Sierratel Officially Returns to Commercial Service, Expands Nationwide GSM Connectivity

June 30, 2026

Sierra Leone’s national telecommunications company, Sierratel, has officially launched nationwide commercial mobile services, marking a major milestone in the country’s telecommunications sector and signalling the return of the state-owned operator as a competitive player in the digital economy.

The commercial launch, which commenced on Monday, 29 June 2026, enables Sierra Leoneans for the first time in years to purchase a Sierratel SIM card, recharge their accounts, and access voice, SMS and mobile data services nationwide using any GSM-compatible handset.

The relaunch follows the successful implementation of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation, and leading mobile network operator Africell Sierra Leone. The partnership is expected to strengthen national telecommunications services while expanding access to affordable digital connectivity across the country.

Sierratel Officially Returns to Commercial Service

Under the new operational model, Sierratel functions as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), allowing the company to provide branded mobile services nationwide while leveraging an established telecommunications infrastructure. The arrangement enables Sierratel to concentrate on customer service, market expansion and innovation without the burden of maintaining an independent nationwide mobile network.

Despite the operational partnership, the Government of Sierra Leone retains full ownership of the Sierratel brand, its operating licence and its national identity. Officials say the collaboration provides the technical and operational expertise required to restore the country’s historic telecommunications company while safeguarding public ownership.

The relaunch represents a significant chapter in Sierratel’s history. Once regarded as Sierra Leone’s leading telecommunications provider, the company now seeks to reposition itself as a modern digital lifestyle network targeting a new generation of mobile users while reconnecting with long-standing customers who have remained loyal to the brand over the years.

According to the company, the renewed Sierratel brand has been designed to meet the evolving needs of students, entrepreneurs, content creators, professionals and digitally connected consumers seeking flexible, affordable and customer-focused mobile services.

To welcome new subscribers, every newly activated Sierratel SIM card comes with an introductory package that includes 10 minutes of voice calls, 100 SMS messages and 300 megabytes of mobile data. The company says the package is intended to allow customers to immediately experience its services upon activation.

In addition, subscribers who make their first recharge of NLe10 or more using a smartphone will automatically receive a bonus of one gigabyte of mobile data.

The company has also introduced an attractive recharge promotion aimed at rewarding customers from the outset. Under the promotion, smaller recharge amounts attract a 10 percent bonus, while recharges of NLe10 and above receive a 100 percent bonus, providing additional value to subscribers.

Sierratel confirmed that SIM cards are now available at Point-of-Sale outlets throughout Freetown and across the provinces through an expanding nationwide network of authorised dealers and agents.

To support customers, the company has established dedicated customer service operations through its call centre, ensuring subscribers receive prompt assistance whenever required. Its official mobile application and social media platforms have also been activated to provide customers with product information, service updates and ongoing digital support.

Company officials described the commercial launch as more than the return of a telecommunications operator, calling it the revival of a national institution established to serve Sierra Leoneans.

They noted that the initiative demonstrates how strategic partnerships between government and the private sector can successfully revive state-owned enterprises without privatisation or direct government budgetary expenditure.

According to the company, no national asset was sold as part of the arrangement. Instead, the partnership was structured to preserve public ownership while introducing operational efficiency, technological expertise and improved service delivery.

Beyond expanding competition within Sierra Leone’s telecommunications market, the relaunch is expected to contribute to increased digital inclusion, improved access to affordable mobile services and additional public revenue generated through the continued growth of the national operator.

As commercial operations begin nationwide, Sierratel says it remains committed to delivering reliable connectivity, competitive products and customer-focused services while supporting Sierra Leone’s broader digital transformation agenda.

The company has encouraged Sierra Leoneans to visit authorised dealers and Point-of-Sale outlets across the country to obtain their SIM cards and experience the new generation of Sierratel mobile services. Customers can also access assistance through the company’s customer care line by dialling 111, visit sierratel.sl, or follow @Sierratel across its official social media platforms for the latest products, promotions and service updates.

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh Emerges as a Strong Voice for the Global South at Hamburg Sustainability Conference

June 30, 2026

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, emerged as one of the leading voices for developing nations at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) 2026, where he joined heads of state, senior government officials, multilateral development bank presidents and United Nations leaders in discussions on strengthening global resilience and sustainable development.

