‘Land for Life’ Concludes Media Alliance Meeting to Strengthen Land Governance Reporting

October 27, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Land for Life Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible media engagement in land governance, food security and environmental sustainability through its Media Alliance Initiative. The renewed commitment was announced during the Land for Life Media Alliance Meeting held on Friday, 24th October 2025, at the CHASL Building on Kingharman Road in Freetown.

Speaking at the event, Jacob Wilson, Communications and M&E Officer at Land for Life, underscored the media’s crucial role in shaping public understanding, accountability and transparency around land rights, gender equality and responsible land investment. He explained that the Media Alliance serves as a collaborative platform for journalists, editors, bloggers and media institutions to promote accurate, inclusive and impactful reporting on land and food governance in Sierra Leone.

Since its inception in 2019, Land for Life has partnered with the media to strengthen responsible reporting on land issues. In 2021, it formalized the Media Alliance through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 16 media outlets across Tonkolili, Port Loko, Pujehun and Kenema Districts. The initiative has since delivered specialized media training facilitated by veteran journalist Umaru Fofana, supported the production of radio programs amplifying community voices and promoted joint investigations into major land disputes such as Black Johnson and Sahn Malen.

Jacob Wilson explained that the Alliance’s key goals are to enhance transparency in land governance, raise awareness on land reforms, amplify marginalized voices and counter misinformation with factual, ethical reporting. Moving forward, Land for Life plans to expand its partnerships with organizations such as BBC Media Action and other international media networks to ensure sustainability, resource mobilization and continuous professional development for members.

He revealed that upcoming training programs will focus on investigative reporting, environmental journalism, carbon credit systems and gender-sensitive storytelling, alongside advanced fact-checking to curb misinformation. Jacob Wilson added that such trainings are essential to maintain professional standards and ensure journalists play constructive roles in promoting responsible governance.

Delivering the keynote address, Berns Komba Lebbie, National Coordinator of Land for Life Sierra Leone, emphasized the need for effective implementation of the Customary Land Rights Act and the National Land Commission Act, describing them as “historic reforms” designed to ensure peace, justice and inclusive development. He noted that those laws enacted in 2022 represent Sierra Leone’s strongest attempt yet to address inequalities in land ownership and management, particularly those that excluded women and youth.

Berns Komba Lebbie explained that Sierra Leone’s dual land tenure system Freehold in the Western Area and Customary Land Tenure in the provinces had long created inequality and fueled social tensions. The new laws harmonize those systems, introducing inclusive decision-making processes such as requiring 60% consent from family members before leasing family land. “The purpose of these reforms,” Lebbie stated, “is to ensure transparent and equitable management of land so every Sierra Leonean, especially women and youth, can benefit from its potential.”

He further revealed that Land for Life has produced simplified educational materials to help local communities understand the new laws, particularly the functions of Chiefdom Land Committees and Village Area Land Committees. He reminded participants that much of Sierra Leone’s past conflict stemmed from opaque and discriminatory land practices, and that fair land governance remains vital for long-term peace.

Berns Komba Lebbie urged journalists in the Media Alliance to champion public education on land rights, emphasizing that “the sustainability of reforms depends on how well people understand and use them.” He encouraged the media to report responsibly and continue engaging communities, policymakers and local authorities to ensure transparency and accountability.

Representing the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Financial Secretary, Mohamed Konneh, commended Land for Life for building a strong partnership with the media through the Alliance. Speaking on behalf of the SLAJ President, he described the initiative as “a timely and necessary intervention” that bridges journalists, Civil Society and land governance institutions.

“Land remains one of the most sensitive and contested issues in Sierra Leone,” Mohamed Konneh said. “As journalists, we have a duty to ensure that information about land, investment and governance is reported with accuracy, fairness and responsibility.” He reaffirmed SLAJ’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of journalists to report on complex governance issues, environmental protection and community rights.

Mohamed Konneh urged media practitioners to use their platforms to educate citizens, counter misinformation and highlight the voices of marginalized communities, particularly women and rural populations disproportionately affected by poor land governance. He concluded that the collaboration between SLAJ and Land for Life symbolizes a shared mission to advance peacebuilding, transparency and sustainable development through responsible journalism.

