Author: gleanernewspaper

The Lumley Beach cleanup in Sierra Leone emerged as a remarkable initiative to protect the environment, enhance tourism, promote public health, and foster a sense of community pride and sustainability. This collaborative effort saw volunteers come together to clean approximately 2.5 miles of beach, successfully removing a substantial amount of trash that had accumulated over time. The results of this cleanup not only contributed to a cleaner and more inviting space for both visitors and local wildlife but also served to raise awareness about the critical importance of safeguarding our natural environments and combating pollution. The cleanup’s success was made…

President Julius Maada Bio and Alhaji Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella In an astonishing admission, President Julius Maada Bio has openly admitted that he cannot bring about the transformative changes the country requires, instead promising to inspire future leaders to take up this critical task. This revelation was made during a recent address at the State Lodge, following a significant blackout in the capital city of Freetown, which had a substantial impact on small businesses and everyday citizens. “I will not be able to change the country, but I will inspire others to do so,” President Bio said, expressing a sense…

By Beamie-Moses Seiwoh I wheeled down to Singapore this morning for work and will be here for a week—an opportunity to experience firsthand a country that has transformed from an underdeveloped island into a strong economy. It is one of the most remarkable development success stories of the 20th century. From work experience, I have reviewed and analyzed Singapore’s development model with much admiration. My observations of the country’s impressive infrastructural developments coupled with an insightful conversation with my Singaporean taxi driver during a drive from the airport to the hotel is evident that the country’s transformation from a struggling post-colonial state…

The Sierra Leone Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling on February 6, 2025, in the case of Theophilus Pratt and Hawanatu Pratt versus Dr Turad Senessie, Minister of Lands, and others (SC MiscApp No. 7/2024). This ruling marks a definitive victory for the Save Black Johnson Beach Campaign, ensuring that the community will no longer face the threat of a proposed fish harbour or fishmeal factory at Black Johnson Beach. The campaign, which has garnered widespread support from residents and international advocates alike, celebrates this ruling as a culmination of years of tireless effort and dedication. The community expresses heartfelt…

The Paragons Foundation–Sierra Leone proudly hosted its 7th Annual Summit at the Malachy Motel in Moyamba, bringing together members of the United Methodist Church to celebrate achievements and plan for the future. The summit kicked off with an inspiring keynote address from Mr Joseph Gbogba, followed by speeches from Mr James Foh, representing the Former United Methodist Young Adults (FUMYA), and Rev. Michael Columba, the Regional District Superintendent. Founded by former members of the church’s Youth and Young Adults Organizations, the Paragons Foundation has established itself as a vital non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to mentoring emerging leaders, supporting smaller congregational…

His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation and Her Excellency Ambassador Joanneke Balfoort, the Netherlands Ambassador to the Russian Federation Her Excellency Ambassador Joanneke Balfoort, the Netherlands Ambassador to the Russian Federation, made a significant courtesy visit to His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Moscow. This meeting underscored the importance of diplomatic relations and the potential for enhanced collaboration between the two nations. Ambassador Yongawo, along with his dedicated embassy staff, warmly received Ambassador Balfoort, initiating the visit with cordial exchanges that set…

On February 21, 2025, the Sierra Education Fund (SEF), a non-profit organization based in Chicago, USA, awarded scholarships to ten deserving students from the engineering faculty at Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU). The presentation ceremony took place at the university’s Goderich Campus, marking a significant milestone in the SEF’s ongoing commitment to support education in Sierra Leone. The scholarship initiative, which allocates a total of 84,700 New Leones (NLE), aims to assist students facing financial difficulties in pursuing their academic goals. This funding is particularly crucial for students who may struggle to cover tuition fees and other related expenses, ensuring…

His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, the President of Sierra Leone, has been honoured with two prestigious continental awards that recognize his transformative leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing gender equality, girl-child education, and human capital development within the nation. The accolades, namely the African HeForShe Champion of the Year 2024 and the Presidential African Intelligence Award 2024, were graciously presented to President Bio by Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda, the former President of Malawi and founder of the Joyce Banda Foundation. The ceremony also featured Princess Dr. Ocansey, the founder of the Nakotech Centre for Excellence, who joined in…

Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has launched two pivotal documents that aim to significantly improve the health, well-being, and future opportunities for the nation’s adolescents. This initiative marks a crucial step in reinforcing the support systems designed to uplift young people throughout Sierra Leone. The documents unveiled during the event are: 1. The Report on Adolescent Health, Nutrition, and Support Systems 2. The National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Ending Child Marriage (2025-2030) A Vision for the Future In his keynote address, Dr Sengeh articulated the significance of the occasion, underscoring that the launch…

National Minerals Agency, Director General, Ing. Hadji Dabo Audits conducted by the Audit Service Sierra Leone uncovered alarming disparities at the National Minerals Agency (NMA), revealing that a staggering one billion, seven hundred and fifty-three million, two hundred and eighteen thousand Old Leones—designated for the mining development fund intended for various beneficiary communities has reportedly been mismanaged. The audit findings show that these funds were never disbursed to the communities, causing significant delays and interruptions in the implementation of planned development projects. The auditors have urged the NMA’s Director of Finance and Administration to promptly transfer the misallocated NLe1.7 billion…