Author: gleanernewspaper

Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in the Parliament of Sierra Leone, who doubles as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, on Monday 2nd September 2024, accorded the Northern Bureau Chief for the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) and senior correspondent for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC) – Hassan Bruz, a standing ovation. This is in recognition of his steadfastness in the field of journalism and dedicated service to the People of Sierra Leone, and Port Loko District in particular. The Honorable Deputy Speaker, who is also a veteran Member of Parliament, made the accord at the Port Loko District…

By Abu Bakarr Kargbo in Beijing Top officials of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) highlighted the deepening economic cooperation between China and African countries, underscoring the significant strides made in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and promoting sustainable development across the continent. Lin Honghong, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Relations of CCPIT, emphasized the longstanding friendship and strategic guidance that has underpinned the fruitful collaboration between China and Africa. According to Lin, the foreign direct investment from China to Africa surged to an impressive $40 billion in 2023, with Chinese companies creating over…

A tribunal set up by President Julius Maada Bio’s administration has released its findings on the suspended Auditor-General, Mrs Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her Deputy, Mr Tamba Momoh. The investigation concluded that both officials engaged in “selective reporting” while auditing.  According to the report, Mrs. Taylor-Pearce and Mr. Momoh intentionally halted the Freetown City Council’s auditing process for projects funded by the Sierra Leone government. This decision appeared to be influenced by a desire to protect the Mayor of Freetown City Council’s interests, despite serious concerns the audit team leader raised. By failing to complete the audit, they misrepresented the council’s…

Rakesh Gurbani (Roky) In a distressing revelation, the leadership of Shona Enterprises, located at No. 31, Ecowas Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone, is facing serious allegations of modern-day slavery and the mistreatment of Indian employees. The company’s Directors, Rakesh Gurbani (commonly known as Roky), Vishal Dhanwani, and Shona Carman, have come under scrutiny, as reports surface detailing the harrowing experiences of workers under their management. One particularly alarming incident involved an employee, who, overwhelmed by unbearable working conditions, attempted to escape to India. However, his desperate flight was thwarted when he was apprehended in Kambia. This incident underscores the grim reality…

The principle of objectivity is fundamental to journalism, especially when dealing with allegations against individuals, institutions, or businesses. Attempting to present all sides of a story is more than just an exercise in fairness; it is critical for maintaining the media’s integrity and fostering public trust. The Indian news outlet OpIndia’s recent claims against Suresh Vatnani, the proprietor of S.V. Electricals at 73 B, Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown, serve as a compelling case study emphasizing the importance of balanced reporting. The allegations stemmed from Arpit Kumar Pandey, who allegedly obtained a job with S.V. Electricals in Sierra Leone through…

Sierra Leone women were engaged with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, at an organized Town Hall meeting aimed at designing a pathway for lasting peace and national cohesion in the country. Political leaders, Paramount Chiefs, youth groups, religious leaders, and civil society activists, among others, were in attendance at the New Brookfields Hotel. In conflict situations, women and children are the most vulnerable to violence and abuse. Conversations around peace, therefore, cannot happen successfully without their active participation. The latest Town Hall showcased brilliance from exceptional women, who proffered solutions to…

In a significant development for the southern city of Bo, Africell Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Bo City Council, has completed the beautification of the New London roundabout. This initiative marks a major step forward in the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance its infrastructure and aesthetics. The beautification project was officially commissioned during a ceremony attended by key stakeholders, including Africell’s Southeast Manager, Khalil Fawaz. Speaking at the event, Fawaz reaffirmed the telecom giant’s commitment to supporting local communities and municipal efforts across the country. “It is not surprising to see Africell joining hands with communities and local governments…

The Parliament of Sierra Leone, through the Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus Leadership and in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Wednesday 28/08/2024; concluded a three-day recruitment session of Mentors on effective mentoring techniques and ethical considerations. The event was held at the West End Palace, Aberdeen Beach, Freetown. This initiative aims to support the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus in developing and implementing a regional female mentorship program and fostering leadership development for female youths across all five regions. The workshop’s primary goal is to set up a better system for recruiting mentees, empower female Parliamentarians, and equip…

Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) on August 28 2024, welcomed His Excellency Jens Kraus-Masse, the German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for collaboration in the maritime sector. The Executive Director of SLMA, Mr. Daniel Kaitibi, and his Deputy, Mr. Emmanuel Lansana, along with Directors of Safety and Security, Shipping and Environment, Audit, Finance, and Administration, warmly received Ambassador Kraus-Masse at the SLMA headquarters. In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Kaitibi expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for taking the time to visit and learn more about the SLMA’s mission, activities, and…

In a significant partnership aimed at addressing the dual challenges of food insecurity and educational access, Japan and the World Food Programme (WFP) have launched a new initiative in Sierra Leone. The project, titled “Tackling Food Insecurity and Incentivizing Education in Pujehun District through School Feeding,” was officially inaugurated on August 27, 2024, during a ceremony held at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown. The Japanese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Mochizuki Hisanobu, signed an exchange of notes with WFP representatives, marking the commencement of this vital initiative. The project is designed to provide nutritious meals to primary school children in…