Adding a gender perspective, Mariama Bah, representing the Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) leadership, called for stronger collaboration between journalists and advocacy groups to amplify women’s voices in land reform processes. She stressed that land is not only an economic asset but a human rights and gender justice issue, central to women’s empowerment and livelihood.

“As women in the media, we see the Land for Life Media Alliance as an opportunity to use our voices and platforms to ensure that land governance reflects fairness, inclusivity and sustainability,” Mariama Bah said. She reaffirmed WIMSAL’s commitment to empowering female journalists to effectively report on land, environment and development issues, noting that informed reporting can influence policy and reshape public narratives.

Mariama Bah urged members of the Alliance to move beyond signing MoUs toward achieving tangible change, saying, “We must focus on transforming narratives and promoting accountability in land use and governance across Sierra Leone.”

Delivering remarks on behalf of WIMSAL President, Martha Kargbo, the Association’s Director of Communications commended Land for Life for fostering collaboration among journalists and for using the media as a tool for social justice and reform. She highlighted that while the 2022 land laws mark progress in advancing women’s rights, “laws alone are not enough, change depends on awareness, education and advocacy and this is where the media plays a vital role.”

Martha Kargbo explained that a gender-sensitive media landscape is key to ensuring those legal gains translate into real empowerment. Through its partnership with Land for Life, WIMSAL will mobilize journalists across Sierra Leone to tell stories that humanize women’s struggles, expose injustice and celebrate progress, helping to turn legislation into lived reality.

She concluded by urging all media actors under the Alliance to use their platforms responsibly to promote equity, transparency and justice in land governance. “Together,” she said, “we can build a future where every Sierra Leonean especially women not only knows their land rights but also has the freedom and opportunity to exercise them.”

Through its Media Alliance and signing of Memorandum of Understanding with various media houses present, Land for Life Sierra Leone continues to position the media as a central partner in promoting responsible governance and sustainable land management.

Court Cracks Down on Drug Possession: Two Convicted Under National Drugs Control Act

October 27, 2025

The High Court of Sierra Leone, presided over by Honourable Justice Isata Susan Sellu-Tucker, has on 23rd October 2025 convicted and sentenced two individuals for unlawful possession of prohibited drugs, in violation of the National Drugs Control Act No. 10 of 2008. The sentencing took place at Court No. 5, Main Law Courts Building in Freetown.

The convicts, Sheka Kamara, aged 25, of Leah Street, off Kissy Road, and Abu Bakarr Sesay, aged 55, of Kosso Town, were arraigned on a one-count indictment of unlawful possession of drugs contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008.

According to the prosecution, on 28th March 2024, Sheka Kamara was found in possession of 25 grams of Kush at Freetown without lawful authority. Similarly, on 27th October 2024, Abu Bakarr Sesay was apprehended at Malta Street in the East End of Freetown with 60.5 grams of Kush, also without lawful authority.

Both accused persons pleaded guilty to the charge.

In delivering her judgment, Justice Sellu-Tucker said the court had taken into account their early guilty pleas and remorse, noting that such admissions saved the court’s valuable time. However, she stressed that the court could not ignore the increasing prevalence of drug-related offences and their devastating effects on society, especially among the youth.

“These offences are serious and pose a growing threat to public health and social stability,” she stated. “The court must therefore express its disapproval through deterrent custodial sentences to curb the alarming rate of drug possession and abuse in the country.”

Following her remarks, the judge convicted both defendants as charged.

Sheka Kamara was sentenced to twelve (12) years imprisonment at the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre.
Abu Bakarr Sesay received ten (10) years imprisonment at the same facility.

Justice Sellu-Tucker concluded by reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice serves as both a corrective and deterrent measure in the fight against illegal drugs in Sierra Leone.

Dr. Yumkella Visits Nant Power Project Site in Kissy — “Boots on the Ground” After CRET 2025

October 27, 2025

Just days after the conclusion of the Climate Resilience and Energy Transition (CRET 2025) Dialogue, Presidential Initiative Lead on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, has continued his hands-on leadership approach by visiting the Nant Power Project site at Kissy on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

The visit, which came immediately after the national dialogue, underscored Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella’s commitment to translating policy discussions into tangible progress on the ground. He was accompanied by his technical team and received a warm welcome from the General Manager of Nant Power, Abu Kamara, who outlined the project’s urgency and strategic importance to Sierra Leone’s energy sector.

