Author: gleanernewspaper

His Excellency Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, has called for stronger collaboration in Africa’s energy transition drive while reaffirming his country’s commitment to a sustainable energy future. Dr. Manyeh made this remark during an address at a Policy Roundtable on Empowering Africa’s Energy Transition at Chatham House in London.The event, organized by the *Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC)*—a research consortium funded by the UK government—brought together academics, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Africa, including representatives notably from Sierra Leone, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa.Dr.…

The Sierra Leone Parliamentary Delegation, headed by Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, participated in the 88th Executive Committee Meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Africa Region, held in Mahe, Seychelles from 25th-29th March, 2025.In a virtual address, Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee and Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi, Rt. Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara welcomed participants and encouraged them to strengthen and promote the cause of CPA, Africa Region by enhancing parliamentary democracy, promoting human rights, and good governance. Delivering his remarks, Chairperson of the Executive Committee, CPA International, Hon. Dr. Christopher Kalila updated participants about the transitioning process regarding the…

Aruna and the Tiwai Honey Initiative beekeepers. Image © Ezekiel Kargbo for The Iris Project. By SONAM LAMA HYOLMO In 2022, little did Aruna Bangura know that observing the changing environment and land use practices around his community would make him start beekeeping. The area just outside Tiwai Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary spread across 1,200 hectares (2,900 acres) in Sierra Leone, had a dearth of bees, he found. “I observed that the bee population was declining, and starting a beekeeping initiative was the only alternative in sight,” says Bangura, a 24-year-old from the Boma community. He founded Bangs Circular,…

In a significant ceremony held at State House today, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio bid farewell to three newly appointed Ambassadors-Designate and one Deputy Ambassador-Designate. The event marked a pivotal moment as Ambassador Amara Sowa prepares to represent Sierra Leone in the United States of America, Dr. Mohamed Sesay heads to the French Republic, Philip Bob Jusu embarks on his mission to the Kingdom of Belgium, and Madam Mamadi Gobeh-Kamara steps into her role as Deputy Ambassador-Designate to France.During the farewell, each envoy expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Bio for the trust and confidence he has placed in…

During a significant meeting at State House today, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio welcomed Mr. Neale Richmond, Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora. Minister Richmond is currently on a brief working visit to Sierra Leone, aimed at assessing the operations of the Irish Embassy and enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two nations.During the meeting, Minister Richmond expressed his appreciation to President Bio for engaging with him. He emphasized that his visit was focused on evaluating the contributions of the Irish Embassy in Sierra Leone and fostering closer ties between the two countries. A…

The Cape Sierra Hotel project, which was once hailed as a promising venture for job creation, tourism, and local economic development, has since become a visible example of mismanagement and inefficiency. Nearly 12 years after its inception, the hotel remains unfinished, casting doubt on the National Social Security and Insurance Trust’s (NASSIT) ability to effectively manage such large-scale investments. Initially, the project was praised for its ability to boost the local economy and create job opportunities. However, over time, the reality has fallen short of expectations. NASSIT has cited several roadblocks that have slowed progress, including funding delays and the…

His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Russia and His Excellency Niankoye Haba, Guinea’s Ambassador to Russia  His Excellency Niankoye Haba, Guinea’s Ambassador to Russia, recently paid a courtesy visit to his esteemed colleague, His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Russia. This meeting occurred at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Moscow and demonstrated the enduring bonds between African nations, particularly Guinea and Sierra Leone.  The gathering was marked by a warm exchange of greetings, reflecting the two countries’ fraternal bonds. Ambassador Yongawo used the opportunity to highlight the rich tapestry of shared cultural, ethnic, economic, and political experiences…

Major General Dauda Fred Alpha, Deputy High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria, Rtd. Lieutenant General Patrick K. Lavahun, High Commissioner-designate to Kenya and President Bio. His Excellency, Rtd. Lieutenant General Patrick K. Lavahun, High Commissioner-designate to Kenya, and Rtd. Major General Dauda Fred Alpha, Deputy High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria, officially bid President Julius Maada Bio farewell during a ceremony at State House. Both diplomats expressed gratitude to President Bio for the opportunity to serve Sierra Leone in their new roles. The President congratulated them and expressed his belief in their ability to represent the country effectively. “Kenya and Nigeria are major investment hubs in Africa. I…

On March 21, 2025, the University of Management and Technology (UNIMTECH) hosted a significant event: the official launch of the Old Prince Waleans Association (OPWA) UNIMTECH Chapter. This was more than just a formal gathering; it marked the formation of a fully operational alumni association, with OPWA UNIMTECH becoming the first officially launched alumni chapter on the UNIMTECH campus. The launch is especially significant because it comes just before The Prince of Wales School’s centenary celebration, a prestigious institution that has spent the last century fostering educational excellence and shaping the lives of countless students. The launch event was a…

 President Julius Maada Bio’s daughter, Agnes Bio According to sources close to Sierra Leone’s first family, President Julius Maada Bio’s daughter, Agnes Bio, is allegedly expecting the child of notorious Dutch criminal Jos Leijdekkers. This revelation has sparked outrage in Sierra Leone and the Netherlands, where Leijdekkers is one of the most wanted people.  Jos Leijdekkers is serving a 24-year open sentence in the Netherlands for multiple crimes, with an additional 23-year sentence pending in Belgium. Despite his criminal history, Leijdekkers appears to have begun a new life in West Africa, specifically Sierra Leone. The Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad and…