Author: gleanernewspaper
The Minister of Information has faced criticism for the unwarranted suspension of the SLBC leadership team, a controversial action that has cast doubt on the organization’s independence. Media professionals and the general public are outraged by the decision, which is blatantly against Section 12 of the SLBC Act. The SLBC’s autonomy and impartiality are protected by Section 12 of the SLBC Act, which forbids the Minister of Information from meddling in the organisation’s management and operations. However, there are now serious doubts regarding the government’s adherence to a free and independent media, as well as its respect for the rule…
In a recent turn of events, Deputy Director of the Budget Bureau, Jacob Tenga Sessie, along with four other colleagues, have been exonerated by the Anti-Corruption Commission, following allegations of fraud at the Ministry of Finance. The investigation revealed a different narrative, vindicating these professionals from the shadow that had cast doubt on their reputations. Initially accused of orchestrating a scheme to divert 6.5 billion old leones ($270,000) to a fictitious account in Kabala Community Bank, the group, including Jacob T. Sessie, John Ellie, Philip Yomba, Starlyn Kemoh, and Joseph Johnson, faced severe scrutiny. The alleged payment was purportedly for…
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has wrapped up its investigation into the claims made about the academic background of Mrs Fatima Mahawa Sandi, the Deputy Executive Director of the National Investment Board (NIB). The ACC was provided with an anonymous report in October 2023 that cast doubts on Mrs Sandi’s academic qualifications and implied that she might have provided false credentials when she was hired by the NIB. The Academic Credentials of Mrs Fatima Mahawa Sandi are genuine, the ACC has confirmed, after a comprehensive investigation. Mrs Sandi holds a Master of Science degree in Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management…
President Julius Maada Bio’s ambitious “Feed Salone” agenda, which seeks to boost agricultural productivity, encourage local food production, and reduce reliance on imported food, has the support of a prominent private investor from Sierra Leone, Dr. Alfred Seawright. Dr Seawright’s commitment to sustainable development aligns with the national government’s objectives for food security and inclusive growth. In a calculated attempt to support the agricultural industry, Dr Seawright intends to build two cutting-edge fish feed facilities in Kono and Bo. These enormous facilities, overseen by Dr. Matthew D. Kpundeh, will help regional fish farmers and raise the productivity of aquaculture in…
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Madam Fatmata Kargbo, on Friday 16th February 2024, visited the National Consumer Protection Commission of Sierra Leone’s office at 28 Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown, where she had fruitful discussions with the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lawrence Landi Bassie, and later toured the facility, interacting with its staff. During the engagement, the Deputy Minister and the CEO discussed the implementation of the ECOWAS Grant Agreement that was signed by the Hon. Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay with the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) delegation on 22nd January 2024 to…
The Sierra Leonean Pharmacy Board has released an important alert about the safety of some herbal drinks, specifically mentioning COCO SAMBA. Concerning results from recent laboratory testing show that COCO SAMBA contains an excessive amount of Sildenafil Citrate, a powerful prescription medication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil Citrate is normally taken in dosages of 50 to 100 mg; however, COCO SAMBA was discovered to contain an astounding 193 mg per bottle, placing users at serious risk. Moreover, different concentrations of sildenafil citrate were also found in other herbal products, such as Olekoko Akson Bitters, Oga…
At the 37th African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh of Sierra Leone recently addressed the assembly on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio. Vice President Jalloh delivered two important reports for President Bio’s approval and adoption in a speech that was crucial. The first report, the 24th C-10 report, addressed the crucial problem of UN Security Council reform. President Bio represents Sierra Leone’s dedication to promoting a more inclusive and representative global governance framework in his role as Coordinator of the AU Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government…
By Lamin Baldeh in Conakry Unexpectedly, Prime Minister Bernard Goumou’s government has been dissolved by an order issued by Guinea’s President, Corps General Mamadi Doumbouya. Brigadier General Amara Camara, Minister Secretary General of the Presidency and Spokesperson for the President of the Transition, announced on television. Many Guineans are perplexed and unsure about the country’s future after the government’s dissolution. The public was left to speculate about the underlying reasons for this drastic decision, as the decree did not specify the reasons for the dissolution. Sources, however, indicate that the President’s choice might have been significantly influenced by internal division and…
The heads of state and government of the African Union have elected Mauritania’s president, Mohamed Ghazouani, to lead the body as its new chairperson in 2024. He was selected on Saturday at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ghazouani takes over as leader of the AU from President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros, who served as the chairperson of the organisation for 2023. The bloc prevented a crisis on another front by defusing tensions surrounding the one-year rotating AU chairmanship, which was transferred on…
President Julius Maada Bio has announced the sad news that his adored elder sister, Madam Agnes Deen-Jalloh, passed away on February 18, 2024, at the age of 74. In a heartfelt homage, President Bio referred to her lovingly as Sissy and Ngor, highlighting her vital role in his life as a source of love and strength in addition to being his sister. President Bio, recalling their close relationship, conveyed his sincere appreciation for Madam Agnes’s constant support and direction, emphasising her nurturing influence in moulding him into the man he is today. He referred to her as his mother figure and greatest…