Held on Monday, 29 June 2026 in Hamburg, Germany, the conference brought together some of the world’s most influential policymakers and financial leaders to address pressing global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, economic instability, climate resilience and sustainable development financing.

Vice President Juldeh Jalloh participated alongside distinguished global figures, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan, United Kingdom Minister of State for International Development and Africa Baroness Jennifer Chapman, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Alexander De Croo, and President of the African Development Bank Group Dr. Sidi Ould Tah.

From the official leaders’ gathering at Hamburg’s historic City Hall to the conference’s high-level policy sessions, the Vice President actively engaged fellow world leaders and development partners, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s growing influence in international discussions on sustainable development, economic resilience and global cooperation.

A defining moment of his participation came during the high-level panel discussion titled “Navigating the Hormuz Crisis: Forging a Collective Response,” which followed a keynote address by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.

Sierra Leone's Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, emerged as one of the leading voices for developing nations at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) 2026 — Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, emerged as one of the leading voices for developing nations at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) 2026

Speaking from the perspective of both a former United Nations governance and security expert for West Africa and the Sahel and the leader of an import-dependent African economy, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh highlighted the severe consequences that geopolitical conflicts have on developing nations.

He observed that disruptions to strategic shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, extend far beyond fuel markets and create widespread economic hardship for vulnerable countries.

“For the Global South, an oil shock is never just an oil shock. It becomes a food shock, a fiscal shock, and ultimately a human development shock,” the Vice President stated.

He explained that increases in global oil prices rapidly translate into higher costs for fuel, food, fertiliser, electricity and transportation, placing enormous strain on national budgets and slowing economic growth in low-income countries.

The Vice President urged the international community to recognize food and energy security as essential pillars of global stability rather than domestic policy concerns, stressing that geopolitical crises in one region often have devastating consequences for millions of people living thousands of miles away.

Beyond outlining the challenges facing developing economies, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh presented practical proposals aimed at strengthening the international financial system and improving global resilience.

He called on multilateral development banks, including the African Development Bank and the World Bank, to establish a Global South Shock Absorption Facility that would provide rapid, flexible financing to countries affected by geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions before such crises escalate into humanitarian emergencies.

Drawing parallels with international climate financing mechanisms, the Vice President argued that global financial institutions should move beyond financing recovery after disasters and instead invest in preventive resilience that enables vulnerable economies to withstand external shocks.

“We must shift from financing recovery after crises to financing resilience before they occur,” he emphasized.

He noted that countries like Sierra Leone require responsive financial instruments capable of cushioning economies against sudden external shocks while protecting critical investments in health, education, agriculture and infrastructure.

His intervention received considerable attention during the conference and reinforced growing calls for reforms that make the international financial architecture more responsive to the realities confronting developing countries.

Observers noted that Sierra Leone’s contribution elevated the country’s profile from being a participant in global discussions to becoming an active contributor of policy solutions aimed at strengthening economic resilience across the Global South.

Throughout the conference, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh also held engagements with international leaders, development partners and representatives of multilateral institutions, further strengthening Sierra Leone’s diplomatic presence on the global stage.

His participation underscored the country’s commitment to constructive international engagement and demonstrated Sierra Leone’s determination to contribute meaningfully to shaping policies that promote equitable growth, sustainable development and inclusive global prosperity.

As the Hamburg Sustainability Conference concluded its deliberations, Sierra Leone’s Vice President left a strong impression as a persuasive advocate for developing nations, calling for greater international solidarity, stronger multilateral cooperation and financial reforms capable of protecting vulnerable economies from increasingly complex global challenges.

His message resonated clearly throughout the conference: sustainable development cannot be achieved without ensuring that developing countries have the financial resilience and international support needed to withstand the economic consequences of geopolitical crises beyond their control.

Government, A2MEND Explore New Opportunities for Higher Education and Youth Development

June 29, 2026

Large group of professionals posing on tiled steps outside a building, many in navy polo shirts and others in business attire, facing the camera and smiling.

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening international educational partnerships following a high-level engagement with a delegation from the African American Male Education Network and Development (A2MEND) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.

The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in higher education, technical and vocational training, research, leadership development, youth empowerment and cultural exchange between Sierra Leone, Africa and the United States.