Before the inspection began the Health, Safety and Environment Manager, Raji Abdallah, conducted a brief safety session followed by a technical presentation from Chief Engineer, Raphael Akhigbe, who provided an overview of the site layout, engineering designs and project milestones.

At the main construction site, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella was guided by the Executive Chairman of Nant Power, Karim Nasser, who explained the progress achieved so far and the company’s plans to commence production in phases. Karim Nasser disclosed that the project aims to generate between 60 and 70 megawatts (MW) of electricity by December 2026, a major boost toward stabilizing the national power grid and supporting industrial growth.

Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and commended the Nant Power Management for their dedication and transparency. “We are pleased to come here,” he said. “The President did the groundbreaking last year and I will go back to brief him about how far you have gone. I heard your timelines; by March, we will come back and we expect to see those towers rising. The big news is that the first engine will start pumping power of about 60 to 70 MW by December 2026.”

He further emphasized the Government’s focus on accountability, efficiency and progress monitoring within the energy sector adding that projects like Nant Power are essential to Sierra Leone’s broader energy transition goals.

Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella’s visit exemplifies his “boots on the ground” philosophy, ensuring that national commitments made during dialogues like CRET 2025 are followed by practical, measurable action.

Under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone is advancing steadily toward energy security, with the Nant Power Project emerging as a pivotal initiative to drive industrial growth and enhance livelihoods nationwide.

Sierra Leone, Angola Set to Sign Landmark Mineral Cooperation MoU After AIMC 2025 Talks

October 27, 2025

The Angola International Mining Conference (AIMC 2025) opened with a major step toward continental mineral cooperation as the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources of Sierra Leone, Julius Daniel Mattai, engaged in a strategic bilateral meeting with Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas of Angola. The landmark engagement, held from October 22 to 23, 2025, at the Talatona Convention Center in Luanda, laid the foundation for a new phase of mineral sector collaboration between the two countries.

Julius Daniel Mattai, who also serves as Chairman of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), led a high-powered Sierra Leonean delegation comprising Dr. Kelvin Anderson, Deputy Director-General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA); Mohamed Bah, Director of Precious Minerals Trading (PMT); Salieu Bah, PMT Manager and Ms. Ella Muchemwa, Executive Director of ADPA.

In his address, the Minister underscored Sierra Leone’s readiness to deepen ties with Angola across several key sectors; solid mineral exploration, oil and gas development, advanced mining technologies and human capital enhancement. He highlighted that such cooperation would drive responsible, inclusive and innovative growth for Sierra Leone’s extractive industries.

Responding, Diamantino Pedro Azevedo welcomed the initiative and proposed the swift formalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide future collaboration. A joint technical team from both nations is expected to finalize the draft within two weeks, with the signing ceremony scheduled to take place in one of Angola’s leading mining communities.

The Sierra Leonean delegation will also explore Angola’s community development model, recognized as one of the most successful in Africa. This model integrates mining with social investment, focusing on education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure.

Angolan state-owned diamond companies Endiama and Luele were lauded for their strong commitment to local content, environmental protection and community empowerment, offering critical lessons for Sierra Leone’s evolving mineral economy.

Both Ministers reaffirmed their belief that Africa’s mineral wealth must directly benefit its people through ownership and local participation. The partnership will therefore focus on:

Training Sierra Leoneans in Angola’s technical institutes in diamond cutting, polishing, welding and electrical trades.
Encouraging joint ventures in diamonds, industrial minerals, aggregates and oil and gas.
Enhancing local beneficiation and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen Sierra Leone’s industrial competence.

As ADPA Chairman, Julius Mattai raised institutional challenges facing the Association, notably the freezing of its bank account due to tax classification issues. Minister Diamantino Pedro Azevedo pledged to personally engage Angola’s Ministry of Finance and the Administração Geral Tributária (AGT) to resolve the matter. He also confirmed Angola’s ongoing support for ADPA’s work and the ratification of its Agreement by the Angolan Parliament.

