Author: gleanernewspaper

The Model United Nations (Model U.N.) team from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth recently returned from the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in Washington, D.C., with a sense of accomplishment and pride. This year marked a historic milestone for the club as it became the first group in its history to meet with a foreign ambassador at an embassy. Their visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone not only enriched their understanding of international diplomacy but also propelled them to achieve an honourable mention award, placing them in the top 20% of participating schools at the…

Africell, a leading telecommunications provider in Sierra Leone, hosted its annual management retreat at the picturesque Tokeh Resort from January 11-12, 2025. The event provided an essential platform for the company’s top executives and stakeholders to reflect on the previous year’s accomplishments and set strategic goals for the upcoming year, with a strong focus on development and community engagement.The retreat featured a compelling address from Ziad Dalloul, the Chairman of Africell Group, who traced the company’s remarkable journey in Sierra Leone’s competitive telecommunications landscape. Dalloul emphasized Africell’s resilience in overcoming significant challenges, ultimately establishing the company as the nation’s leading…

Inspector General, William Fayia Sellu The Sierra Leone Police (SLP), under the leadership of Inspector General William Fayia Sellu, is embroiled in a significant financial scandal as auditors have uncovered a staggering discrepancy of NLe6,611,633.43 (Six million, six hundred and eleven thousand, six hundred and thirty-three New Leone),  (6.6 billion old Leones) that remains unaccounted for. This alarming finding was prominently featured in the annual Auditor General’s 2023 Report, which pointed to substantial inconsistencies between the SLP’s payroll and its official staff list. Upon reviewing the payroll vouchers and the staff list for the fiscal year 2023, auditors discovered that…

By Major Yayah Brima, Media Operations Officer,Army Headquarters.I. The first Chief of Army Staff (COAS) appointed following the disestablishment of the Joint Force Command (JFC) structure, took over command on Monday, 6th January 2025, at a ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Cockerill Barracks in Freetown. II. In his taking-over statement, the new COAS, Brigadier-General Kemoh Sesay, said that the country had been recently faced with various internal security threats that would require everyone’s vigilance, dedication and unwavering commitment to duty. He, therefore, appealed to the rank and file of the Army to unite as a strong and cohesive Service to…

In 2024, the IJF Academy made a significant stop in Sierra Leone, conducting a vital practical session aimed at empowering women through the sport of judo. Slavisa Bradic, one of the Academy’s experts, led the initiative, engaging with local female judoka to gain insight into their experiences and the positive impact judo can have on their lives. The session unfolded in an open-air dojo, where a small women’s team showcased their skills in a judo demonstration. This modest setting highlighted the resilience and determination of female judoka in Sierra Leone, who face various challenges in a society where discrimination remains…

His Excellency Mohammed S. Barrie and His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz His Excellency Mohammed S. Barrie, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, conducted a significant courtesy visit to His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region, on Monday, January 6, 2025. This meeting marks an important step in enhancing bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia. During the visit, Ambassador Barrie expressed his gratitude for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation. He conveyed heartfelt greetings…

Last Friday, the city of Makeni was filled with joy as the Sierra Leone Chinese Friendship Association (SiLCHA) organized its annual “Small Small Chinese” party, an event dedicated to celebrating cultural exchange and goodwill between Sierra Leone and China. Supported by the Chinese Embassy, this year’s festivities followed a successful celebration held in Bo City last year. The event was a heartwarming affair, featuring a rich array of food, drinks, and gifts that were generously distributed among the children and teachers present. The atmosphere was vibrant, with children taking centre stage to showcase their talents through singing, dancing, and various…

The government of Sierra Leone has taken decisive steps toward decriminalising abortion and reforming colonial-era laws that have long restricted reproductive health rights. President Julius Maada Bio announced in July 2022 that his cabinet has unanimously supported a groundbreaking bill aimed at ensuring risk-free motherhood. This move could greatly expand access to abortion services in a nation where such procedures are currently only permitted when a mother’s life is at stake. This progressive initiative comes after years of advocacy from government officials and a diverse coalition of women’s rights organizations, who have tirelessly campaigned for reform. The proposed Safe Motherhood…

Ghana’s newly elected President, John Dramani Mahama and His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, was among the esteemed guests attending the inauguration of Ghana’s newly elected President, John Dramani Mahama, held at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra. This momentous occasion drew thousands of Ghanaians, including influential stakeholders and traditional leaders, who gathered to celebrate a pivotal event in the nation’s democratic journey. In his inaugural speech, President Mahama expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian populace for their dedication to a peaceful electoral process, reinforcing Ghana’s status as a leading example…

In a significant stride towards achieving the Women Power 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Women Environmental Programme (WEP), with support from the European Union and Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF), recently organized a transformative two-day workshop focused on Environmental Justice and Human Rights. Held on December 19th and 20th, 2024, at the Two Brothers Auditorium on Syke Street in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the event attracted a diverse group of young feminist environmental activists and organizations from the western region and beyond. WEP, a non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political organization headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, operates with the mission to…