Welcoming the delegation, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, described the visit as a significant opportunity to deepen cooperation in education and human capital development. She emphasized that investing in young people through quality education, skills training and leadership development remains a key priority of the Government of Sierra Leone.

Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie noted that the Government continues to make substantial investments in the education sector as part of its broader commitment to developing a skilled and competitive workforce capable of driving national development.

Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education across the country. He disclosed plans to establish community colleges nationwide while expanding skills training in strategic sectors, including agro-processing and renewable energy.

According to him, practical and industry-oriented education is essential to equipping young people with the skills required for employment and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth.

Senior Permanent Secretary, Sheick Kargbo, underscored the importance of academic research in exploring the historical and cultural connections between Africa and the Americas. He encouraged greater collaboration among academic institutions to promote research and knowledge exchange.

Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Abdul Senesie, also called for stronger alignment between educational initiatives and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, stressing that education must remain a catalyst for Africa’s long-term development and transformation.

Speaking on behalf of A2MEND, the organization’s Executive Director, Dr. Erin Vines, outlined the institution’s mission of mentoring and developing Black male students through leadership programmes, scholarships, academic support and international study opportunities.

He said reconnecting people of African descent with their cultural heritage remains central to A2MEND’s mission and expressed optimism that stronger partnerships with Sierra Leone would create lasting educational and developmental opportunities for students on both sides of the Atlantic.

During their visit, members of the A2MEND delegation are expected to tour key Government institutions, universities and historical sites across Sierra Leone as part of efforts to identify areas for future collaboration in education, research and youth development.

The engagement concluded with both the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the A2MEND delegation reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in education, leadership development, academic research, cultural exchange and youth empowerment, with the aim of creating lasting opportunities for future generations.

Chief Justice Reaffirms Judiciary’s Commitment to Combating Financial Crimes

June 29, 2026

Professional man in a suit sits at a desk with folders and a government seal on the desk (office scene) — not identifying the person assumes an official setting.

By Ibrahim Sesay

Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to strengthening the country’s legal and institutional response to financial crimes, terrorism financing, money laundering and other forms of transnational organized crime.

The assurance was given on Thursday, 25 June 2026, when the Chief Justice received a high-level delegation from the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for West Africa (ARINWA) at his Chambers on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown. The meeting focused on advancing efforts to establish a comprehensive Asset Recovery and Management Framework in Sierra Leone aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity to recover proceeds of crime and strengthen accountability.

The ARINWA delegation comprised the organization’s President and Director General of Senegal’s National Office for the Recovery of Criminal Assets (ONRAC), Mor Ndiaye; ARINWA Permanent Secretary, Madam Kadiatou Ly Sangaré; and Assistant Permanent Secretary, Charles Ballet. The delegation was led by the Director of Sierra Leone’s Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), David N. Borbor.

Addressing the delegation, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda stressed the importance of establishing effective legal mechanisms that not only ensure the prosecution of offenders but also deprive criminals of the financial benefits derived from their illegal activities.

He emphasized that an effective asset recovery system is a vital component of the country’s fight against corruption, organized crime and illicit financial flows.

“Crime should never pay,” the Chief Justice declared, noting that a credible asset recovery regime is fundamental to promoting accountability, strengthening public confidence in the justice system and safeguarding the integrity of national institutions.

He further observed that effective asset recovery mechanisms serve as a strong deterrent to criminal conduct while reinforcing transparency, accountability and the rule of law. According to him, strengthening the legal framework for tracing, confiscating and managing criminal assets is essential to protecting the country’s economic and governance systems from abuse by criminal networks.

The visit by the ARINWA delegation forms part of broader regional efforts to enhance cooperation among West African countries in tracing, recovering and managing assets obtained through criminal activities. Such collaboration is expected to improve information sharing, strengthen institutional capacity and promote coordinated responses to cross-border financial crimes.

The meeting also highlighted Sierra Leone’s growing commitment to aligning its legal and judicial systems with international best practices in asset recovery and financial crime prevention, while reinforcing partnerships with regional institutions dedicated to combating organized crime across West Africa.

Sierra Leone Secures US$60 Million for Renewable Energy Expansion

June 29, 2026

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Sierra Leone has received a major boost in its drive to achieve universal electricity access following the World Bank Board’s approval of US$60 million under the first phase of the Regional Programme for Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Solutions (Regional DARES).