The meeting ended with both Ministers reaffirming their shared vision of an Africa-led, value-driven mineral sector. They agreed to accelerate the MoU process, strengthen ADPA’s operational base and initiate skills exchange programs as immediate priorities.

Minister Julius Daniel Mattai reiterated Sierra Leone’s determination to transform its mineral wealth into sustainable human capital, while Minister Diamantino Pedro Azevedo expressed Angola’s commitment to walking alongside Sierra Leone on a transformative journey.

The partnership between Sierra Leone and Angola, two mineral-rich African nations, emerges as a beacon of continental collaboration, innovation and economic empowerment, setting the stage for a more self-reliant and prosperous Africa.

Dutch Drug Suspect ‘Jos’ to Be Extradited

October 27, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

During the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly Press Conference held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, provided a comprehensive update on ongoing drug-related investigations involving Sierra Leoneans and the Government’s stance on recent international allegations.

Addressing the media, the Minister confirmed that Guinean authorities have completed their investigation into the case involving a Sierra Leone Embassy utility vehicle found with suspected illicit substances. He stated that the individuals apprehended in the vehicle have been charged to court in Guinea. However, investigations found no evidence implicating the then Sierra Leone Ambassador to Guinea.

“The Guinean authorities have cleared the former Ambassador of any criminal involvement. His recall by President Julius Maada Bio was a matter of discretion, not disciplinary action,” Chernor Bah clarified.

On the issue of the alleged Dutch drug trafficker, known as Jos, the Minister assured the public that the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, is working closely with international partners, including the Dutch authorities, to ensure that the extradition process is handled lawfully and efficiently.

“The extradition will be conducted strictly in accordance with Sierra Leone’s legal framework,” he emphasized. “The rule of law must be respected in all international judicial processes.”

Responding to recent media reports alleging that a Turkish drug lord was in possession of a Sierra Leonean diplomatic passport, Chernor Bah confirmed that an investigation is underway to establish the veracity of the claims. He reaffirmed the Government’s zero-tolerance stance on the misuse of national documents and reiterated that no known criminal has ever been issued a Sierra Leonean passport by the state.

“Anyone can choose to be a criminal on their own volition,” Chernor Bah said. “But it is important for the public to understand that the Government of Sierra Leone does not and will not knowingly issue diplomatic or ordinary passports to individuals of criminal background.”

The Minister urged the media and the public to exercise restraint and await official findings as the Government continues its investigations, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law in all national and international matters.

NatCA Director General Leads Africa’s Digital Transformation Dialogue at MWC25 Kigali

October 27, 2025

The Director General of the National Communications Authority (NatCA), Amara Brewah, has positioned Sierra Leone at the center of Africa’s digital transformation conversation with a groundbreaking keynote address at the MWC25 held at the Kigali Convention Center in Kigali, Rwanda. Speaking on the theme: “Empowering Africa Through Inclusive Spectrum Policies,” the Director General captivated Ministers, regulators and global industry leaders with a vision that placed connectivity and inclusion at the heart of Africa’s future growth.

Amara Brewah emphasized that Africa’s next phase of development will be driven not by natural resources such as oil or diamonds but by digital connectivity. He described the electromagnetic spectrum, though unseen, as the invisible lifeblood powering communication, innovation and opportunity across the continent.

“Spectrum may be invisible,” he stated, “but its impact is everywhere. It powers our phones, our radios, our emergency services, our schools, our hospitals and our economies.”

He urged African Governments and regulators to view spectrum not as a mere source of revenue but as a developmental resource critical to national progress and social equity.

NatCA Director General presented a comprehensive framework for spectrum reform, calling on policymakers to adopt transparent, inclusive and innovation-driven policies. His reform pillars included:

Transparent licensing systems to attract investment;
Fair and flexible pricing to expand rural coverage;
Coverage-based incentives instead of revenue-focused models; and
Innovation-friendly policies that empower small and community-based operators.

“Every connected village means hope restored,” he declared, stressing that digital inclusion is both a moral and economic necessity for Africa’s growth.

