Author: gleanernewspaper
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio warmly welcomed H.E. Ahmed Tejan Fadlu-Deen, the departing ambassador of Sierra Leone to Qatar, in a heartfelt farewell meeting as he prepares to begin his new diplomatic mission to Qatar. The visit’s goals were to say goodbye and strengthen the already solid ties that exist between Qatar and Sierra Leone. Accompanied by Timothy Musa Kabba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Fadlu-Deen expressed gratitude to President Bio for granting him the opportunity to represent Sierra Leone in Qatar. He restated his commitment to advancing the Big Five Game Changers that…
The first lady of Sierra Leone, Dr Fatima Maada Bio, made history on February 22, 2024, when she formally unveiled the National Commission for Children’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028, demonstrating her commitment to the welfare of the country’s children. The launch event, which took place at Aberdeen, Freetown’s esteemed Sierra Palms Hotel, signalled the start of an extensive roadmap designed to improve children’s prospects and well-being over the following five years. In her speech, Dr Fatima Maada Bio emphasised the critical importance of investing in the next generation, pointing out that they are not only Sierra Leone’s future but also its…
The Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (AVDP) has hired 44 irrigation technicians with specialised knowledge to support the development and rehabilitation of inland valley swamps (IVS) throughout Sierra Leone. This represents a significant advancement for the “Feed Salone” programme. This strategic initiative seeks to support farmers growing vegetables, oil palm, and cocoa while also increasing the productivity and output of rice. Under the direction of Project Manager Monica Kwame-Greene, the recently hired technicians finished an extensive five-day orientation and training programme at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s regional office in Bo City. These technicians, who are a mix…
With a penalty kick in the 12th minute, Samuel Gandi made an impression in an exciting match between the Shooting Stars of Sierra Leone and the Lone Stars of Liberia. Mohamed Fofana was fouled in the 18-yard box, which gave Shooting Stars an early advantage. Although Mohamed Bangura’s samba skills created many opportunities for the Shooting Stars, they could not take advantage of them as the formidable Liberian defence consistently denied Gandi. Both sides exerted much effort in the second half, producing numerous scoring opportunities. Liberia tied the score at 1-1 in the 50th minute thanks to a free kick…
African leaders will be convening in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, for the 37th summit of the African Union on Saturday. During the two-day gathering, the Heads of State and Government of the African Union will discuss issues of peace, development and integration against the backdrop of resurgent coups, global food and commodity crises and heightened geopolitical competition across the continent. The integration agenda holds particular significance as global powers vie for influence over African states, evident in the growing number of “Africa summits” hosted by individual countries outside the continent in recent years. Africa faces several complex and multifaceted challenges,…
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…