Author: gleanernewspaper

In collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning (MLHCP) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Solidaridad West Africa has initiated a coordinated endeavour to enhance the involvement and representation of women in land governance throughout rural communities in Sierra Leone. The initiative’s main goal is to give female members of Village Area Land Committees (VALCs) and Chiefdom Land Committees (CLCs) the information and abilities they need to assert their legal rights under recent land reform laws and participate in local land-related decision-making. In the districts of Bo and Kenema, Solidaridad and FAO…

Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah and Daniel Obst, President and CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs, signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the closing ceremony of Sierra Leone’s exciting side event at the annual AFS Youth Assembly. This MOU solidifies a strategic partnership that has been developing for two years. With a century-old global non-profit presence in more than 60 countries, AFS Intercultural Programs is committed to fostering intercultural learning, global education, and transformative exchange programs to create a more equitable and peaceful world. Through participation in the AFS Youth Assembly itself, as well as programs…

A shocking exposé by New Line Magazine has unveiled the extensive web of corruption surrounding Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious Dutch drug kingpin. The report alleges that Leijdekkers, considered one of Europe’s most wanted criminals, wielded significant influence over top government officials by lavishing them with extravagant gifts, including high-end automobiles. According to sources familiar with Leijdekkers’ illicit operations, he strategically used these luxury vehicles to gain control over key figures in the government and law enforcement. “He had everyone in his pocket, throwing around a lot of money,” a source revealed, emphasising his influence. Reports indicate that Leijdekkers gifted several…

After serving as Germany’s official diplomatic representative in Sierra Leone for two years, His Excellency Jens Kraus-Massé, the ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Sierra Leone, has formally taken a leave of absence from His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. Hon. Musa Timothy Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, thanked President Bio for providing the audience during his remarks. He said that Ambassador Kraus-Massé was a true friend of Sierra Leone and that the Ambassador had worked on several projects to improve the two countries’ bilateral ties while he was there. Ambassador…

Emmanuel Sahr Tondoneh, the new Ombudsman, and Madam Jenneh Jabati, the newly approved Deputy Minister II of Finance, were sworn in by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio after their successful parliamentary approval. According to Mr. Barba Brima Fortune, the President’s secretary, the two officials had been unanimously approved after completing the due diligence process conducted by members of Parliament. All ministers, deputy ministers, and ombudsmen must take an oath of office prior to taking up their positions, he continued, and the swearing-in was done in compliance with those provisions. Madam Jenneh Jabati, Deputy Minister II, spoke on behalf…

By Jeneba A. Conteh Business magnate Adekalie Conteh was charged with murder and malicious damage when he appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on August 7, 2025. Conteh is charged with killing Andrew Mansaray at Tokeh Village Peninsula on February 16, 2025, during a fight. According to the charge sheet, Conteh is accused of killing Mansaray and willfully damaging Francis Lebbie’s three thousand new Leones Bluetooth music set. According to Lebbie’s testimony, Conteh showed up with a gang of armed associates on the day of the incident, causing chaos and upsetting nearby businesses. He explained…

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio called for a renewed national conversation focused on the adoption of proportional representation in a historic speech to kick off the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic. Beyond parliamentary elections, this appeal is being made for its implementation in the executive branch and the larger public sector. The strength of the country lies in shared responsibility and collective leadership, according to President Bio, who underlined the need for reforms that advance unity, equity, and inclusion. According to President Bio, “leaders entrusted with our nation’s future must continuously advocate for…

The newly elected President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, led a delegation from his Executive Committee on a courtesy visit to the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ministry of Sports. This visit demonstrates the SLFA’s commitment to forming partnerships with key national sports institutions to promote the growth and development of football in the country. At the NSA, Mr. Kamara introduced the members of his Executive Committee, which includes Vice President Alie Badara Tarawalie, Executive Members Pastor Philip Buck, Mohamed Sorie Jalloh, Brima Jalloh, Abdulai Osman Turay, and Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh. Dr.…

106 victims of recent fire disasters in three Freetown communities—Kroo Bay, Congo Town, and Black Hall Road—received emergency relief on Tuesday from Caritas Freetown, which was supported by the Spanish Catholic NGO Manos Unidas. A package of necessary food and non-food items was given to beneficiaries during the distribution ceremony, which was held at the Caritas Freetown headquarters in Kingtom. A 50 kg bag of rice, one gallon of palm oil, one gallon of vegetable oil, onions, a Maggi seasoning packet, and salt were distributed to each recipient. A rubber bucket, laundry soap, scented soap, a lappa (a traditional women’s…

Convicted cocaine smuggler, Jos Leijdekkers A shocking revelation from a former housekeeper for Jos Leijdekkers has shed light on the murky life of a notorious criminal who is wanted in Europe and is rumoured to have significant influence in Sierra Leone. In an interview with New Lines Magazine, the staffer described Leijdekkers as a generous philanthropist who has gained favour with top government officials, military leaders, and law enforcement, making him a significant figure in the nation’s shadow economy. Leijdekkers, who lived in Tokeh village and was well-known for his extravagant generosity, is said to have provided the locals with substantial…