The funding forms part of a broader US$200 million regional financing package benefiting Sierra Leone, Benin, the Central African Republic and Liberia. It represents the first phase of an ambitious US$853 million regional initiative aimed at expanding access to clean and reliable electricity through renewable energy technologies.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the investment will support Sierra Leone’s National Energy Compact under the Mission 300 initiative by accelerating the deployment of solar home systems, mini-grids and other off-grid renewable energy solutions, particularly in rural and underserved communities where extending the national electricity grid remains both costly and challenging.

The initiative comes at a time when only 36 percent of Sierra Leone’s population has access to electricity. Through Regional DARES, the programme is expected to mobilize an additional US$54 million in private sector investment while providing reliable electricity to more than 1.2 million people and approximately 24,000 businesses across the country. Homes, schools, health facilities and commercial enterprises are expected to benefit significantly from the improved energy supply.

Beyond increasing electricity access, the programme is expected to stimulate economic growth by improving productivity among farmers, cooperatives and small businesses. It will also generate employment opportunities for young people and women through the expansion of Sierra Leone’s renewable energy value chain while supporting the country’s transition to cleaner and more climate-resilient sources of energy.

The Ministry of Energy, on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone, expressed appreciation to the World Bank Group and development partners for their continued collaboration in supporting the country’s energy sector transformation.

Minister of Energy, Cyril Grant, described the approval as another significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey towards universal electricity access.

“The approval of Regional DARES is another important step towards achieving universal access to electricity in Sierra Leone. Distributed renewable energy offers the fastest and most practical way to reach many of our rural communities. This investment will help bring reliable electricity to households, schools, health facilities and businesses, while creating opportunities for economic growth. We are committed to ensuring that these resources deliver real benefits for the people of Sierra Leone,” the Minister stated.

The Ministry further noted that the Regional DARES programme builds on ongoing reforms and recent investments in Sierra Leone’s energy sector, including the RESPITE Project, while complementing broader Government efforts to strengthen the electricity sector, encourage greater private sector participation and accelerate national development through sustainable energy solutions.

Rice Production Rises by 4.2% as Sierra Leone Moves Closer to Food Self-Sufficiency

June 29, 2026

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Government of Sierra Leone has announced encouraging progress in the country’s agricultural sector following the release of the 2025 Sierra Leone Crop Production Survey, which shows increased rice production, improved crop yields and steady advancement toward national food self-sufficiency under the Feed Salone programme.

Published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) on 26 June 2026, the survey was conducted in partnership with the Planning, Evaluation, Monitoring and Statistics Division (PEMSD) and Statistics Sierra Leone. It provides comprehensive data on the country’s agricultural performance during the 2025/2026 cropping season and highlights positive trends across both food and cash crops.

According to the report, Sierra Leone produced 1,441,015 metric tonnes of paddy rice in 2025, representing a 4.21 percent increase over the previous year’s production. The report attributes the increase to the expansion of cultivated farmland and improved productivity among farmers nationwide.

The survey shows that farmers cultivated approximately 661,016 hectares of rice during the year, reflecting a 3.86 percent increase compared to 2024. National average rice yield also improved significantly, rising by 9 percent to 2.37 metric tonnes per hectare. Rice self-sufficiency increased to 73 percent, up from 72 percent recorded the previous year, demonstrating continued progress toward reducing dependence on imported rice.

Officials noted that Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) farming remains the country’s most productive rice-growing ecology, contributing 58 percent of national rice production while recording the highest average yield of 2.97 metric tonnes per hectare. Upland farming accounted for 27 percent of total production, followed by boli lands with 9 percent, riverine areas with 4 percent and mangrove ecologies contributing 1 percent.

The nationwide survey covered all 15 districts using crop-cutting techniques supported by GPS-based area measurements to produce nationally representative estimates. A total of 6,340 rice-producing households and 2,625 households cultivating other crops were sampled, while 41,368 rice farmers were enumerated to establish the national rice sampling framework.

Beyond rice, the survey recorded encouraging performances in other major crops. Cassava remained the country’s largest food crop, with production reaching 1,654,516 metric tonnes at an average yield of 12.54 metric tonnes per hectare. Groundnut production stood at 95,873 metric tonnes with an average yield of 2.33 metric tonnes per hectare, while maize production reached 91,666 metric tonnes at an average yield of 2.80 metric tonnes per hectare. Cocoa production totalled 19,642 metric tonnes with an average yield of 1.50 metric tonnes per hectare, reaffirming its importance as a major export commodity.

