to action for African tax leaders to prioritize gender-responsive tax policies and empower women economically. Representing AWITN Chairman Ms Veronique Herminie, the former Commissioner General of the Seychelles Revenue Commission, Mrs Bangura emphasized the critical role of equitable tax systems in fostering Africa’s economic development. Echoing the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, “For ALL Women and Girls:…

His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, participated in a significant high-level panel discussion focused on agricultural investment during his visit to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The event, which took place on the third day of his visit, brought together a distinguished group of global agricultural and financial experts, including former World Bank Vice President Hafez Ghanem and the former Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The discussions primarily revolved around strategies to enhance agricultural investment and finance, with the overarching goal of improving food security…

In a significant development for Sierra Leone’s health sector, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his government’s dedication to achieving universal health coverage following the country’s successful acquisition of a $20 million grant from the Pandemic Fund. This global financing initiative is designed to bolster pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities in low- and middle-income nations. During a recent briefing, Health and Sanitation Minister Dr. Austin Demby, alongside representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), outlined the details of the funding award. Dr. Demby explained that securing the Pandemic Fund was a…

A high-level delegation from Sierra Leone, led by Deputy Minister of Health Prof. Charles Senesie, participated in the inaugural Regional Public Service Leadership Conference on Human Health Workforce Development held in Monrovia, Liberia. The four-day summit brought together experts and senior government officials from various countries to discuss and strategize on enhancing healthcare systems through regional collaboration. During his address, Prof. Senesie praised the conference organizers for their efforts in bringing together leaders to focus on critical healthcare issues. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, asserting that it is essential for the improvement of healthcare systems across the region.…