By Amin Kef (Ranger)
As the year 2025 draws to a close and the joy of Christmas fills homes and communities, the Management and Editorial Board of The Calabash Newspaper extend warm Christmas and New Year greetings to our esteemed customers, partners and our wide readership across Sierra Leone and in the diaspora. Your confidence, loyalty and consistent readership remain the lifeblood of our institution and the motivation behind our enduring commitment to public-interest journalism.
Founded to serve as an independent and credible voice in the media landscape, The Calabash Newspaper was established in 2017 to champion truth, accountability, good governance and social justice. From its inception, the newspaper has stood firmly for ethical journalism, fearless investigation and balanced reporting, guided by the core values of accuracy, integrity, independence and national development. Over the years, The Calabash has grown into a respected platform for informed debate, civic awareness and democratic engagement.
In 2025, The Calabash Newspaper further strengthened its watchdog role through a series of impactful investigative reports. Among the most notable were investigations into alleged corruption and procurement irregularities within public institutions, raising questions about transparency and accountability. The newspaper also carried in-depth reports on natural resource governance, particularly mining and land-use practices affecting host communities. Investigations into the misuse of public funds and budgetary leakages highlighted their consequences for healthcare, education, and social welfare. In addition, The Calabash brought national attention to human rights concerns, including alleged abuses by security personnel, while sustaining robust coverage of youth unemployment, drug abuse and the growing economic pressures faced by ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
Beyond editorial impact, 2025 marked a year of institutional growth and recognition for The Calabash Newspaper. The paper expanded its digital reach, increased both local and international readership, and received journalism excellence awards and professional commendations from media and civil society organisations for credible reporting, investigative depth and public-interest journalism. Ongoing capacity-building initiatives and newsroom reforms further enhanced editorial quality.
Looking ahead to 2026, Management is committed to deepening the newspaper’s impact through digital innovation, data-driven and multimedia storytelling, expanded investigative units, stronger fact-checking systems and enhanced community engagement. Strategic partnerships aimed at promoting transparency, development and media sustainability will also be prioritized.
As we celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year, The Calabash Newspaper reaffirms its unwavering pledge to serve the people with courage, professionalism and integrity. May this festive season bring peace, unity and prosperity, and may the New Year usher in renewed hope for Sierra Leone and beyond.