Despite those gains, the survey identified several challenges limiting agricultural productivity. Only 4.9 percent of farmers reported using chemical fertilizers, while pesticide use remained low at 1.7 percent. Irrigation access also remains limited, with only 18.8 percent of farmers in boli and upland ecologies benefiting from irrigation systems. Additionally, 27.9 percent of IVS farmers reported cultivating rehabilitated swamp land.

The report recommends increased investment in Inland Valley Swamp rehabilitation, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, improved access to agricultural inputs and strengthened extension services. It concludes that continued implementation of the Feed Salone initiative will be critical to sustaining agricultural growth, improving farmers’ livelihoods and accelerating Sierra Leone’s journey toward achieving full national food security.

Edleen B. Elba Chairs Inaugural NCTVE Council Meeting, Charts New Course for TVET Reform

June 29, 2026

Smiling woman with short curly hair and glasses, seated at a table with papers and a blue pen in a meeting room.

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE) has held its inaugural Council Meeting, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and align skills development with the country’s economic transformation agenda.

Held on Thursday, 25 June 2026, at the NCTVE Conference Room on A.J. Momoh Street, Tower Hill, the meeting brought together the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary, Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, NCTVE Director, Council members and key stakeholders in the TVET sector.

Officially inaugurating the Council, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a modern, industry-driven TVET system capable of producing a skilled workforce to meet labour market demands. She said the NCTVE Act 2025 strengthens quality assurance, accreditation, certification, institutional accountability and aligns Sierra Leone’s TVET system with international best practices.

The Minister noted that one of the defining features of the new legislation is the stronger role assigned to the private sector in TVET governance. She explained that involving employers in curriculum development, workplace learning, assessment and standards setting will ensure that training remains relevant to industry needs.

Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie congratulated the newly appointed Chairperson, Madam Edleen B. Elba, describing her extensive private sector experience as a valuable asset that will strengthen the link between skills development and economic growth. She emphasized that President Julius Maada Bio’s Human Capital Development Agenda and the Big Five Game Changers depend on a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, job creation and national development.

Chairing the inaugural meeting, Edleen B. Elba expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for appointing her to lead the Council following parliamentary approval earlier this month. She also thanked the Minister for articulating a clear vision for strengthening TVET and said the discussions reflected a shared commitment to transforming technical education in Sierra Leone.

According to Edleen B. Elba, the Council believes that TVET must become the education of choice by ensuring every learner has a clear pathway to sustainable employment, opportunities for lifelong learning and the dignity that comes with mastering practical skills and contributing meaningfully to national development.

She outlined the Council’s priorities, including strengthening quality assurance, promoting innovation and digital transformation, expanding access and inclusion and deepening partnerships with industry to ensure TVET contributes significantly to youth employment and economic growth.

Edleen B. Elba also highlighted the importance of women’s representation in leadership, noting that only four of the 21 Council members are women. She commended the Ministry for entrusting the Council’s chairmanship to a woman and said greater female representation enriches decision-making and inspires more women to take leadership roles in education and national development.

Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Dr. Josephus Brimah, described the inaugural meeting as a landmark achievement following the enactment of the NCTVE Act 2025. He said the establishment of the Council demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthening oversight, coordination and quality assurance across technical and vocational institutions.

The meeting concluded with Council members pledging to work collaboratively with Government, industry, development partners and other stakeholders over the next three years to build a modern, inclusive and respected TVET system capable of equipping Sierra Leoneans with the skills required to drive sustainable national development.

Life Imprisonment for Amos Aiah Daniel as Court Delivers Tough Verdict in Child Sexual Assault Case

June 29, 2026

By Ibrahim Sesay

The Resident High Court Judge in Koidu City, Kono District, Honourable Justice Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura, has sentenced 20-year-old Amos Aiah Daniel to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a two-year-old child whose injuries led to her death.

Justice Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura delivered the sentence on Friday, 26 June 2026, at the High Court in Koidu City, Gbense Chiefdom, following the defendant’s guilty plea to three serious sexual offences involving the deceased child.