Highlighting how digital access transforms communities, NatCA DG shared real-life examples from Sierra Leone. He spoke of a farmer in Kambia who now checks market prices through mobile internet, a nurse in a rural clinic consulting doctors in Freetown and students attending virtual lessons from remote areas.

“Connectivity turns isolation into inclusion. It turns potential into prosperity. It turns inequality into empowerment,” he told delegates.

He emphasized that rural connectivity must receive the same policy attention and investment as urban areas, calling for infrastructure sharing, predictable regulatory processes and simplified approval systems.

Under Amara Brewah’s leadership, NatCA Sierra Leone has gained recognition as one of West Africa’s most progressive communications regulators. The Authority has modernized its spectrum management framework, reviewed fees to attract investment and strengthened partnerships with global and regional bodies including WATRA, ATU and ITU.

Sierra Leone’s implementation of Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) frameworks has extended coverage to remote communities, significantly reducing the digital divide.

“Our goal is simple,” DG Amara Brewah affirmed: “To make Sierra Leone a country where no community is left offline and where connectivity is treated not as a privilege but as a right.”

The NatCA Director General personalized his message with the story of Aminata, a young girl from a rural community who studies by torchlight but now accesses online education through improved connectivity.

“It’s not about megahertz; it’s about hope. Hope made visible through connectivity,” he said, underscoring the human impact of inclusive spectrum policies.

In closing, NatCA DG, Amara Brewah, challenged African leaders and regulators to take three key actions to accelerate digital inclusion:

Publish or update national connectivity roadmaps;
Reform spectrum pricing and licensing to expand rural access; and
Promote innovation through community networks and satellite technologies.

“Spectrum is not just a technical asset. It is a human resource that carries the voices of our people, the ideas of our youth and the dreams of our future,” he said.

NatCA DG’s address was widely regarded as one of the most visionary presentations at MWC25 Kigali. His message, anchored in inclusion, innovation and equity, reinforced Sierra Leone’s growing reputation as a leader in digital transformation.

“Because when Africa is connected,” he concluded to resounding applause, “Africa is unstoppable.”

Kids Advocacy Network Launches “Light-Her Path” Scholarship to Empower Girls

October 27, 2025

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Kids Advocacy Network – Sierra Leone has officially launched the application process for the Light-Her Path Scholarship Project, a major education empowerment initiative aimed at providing financial support, mentorship and learning resources for in-school and out-of-school girls. The launch event was held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Africell American Corner on Bathurst Street in Freetown.

The Light-Her Path Scholarship Project seeks to ensure that no girl is left behind due to socio-economic challenges. It promotes education as a transformative force capable of breaking cycles of poverty, gender inequality and exclusion, while equipping young women with the tools to become leaders, innovators and agents of socio-economic change.

Executive Director of Kids Advocacy Network, Edmond Alim B. Fornah, described the initiative as a long-term effort to empower girls beyond traditional scholarship models. He said the project will provide direct tuition support and structured mentorship opportunities with accomplished women leaders, including those from the “50 Most Influential Women” platform, to strengthen leadership, confidence and self-esteem among beneficiaries.

He explained that the scholarship is need-based, targeting girls and young women aged 16 to 25 who demonstrate a commitment to education and personal development, passion for community service and require financial assistance to pursue formal or technical education. The program will support both academic and vocational training pathways such as tailoring, soap-making and cake-making to open diverse routes to empowerment.

He added that a multi-stakeholder selection committee made up of academics, women’s rights advocates and private-sector executives will oversee the beneficiary selection process. The committee, chaired by a university lecturer and gender activist, Madam Fatu Taqi, includes representatives from women’s forums, higher education institutions, Parliament, financial bodies and the sports sector.

Announcing initial funding support, the Executive Director revealed that Hon. Sidi Mohamed Tunis, former Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, had donated $20,000 to kick-start the initiative, with additional contributions expected, as the first Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has also committed to the project. He encouraged eligible applicants to submit their materials through the official online application form.

