Author: gleanernewspaper

Gleaner Newspaper’s managing editor, Mohamed K. Fofanah The Gleaner Newspaper’s managing editor, Mohamed K. Fofanah, has found himself and his family under siege in a startling turn of events following the emergence of a report claiming that a Dutch drug kingpin with a criminal record is hiding in Sierra Leone. There are grave concerns about Fofanah’s safety and the consequences for press freedom in the region due to the threats that have made him avoid returning to Sierra Leone. The man at the centre of this controversy, Johannes Leijdekkers, is a notorious drug trafficker who was found guilty of smuggling over…

 On January 25, 2025, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) Council and Executive Management gathered at the Njala University Campus in Mokonde for a strategic retreat. The retreat reviewed key achievements and challenges from 2024 and laid out the Annual Work Plans for 2025.  This significant event provided a collaborative platform for enhancing Stats SL’s institutional capacity, improving staff welfare, refining service delivery, and promoting effective management and decision-making processes. The retreat commenced with opening remarks from Andrew Bob Johnny, the Statistician-General and CEO of Stats SL, who also serves as the secretary of the council.  He highlighted the importance of…

 To enhance understanding of the African Union’s operations and the pressing issues facing the continent, the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C. recently facilitated a simulation exercise for students from Georgia Southern University. This initiative comes in preparation for the 23rd Annual International Model African Union Conference, which will be held at Howard University in Washington, D.C., bringing together students from various universities across the United States and Canada.  On February 22, 2025, the Embassy welcomed the Georgia Southern University delegation, which includes students and faculty advisors, to engage in a comprehensive briefing aimed at equipping them with the…

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…