Author: gleanernewspaper

Sierra Leone has achieved a remarkable transformation in its visa openness policies, significantly enhancing access for travellers and strengthening its appeal as a tourism destination. Between 2023 and 2024, the country’s Visa Openness Index (AVOI) score rose by 0.309 points to reach 0.811, propelling its ranking from 22nd to 13th among African nations. This change demonstrates Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering regional connectivity and global tourism. Sierra Leone recently granted visa-free travel to citizens of Ghana and Nigeria, both members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Previously, these travellers could only access visas on arrival. This policy…

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Rashid Sesay, has inaugurated the new Sierra Leone Nationals Association (SLeNA) executive at a ceremony held in Dubai. Delivering his keynote address, the Sierra Leone Envoy said that he was always honoured and excited to meet and engage with his nationals, describing it as a core pillar of his work as Sierra Leone’s principal representative in the UAE. He mentioned that the event was special because it would usher in a new executive to steer the activities of the Sierra Leone Community for the next two years. He also thanked the…

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Alpha Sesay, Esq., at State House. During the event, the President reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for advancing the justice sector in Sierra Leone. The ceremony commenced with a declaration of purpose by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima. He referenced Section 64(1) and (2) of the 1991 Constitution, which establishes the office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Dr. Gaima highlighted that, in line with constitutional provisions and conventional practice, the ceremony was…

The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), on Friday, 13th December 2024, observed the Farewell and Pulling-Out Ceremony at Julius Maada Bio Parade Square at Wilberforce Barracks, Freetown, in honour of the recently retired Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant-General Peter Kakowou Lavahun. The military Ceremony, solemn as it was, marked the EXIT AND DISENGAGEMENT of the retired CDS from the Armed Forces. It also marked the LAST TIME that the former Defence Chief was clad in military regalia and accorded full ceremonial honour. Bidding farewell to the officers, men, and women of RSLAF, the former Defence Chief said…

In a significant crackdown on organised crime, seven individuals have been sentenced in the United Kingdom for their roles in smuggling an astonishing 1.3 tonnes of cocaine, valued at £140 million, into the country from Sierra Leone. The operation, orchestrated by a Merseyside-based crime group, involved complex schemes to disguise the illicit drugs as legitimate goods, ultimately leading to their downfall. Darryn Schofield, 45, emerged as the ringleader of this organised crime group (OCG) and was sentenced to an extensive 20 years in prison. He established a fake front company purportedly handling returned items for well-known retailers like Amazon and…

Freetown Waste Transformers (FWT), an Organic Waste-to-Energy Solutions Provider in Sierra Leone, launched the first innovative USSD feature ‘DortiBox’ App, short code *380# in a drive to transform Freetown. The innovative USSD feature, which is available on the Orange mobile network, is designed to promote the digitalisation of waste management services. This solution will simplify access to waste management services for users, especially those with limited access to smartphones while supporting the Freetown City Council’s (FCC) digital transformation initiatives. The official launch and engagement with the community stakeholders, which took place at the Hillside Bypass Road, Model, in Freetown, marked…

By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its partners, will introduce the maternal and child health handbook in the health system in 2025, replacing the Maternal Book for Antenatal Care (ANC) and Child Under-fives Card. This is according to Chief Nursing Officer Matron Mary Fullah in the Ministry of Health. This was revealed at a maternal and child health review meeting held in Bo. Giving the purpose of the handbook, Matron Fullah noted that the maternal and child health handbook is to strengthen the link between maternal and child health from pregnancy up to five years…

NP (SL) Limited, the leading petroleum marketing company in Sierra Leone, has once again demonstrated its commitment to technological advancement and customer satisfaction by launching the NP Energy Pass Card. The grand unveiling took place at the company’s headquarters on Walpole Street in Freetown, on Friday, December 13, 2024, attracting prominent personalities, including the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Tawa Conteh, NP (SL) Board Members, the Communications Manager for NP (SL, Dr Willette James, who moderated the event, Station Managers, Resellers, members of the Motor Drivers Union and individuals from various walks of life. The Sales Supervisor of NP (SL),…

ECOWAS has approved the creation of the Special Tribunal for The Gambia, a significant step toward prosecuting perpetrators of gross human rights violations committed between July 1994 and January 2017. This historic decision, made during the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, includes the adoption of the Statute for the Tribunal, ensuring justice and accountability for the victims of these atrocities. This move marks the first time ECOWAS has partnered with a member state to establish an internationalised tribunal to prosecute crimes committed within that state’s territory. It is seen as a…

The United States announced the first disbursement from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for a $292 million loan to construct and operate a 105MW combined-cycle power plant in Freetown, Sierra Leone (the “Nant Project”). The Nant Project, supported by the United States and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), is expected to nearly double the electricity generation capacity of Sierra Leone.  It will be implemented by the CECA SL Generation Limited consortium, which includes private partners TCQ Power Ltd. and Anergi. This project will complement the separate $480 million power infrastructure project that the United States…