Special guest Delicia Boyle-Kikulwe, a contestant in the upcoming Housemates Salone Season 4, highlighted the power of education in transforming lives, stating that it goes beyond grades and certificates. She urged young women to view education as a lifelong skill that fosters confidence, critical thinking and independence. As a mother of three and a university student, Delicia Boyle-Kikulwe encouraged applicants to overcome self-doubt and take bold steps toward self-empowerment. She also expressed her commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development and called on citizens both at home and abroad to invest in the country’s future through education.

Madam Fatu Taqi, Chairperson of the Selection Committee, outlined the selection process, noting that a 13-member committee will rigorously review applications to ensure that scholarships go to the most deserving candidates. She said the initiative aims to “light the path” for girls by providing visibility, opening doors and creating access to opportunities. The number of beneficiaries and scholarship amounts will be announced after the application period closes.

Madam Fatu Taqi commended the donors and organizers for mobilizing resources to make the project a reality. She called on men and community members to encourage eligible girls to apply and to share the information widely, emphasizing that the scholarship’s ultimate goal is to create lasting impact in the lives of young women across Sierra Leone.

Eligibility criteria include:

For In-School Girls:

Must be enrolled in tertiary education.
From a low-income or vulnerable household.
Must demonstrate academic potential and leadership qualities.
Faces financial or social barriers to education.

For Out-of-School Girls:

Aged 16 to 25 years.
Must have dropped out or never attended formal schooling.
Expresses interest in returning to school.
Comes from a disadvantaged background.

Applications are open from October 24, 2025 to November 14, 2025, and can be submitted via the link: https://forms.gle/FfWWM2qonz4D7Vms8

The Light-Her Path Scholarship Project marks another milestone in the Kids Advocacy Network’s ongoing commitment to promoting gender equity and expanding educational access for young women across Sierra Leone.

President Bio Reaffirms Africa’s Voice in Global Peace & Security at UN 80th Anniversary

October 27, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has renewed his call for Africa’s inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and urged stronger collaboration between the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS to advance the continent’s peace and security agenda.

He made that call during the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, held on Friday, 24th October 2025, at President Julius Maada Bio Parade Grounds, Wilberforce in Freetown. The event was jointly organized by the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations Country Team.

“When the United Nations and ECOWAS work hand in hand, the cause of peace in West Africa advances and Sierra Leone stands ready to lead, to listen and to build bridges of understanding across our region,” President Bio stated.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s post-war transformation, he acknowledged the UN’s crucial role during the civil conflict, recalling how the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) disarmed 75,000 combatants and restored peace. “Today, Sierra Leone is no longer a recipient of peace; we are a giver of peace. Our men and women in uniform now serve proudly in UN peacekeeping missions, carrying the lessons of our own journey to nations in need,” he emphasized.

Highlighting his administration’s Big Five Game-Changer priorities, President Bio reiterated that these policies aim to improve citizens’ lives. He cited the Feed Salone Programme, which empowers farmers to achieve food self-sufficiency and the Free Quality School Education initiative, designed to ensure that no child is left behind due to poverty or geography.

He further underscored his Government’s partnership with UN agencies in strengthening healthcare, immunization and maternal services. “Our investments in health ensure that no mother dies while giving life and no child suffers from preventable diseases,” he said.

On renewable energy, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding access nationwide. “Across the nation, we are lighting up homes, schools and clinics because energy is life and light is dignity,” he added.

As Chair of the ECOWAS Authority and Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten on UN Security Council Reform (C-10), President Bio reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s leadership in promoting peace, constitutional governance and Africa’s reform agenda at the global stage.

“When we raise the UN flag beside our national flag today, we affirm both sovereignty and solidarity. Our flags flying together remind us that Sierra Leone’s destiny is bound with the world’s destiny,” he declared.

He concluded by paying tribute to UN peacekeepers and humanitarian workers who lost their lives in the service of peace, including Sierra Leoneans who served under the UN flag.

UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Ms. Seraphine Wakana, in her remarks, said the 80th anniversary of the UN also marked 64 years of partnership between Sierra Leone and the global body; a collaboration that has strengthened peace, education, healthcare, gender equality, youth empowerment and livelihoods.

“This partnership has transformed lives and continues to reaffirm our shared commitment to sustainable development and human dignity,” Ms. Wakana stated.

