Author: gleanernewspaper

Johnny Koussa, a prominent figure in Sierra Leone’s business landscape and CEO of Elephant Betting Company, is facing serious allegations of exploiting his political connections to profit from the country’s gaming and betting industry. Since December 2021, when Parliament established a joint venture between Accord Logistics, a company owned by Koussa, and Sierra Leone State Lottery Company Limited, a state-owned entity, concerns have arisen regarding the integrity and governance of this partnership. Reports indicate that Koussa has manipulated the original five-year contract, extending it to a staggering twelve years, without the necessary authorization. This extension raises questions about oversight and…

With funding from the United States Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the Tacuguma Chimpanzee Sanctuary (TCS), in collaboration with the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), Legal Atlas and other stakeholders on Friday 27th September 2024 ended a three-day Legal Training in Support of Wildlife Law Enforcement in Sierra Leone at Hotel Barmoi, Aberdeen in Freetown. The 50 participants included officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry, the Environment and Climate Change respectively, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, the National Protected Area Authority and the Otamba Kilimi National Park. Some of the topics discussed…

With funding from the United States Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the Tacuguma Chimpanzee Sanctuary (TCS), in collaboration with the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), Legal Atlas and other stakeholders on Friday 27th September 2024 ended a three-day Legal Training in Support of Wildlife Law Enforcement in Sierra Leone at Hotel Barmoi, Aberdeen in Freetown. The 50 participants included officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry, the Environment and Climate Change respectively, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, the National Protected Area Authority and the Otamba Kilimi National Park. Some of the topics discussed…

As the world prepares to celebrate World Food Day (WFD), Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, and senior officials of his Ministry departed Freetown for the provinces on Monday 30th September 2023, on a nationwide tour of farming communities and private sector agri-businesses. The purpose of the tour is to assess flood impacts, productivity and farmers’ preparedness for the forthcoming WFD celebrations on October 16 and the first anniversary of the ‘Feed Salone’ initiative launch. On Tuesday, 1st October 2024, Minister Kpaka visited the Med-Tulai Agri-Business processing centre in Makarie Village in Bombali District…

At the Chancery building of the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabbah, on 29th of September, 2024, joined the Embassy staff in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the MCC as Sierra Leone’s Foreign Policy victory. “We are here at the Embassy to celebrate the MCC victory because of the immense participation of the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C. We must spotlight Washington Mission”, Hon. Alhaji Timothy Kabbah said, reiterating the importance of the Washington Mission, because the United States is the power of the world.…

You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” the adage goes. However, since the announcement in May that Sierra Leone would partner with the Michigan National Guard, there have been many first impressions between leaders across these organizations, leading to the signing of a State Partnership Program letter of intent on Sept. 12, 2024. On Aug. 23, at a conference centre along the Detroit River, the MING hosted a meeting welcoming military representatives from Latvia, Liberia and Sierra Leone. While the MING, the Latvian National Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Liberia have previously met in…

Johnny Koussa Johnny Koussa, the owner of Accord Logistics and CEO of Elephant Betting Company, is facing serious allegations regarding his management of a joint venture with the Sierra Leone government. This partnership, established in December 2021, was meant to create a gaming and betting industry in the country through collaboration between Accord Logistics and the Sierra Leone State Lottery Company. However, nearly four years into the agreement, numerous violations of the contract have come to light. Reports indicate that Koussa has manipulated the original five-year contract, extending it to twelve years, without proper authorization. According to the terms of…

In a compelling speech at a cocktail event at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C., His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, urged Sierra Leone’s youths to separate politics from the critical process of national development. President Bio emphasized the importance of development for the future of young Sierra Leoneans, and the need for a collaborative effort to build a prosperous nation. During his speech, President Bio said, “It is one thing to lead, but another to get followers to follow.”He expressed confidence in the abilities of the next generation, citing the successful lobbying and negotiations led by young advocate, Ndeye…

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has donated $1.1 million worth of contraceptives and essential maternal health medications to Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health. The handover took place on September 26, 2024, at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel in Freetown, coinciding with World Contraception Day. UNFPA Country Representative, Nadia Rasheed, highlighted that this brings the total value of reproductive health supplies provided in 2024 to over $2 million, benefiting an estimated 755,000 couples in the next year. Despite improvements in contraceptive use, Sierra Leone continues to face high rates of teenage pregnancy and maternal mortality. Rasheed emphasized the importance of addressing…

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the United Nations, had a fruitful discussion with Sierra Leonean President, Julius Maada Bio, during a significant meeting held on the sidelines of the General Assembly. This meeting highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between the United States and Sierra Leone, as well as the collaborative efforts both countries are making to address pressing global and regional issues. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield began the meeting by extending her heartfelt congratulations to President Bio on Sierra Leone’s successful UN Security Council presidency in August. This achievement not only demonstrates Sierra Leone’s growing international influence but also reaffirms the country’s…