Amos Aiah Daniel, of No. 9 Sandor Street, Koidu City, was arraigned before the High Court on a three-count indictment of Sexual Penetration of a Child, contrary to Section 4(a)(iii) of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019; Meeting a Child for Sexual Purposes, contrary to Section 23(1)(a) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2012; and Sexual Touching, contrary to Section 20(1)(a) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

The prosecution told the court that on 4 March 2026, the two-year-old victim died following the sexual assault in Kono District.

When the charges were read, the defendant pleaded guilty to all three counts.

State Counsel Charles Foday Sesay informed the court that the convict had a previous criminal conviction and was also standing trial for another felonious offence. He urged the court to impose a sentence that reflected the gravity of the crimes committed.

In his allocutus, the convict pleaded for mercy.

Defence Counsel Alpha Osman Kamara Esq., in mitigation, submitted that his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, cooperated fully with investigators and had not wasted the court’s time. He appealed to the court to temper justice with mercy and impose a minimal sentence.

In delivering judgment, Honourable Justice Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura acknowledged the defendant’s guilty plea and the judicial time it had saved. However, he emphasized that the seriousness of the offence warranted the harshest punishment.

“The conduct of the convict was despicable and unimaginable for any human being. By his actions, the convict robbed the nation of a potential contributor to nation-building,” Justice Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura stated.

The judge further observed that the deceased child could have grown to become a President, First Lady, Judge, Lawyer, Doctor, Nurse or Accountant.

“These are the aspirations and dreams the convict has killed,” Justice Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura said, adding that the defendant deserved the toughest punishment under the law.

The court subsequently sentenced Amos Aiah Daniel to life imprisonment on Count One for Sexual Penetration of a Child. He was also sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on Count Two for Meeting a Child for Sexual Purposes and 10 years’ imprisonment on Count Three for Sexual Touching.

Justice Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura ordered that the sentences run concurrently, making the life imprisonment sentence the effective punishment.

The judgment underscores the Judiciary’s continued commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence against minors face the full weight of the law.

Labour Ministry Extends Work Permit Enforcement to Airports, Seaports & Land Borders, Begining Today

June 29, 2026

Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has announced that enforcement of the Work Permit Act, 2023 will be expanded to Sierra Leone’s international airports, seaports and land border crossings beginning Monday, 29 June 2026, as part of the Government’s nationwide drive to strengthen compliance with labour and immigration laws.

The announcement follows a three-day compliance and enforcement mission to Bo and Kenema led by the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, who reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all foreign nationals working in Sierra Leone possess valid work permits and resident permits in accordance with the law.

The latest move comes after five foreign nationals travelling on an Air Peace flight from Kenema on Friday, 26 June 2026, were denied boarding during immigration clearance after failing to present authentic resident documentation. Although the action was taken under existing immigration procedures, the Ministry described the incident as a clear demonstration of the Government’s determination to strengthen compliance at all official entry and exit points.

Speaking at the conclusion of the enforcement mission, the Minister said the airport action sends a strong signal that Sierra Leone’s labour and immigration laws will be strictly enforced.

“Today’s airport action sends a clear message that compliance with Sierra Leone’s laws will be rigorously enforced. Beginning Monday, our enforcement will be expanded to include work permit compliance at airports, seaports and land border crossings. Every non-national who is required by law to hold a Work Permit must be able to produce one, together with a valid Resident Permit. Employers also have a legal responsibility to ensure their foreign employees are fully compliant,” he stated.

Mohamed Rahman Swaray emphasized that Sierra Leone remains open to genuine investment and skilled foreign professionals but stressed that all investors and foreign workers must respect the country’s legal framework governing employment and immigration.

The nationwide enforcement exercise formed part of a broader compliance mission during which the Minister engaged employers, conducted workplace inspections and met with the Southern and Eastern Regional Police Commands to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry, the Sierra Leone Police, the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, the Office of National Security and other enforcement institutions responsible for implementing the Employment Act, 2023 and the Work Permit Act, 2023.

Commissioner of Labour and Employment, Sinneh Bockarie, said stronger coordination among state institutions would significantly improve regulatory compliance while protecting Sierra Leone’s labour market.

“Labour compliance is a shared national responsibility. By working together, Labour, Immigration, the Police, the Office of National Security and our implementation partners are strengthening regulatory compliance, protecting the integrity of Sierra Leone’s labour market and enhancing national security,” he said.