Korea Donates 36,000 Bags of Rice to Boost Sierra Leone’s School Feeding Programme

October 27, 2025

The World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), has officially received a major food donation from the Republic of Korea to bolster the National School Feeding Programme.

The formal handover ceremony took place at the WFP Kissy Warehouse in Freetown, where representatives from the Korean Government, WFP and MBSSE gathered to mark the occasion. The donation, over 36,000 bags of rice (40kg each), valued at USD 2 million, was made through Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA).

The consignment will provide daily nutritious meals to more than 106,700 pupils in Bonthe, Kambia, Kenema and Pujehun districts during the 2025/26 academic year. This contribution follows last year’s donation of 48,000 bags of rice, which benefited over 123,500 children and led to a 95 percent school attendance rate and a 97 percent retention rate in supported schools.

Augustine Koroma, Coordinator of the Free Quality Education Programme, commended Korea’s continued partnership noting: “This support ensures that primary school children in targeted areas receive daily nutritious meals, which is critical for both their health and their learning.”

Representing the Republic of Korea, Counsellor Inkee Min reaffirmed his country’s strong bilateral ties with Sierra Leone. “This gesture underscores the strong friendship between the people of Sierra Leone and Korea. The hope of any nation lies in education and the nurturing of its young talents. By investing in education, we are investing in Sierra Leone’s future,” he stated. He further added that when the Embassy of Korea officially opens in Sierra Leone, it will serve as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

WFP Representative and Country Director, Andrew Odero, expressed gratitude to the Republic of Korea, highlighting the importance of consistency in development partnerships. “We are grateful to the Republic of Korea not only for the rice itself but for the consistency and clarity of their commitment. Korea has set a standard for meaningful cooperation; one rooted in solidarity and mutual growth,” he said.

The donation aligns with Sierra Leone’s Free Quality School Education Initiative, which aims to enhance human capital development by ensuring children receive daily hot meals while easing the food burden on vulnerable households.

The ceremony concluded with an official handover and a guided tour of the warehouse, showcasing stacks of the donated rice ready for distribution.

This partnership between the Republic of Korea, WFP and the Government of Sierra Leone reaffirms a shared vision to end hunger, strengthen education and invest in the nation’s future. As the country continues its drive toward sustainable development, the donation stands as a testament to the transformative power of international collaboration in uplifting communities and empowering the next generation.

COMMENTARY The Kush Catastrophe: A Generation in Peril, A Nation in Need of Healing

October 27, 2025

A Commentary By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone is in the throes of a silent war; one not fought with guns or bullets, but with smoke, powder and despair. The enemy is Kush, a cheap and deadly synthetic drug that has infiltrated the lives of thousands of young people across the nation, leaving devastation in its wake. What began as an emerging street substance a few years ago has now become a full-blown epidemic, consuming the country’s most vital resource; its youth.

Every corner of Sierra Leone bears witness to the devastation of Kush. In Freetown’s slums, provincial towns and rural villages alike, once-promising young men and women now wander in “zombie-like” states; their minds hijacked, their bodies wasted. Boys drop out of school to chase the next high, turning to petty crime to sustain their addiction. Girls, some as young as 15, fall into prostitution, trading their innocence for survival.

The streets have become both their refuge and their graveyard. Families are being torn apart, communities weakened and dreams extinguished. The epidemic has not only crippled households but has also shaken the moral, cultural and spiritual foundations of the nation. As one community elder in Bo lamented recently, “We are burying our children before they bury us.”

Kush is not a single drug but a toxic cocktail of substances. Tests have revealed that it often contains synthetic cannabinoids and nitazenes, opioids up to 25 times stronger than fentanyl; along with tramadol and other chemical additives. Local dealers blend imported ingredients with crushed leaves, producing a substance that delivers a cheap but deadly high.

The side effects are horrific. Users experience hallucinations, paranoia and prolonged drowsiness. Over time, Kush erodes mental stability, damages organs, causes severe skin sores and leads to extreme malnutrition. For many users, addiction is a one-way ticket to psychosis or death.

What makes Kush particularly dangerous is its affordability and availability. For just a few thousand Leones, anyone, even a schoolboy, can get high. This easy access has transformed the drug into a mass destroyer of potential, feeding off Sierra Leone’s deep-seated economic and social vulnerabilities.

The Kush epidemic is not just a matter of poor choices. It is a symptom of systemic failure; a reflection of poverty, unemployment and hopelessness. Sierra Leone’s youth, who make up over 60% of the population, face limited job opportunities and few avenues for self-advancement. For many, Kush offers a temporary escape from harsh realities; a chemical illusion of peace in a society that has offered them little.

Psychologists link this crisis to years of unhealed trauma. The country’s civil war, Ebola outbreak and economic hardship have left deep scars on its people, especially the young. With minimal access to mental health care, just one psychiatric hospital serves the entire nation; substance abuse has become an unhealthy form of self-medication.

Porous borders and weak drug enforcement further compound the problem. Ingredients for Kush are trafficked from far and wide, entering the country through poorly monitored ports and borders. Once inside, local gangs and small-time dealers distribute the drug in every community, often with the complicity of corrupt networks.

Recognizing the scale of the disaster, President Julius Maada Bio in April 2024 declared a National State of Emergency on Drug Abuse. The move, widely praised at home and abroad, marked a significant step toward mobilizing national and international resources. The President’s declaration led to the establishment of a National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse, aimed at coordinating a unified response across Ministries, law enforcement and Civil Society.

Government efforts include intensified police operations targeting drug dens, increased border surveillance and nationwide awareness campaigns. The Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and development partners, has also begun implementing a multi-sectoral plan combining prevention, rehabilitation and youth empowerment.

Yet, challenges persist. Most rehabilitation centers are not dysfunctional, leaving users without access to treatment. Funding remains inadequate and many community sensitization efforts lack coordination. For every addict that finds help, dozens more are left to perish in silence.

While the crisis has exposed deep cracks in the national fabric, it has also awakened a wave of patriotism and empathy among Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad. The Sierra Leone Kush Rehab Fundraising Campaign by citizens in the diaspora, stands as a beacon of hope. Its mission is clear: to build modern rehabilitation and counseling centers that can provide holistic treatment for addiction and reintegration into society.

Faith-based organizations, Civil Society groups and the media have also joined the fight. Religious leaders are preaching about the dangers of drug abuse, while youth advocates and former addicts are becoming powerful voices of change. Community-led programs in places like Kenema, Makeni and Waterloo are training volunteers to serve as peer educators and counselors.

This collective action underscores one crucial truth: the fight against Kush cannot be won by Government alone. It requires a united national front; one driven by compassion, understanding and resilience.

Experts agree that a lasting solution to the Kush crisis lies not merely in arrests and seizures but in rebuilding lives. The Government must invest heavily in a holistic national recovery strategy grounded in five key pillars:

Rehabilitation and Mental Health Services – Build regional rehabilitation centers and expand community mental health programs with trained counselors.
Youth Empowerment and Employment – Strengthen the Feed Salone and Youth Employment initiatives to provide job opportunities, vocational training and entrepreneurship support for at-risk youth.
Public Education and Awareness – Sustain nationwide campaigns through schools, mosques, churches and media platforms to demystify addiction and promote prevention.
Law Enforcement and Border Security – Strengthen customs surveillance and international cooperation to disrupt supply chains from source countries.
Community Rebuilding and Family Support – Empower families and local leaders to play proactive roles in identifying, rehabilitating and reintegrating addicts.

Addiction should be treated as a health crisis, not a criminal act. The country must move from punishment to prevention; from stigmatizing addicts to supporting their recovery.

Sierra Leone’s fight against Kush is not just about saving lives; it is about saving the nation’s future. Every addict rescued is a child restored, a worker regained and a future rebuilt. If the youth are the backbone of the country, then the Kush epidemic is a slow paralysis eating away at that spine.

The time for compassion, courage and collective action is now. As President Bio emphasized, “We cannot build our nation on broken lives. We must heal our youth to heal Sierra Leone.”

If Sierra Leoneans can unite against war, disease and hunger, then surely they can unite against Kush. The road to recovery will be long and painful, but through empathy, strategic action and unyielding resolve, Sierra Leone can rise again; stronger, wiser and free from the grip of addiction.