During the inspections, officials visited several workplaces in Bo and Kenema, including Splash Purified Water Company, First Tricon Limited, Dorwaila Hotel and Hill Top Hotel, where employers were directed to address various violations relating to employment contracts, workplace safety, payment of the national minimum wage, NASSIT registration and work permit requirements for foreign employees.

At Splash Purified Water Company, inspectors discovered that the recently approved national minimum wage of Le1,200 had not been implemented for eligible workers. The company was issued an Improvement Notice and given seven days to correct salary discrepancies and occupational health and safety concerns.

First Tricon Limited was also instructed to regularize the work permit status of all foreign employees, submit workers’ contracts for verification, register with the Occupational Safety and Health Department and ensure full compliance with labour and social security laws.

Addressing Managements of businesses visited during the exercise, Commissioner Sinneh Bockarie said the Ministry has abandoned its previous complaint-driven approach in favour of proactive nationwide inspections.

“We are no longer waiting in our offices in Freetown for complaints before taking action. We are taking the Ministry to workplaces across the country to ensure employers comply with the Employment Act and the Work Permit Act, 2023. These inspections enable us to engage employers directly, identify areas of non-compliance, provide immediate guidance where necessary and enforce the law effectively,” he said.

The Ministry has advised all employers and foreign nationals to ensure that valid resident permits and work permits are obtained before engaging in employment, warning that compliance inspections will continue nationwide as Government intensifies enforcement of the Employment Act, 2023 and the Work Permit Act, 2023 to safeguard workers’ rights, promote lawful employment practices and strengthen workplace standards across Sierra Leone.

SLCAA DG Intensifies Implementation of Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport

June 29, 2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Musayeroh Barrie, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to strengthening public health surveillance and aviation safety by intensifying the implementation of the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal at the Freetown International Airport (FNA).

As part of efforts to enhance border health security, the SLCAA convened a high-level stakeholder engagement that brought together airline representatives, officials from the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), and other key aviation partners to advance the operationalization of the digital Health Travel Portal.

The engagement focused on addressing practical implementation challenges while strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the effective deployment of the platform, which is designed to improve passenger health screening, facilitate the collection and management of travel health information, and strengthen disease surveillance before travellers arrive in Sierra Leone.

Addressing participants, Director General Musayeroh Barrie said the meeting was convened to determine the way forward for the full implementation of the portal while resolving operational concerns previously raised by airline operators.

She noted that although several discussions had already taken place regarding the initiative, the latest engagement was specifically designed to focus on implementation realities and develop practical solutions that would enable the system to function efficiently.

Barrie emphasized that the participation of airline representatives was essential to ensuring they fully understood the procedures for accessing passenger health information through the portal. She added that the engagement also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to identify operational bottlenecks and recommend practical measures to improve implementation.

“The SLCAA is working closely with our partners to ensure that every traveller complies with the Health Travel Declaration requirement before arriving at the airport. This is an important measure to protect public health and strengthen our national health security,” she stated.

The Director General urged all passengers travelling to Sierra Leone to complete their mandatory Travel Health Declaration before arrival, stressing that compliance would significantly contribute to protecting the country’s borders against the importation and spread of infectious diseases.

She described the Health Travel Portal as a critical component of Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to strengthen disease surveillance, improve border health security, and promote safe, efficient and seamless travel through the country’s main international gateway.

Participants at the engagement first received a comprehensive presentation outlining the portal’s functionality, operational processes and expected outcomes before engaging in detailed discussions on implementation challenges, stakeholder responsibilities and recommendations for effective deployment.

According to the SLCAA, the Health Travel Portal is a digital platform developed to improve health screening procedures, facilitate the collection and management of essential passenger health information, and strengthen disease surveillance before travellers enter Sierra Leone.

Officials explained that the platform will play a significant role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, including Ebola, while enhancing the country’s preparedness and response to potential public health emergencies. By enabling authorities to collect accurate health information before passengers arrive, the system will support timely interventions where necessary and improve coordination among relevant government institutions.

Beyond strengthening disease prevention and emergency response mechanisms, the portal is also expected to improve passenger processing, enhance data management and align Sierra Leone’s aviation health systems with international best practices.

Barrie underscored that the successful implementation of the initiative would depend on sustained collaboration among government institutions, airline operators, health authorities and other stakeholders within the aviation sector.