Fact Check: Independent Probe Clears Kings Foam Factory of Noise, Labour and Immigration Allegations

July 3, 2026

Factory floor with stacks of colorful foam blocks on pallets and a worker pushing a cart to the left side of the image.

An independent investigation conducted by this medium has found no evidence to support allegations that Kings Foam Factory is causing persistent noise pollution in the Blackhall Road community or violating labour and immigration regulations.

The investigation followed the circulation of an article alleging that residents of Blackhall Road community, around where Kings Foam Factory is situated, are suffering from continuous noise generated by the factory’s operations, resulting in sleepless nights, stress and other health concerns. The report also accused the company of employing foreign nationals without valid work and residence permits.

To verify the claims, a staff of this medium conducted an unannounced visit to the community on Thursday, July 2, 2026, where interviews were conducted with residents, community stakeholders and representatives of Kings Foam Factory.

Contrary to the allegations contained in the earlier report, residents interviewed during the investigation said they had not lodged complaints about noise pollution from the factory.

Several residents informed this medium that the factory’s operations have not disrupted their daily lives, adding that the facility is located at a considerable distance from residential houses.

The investigation further revealed that there are no residential buildings immediately adjacent to the factory. Physical observation by this reporter showed that Kings Foam Factory shares a boundary fence with the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) on one side, a church, Saint Martins compound on another side, while the Bomeh dumping site is situated behind the facility.

The location of the factory, according to observations made during the visit, does not support claims that nearby residents are subjected to constant industrial noise.

The investigation also challenged allegations that production machines operate continuously throughout the day and night.

Information gathered revealed that Kings Foam Factory has operated in the community since 2000 and that machine-based production activities are concluded by approximately 3:00 p.m. each working day.

Both community sources and company representatives stated that the factory does not conduct machine operations at night.

Residents interviewed by this medium also indicated that they have never experienced disturbances associated with overnight factory operations.

The investigation further examined allegations that the company poses an environmental hazard and employs foreign nationals without the required legal documentation.

A tour of the factory showed what appeared to be a clean and organised working environment, with no visible evidence of environmental conditions affecting neighbouring communities.

Regarding employment practices, inquiries revealed that the overwhelming majority of the company’s workforce consists of Sierra Leoneans.

The few foreign nationals employed by the company were reported to possess the appropriate work permits and residence permits in compliance with Sierra Leone’s labour and immigration regulations.

No evidence was obtained during the investigation to substantiate claims that the company is operating outside the country’s labour or immigration laws.

A senior community stakeholder, who spoke to this medium, described the relationship between Kings Foam Factory and the surrounding community as cordial and mutually beneficial.

According to the stakeholder, the company has supported several community development initiatives over the years as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

“To claim that the community is suffering from noise pollution from the activities of the company is misleading, as the operations of the company do not affect us in any way as a community,” the stakeholder stated.

The stakeholder further noted that residents have maintained a good working relationship with the company since it commenced operations more than two decades ago.

Based on interviews conducted with residents, direct observations at the factory, and information gathered from community stakeholders, This medium found no independent evidence to support the allegations that Kings Foam Factory is causing persistent noise pollution, operating machinery throughout the night, creating environmental hazards, or employing foreign nationals without the legally required documentation.

The investigation indicates that the claims published in the earlier report could not be independently verified during this medium’s visit to the community and the factory.

If additional documentary evidence later emerges or relevant regulatory authorities issue findings on the matter, The medium will report those developments in keeping with its commitment to fair, balanced, and evidence-based journalism.

EXCLUSIVE: CTC Mining Fully Operational, Meets 100% Safety Compliance Standards

July 3, 2026

Smiling man in a navy blazer with arms crossed at a construction site, excavator and dump truck behind him at sunset.

CTC Mining SL Limited has strongly rejected reports alleging that the company is on the brink of collapse, describing the claims as misleading and lacking factual basis.

The response follows a claim alleging that the mining company has been facing severe financial difficulties, with workers reportedly going months without receiving salaries, working under deteriorating conditions and the complete or permanent cessation of mining operations.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with this medium, the Chief Executive Officer of CTC Mining SL Limited, Hisham Mackie, categorically denied the allegations and maintained that the company remains operationally and financially stable despite temporary challenges affecting the global mining industry.

Responding to claims that workers have gone months without receiving their salaries, Hisham Mackie described the allegation as not only false but baseless. He explained that all employees had received their salaries up to the end of May 2026, while all backlog payments, for one month only, will be made soon.

“There is no truth to the claim that our workers have gone months without pay. All staff have been paid through May 2026 and the June salaries will be paid next week,” he stated.

Addressing allegations of poor working conditions and concerns over occupational health and safety standards, the Chief Executive Officer said the company continues to operate in full compliance with Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) requirements and they are top notch.

He noted that CTC Mining maintains stringent safety standards and that all environmental regulatory approvals, including licences issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are current and fully compliant with national regulations.

“Our safety standards are fully in line with HSE requirements, and all our EPA licences are valid and up to date,” Hisham Mackie said.

The CEO also responded to claims that the suspension of mining operations was evidence that the company is collapsing. He confirmed that mining activities were temporarily halted in April 2026 but stressed that the decision was driven entirely and purely by prevailing global market conditions rather than financial distress.

According to Hisham Mackie, escalating global tensions significantly increased international shipping costs, making sea freight to China commercially unviable when compared with prevailing mineral prices on the international market.

He explained that the temporary suspension of production was a strategic business decision aimed at protecting the company’s long-term sustainability until market conditions improve.

“The fact that operations were paused does not mean the company is on the brink of collapse,” he said. “The decision was necessitated by global market realities that made exports to China uneconomical.”

Hisham Mackie further emphasized that temporary operational adjustments are common within the international mining industry, particularly during periods of market volatility and should not be interpreted as evidence of corporate failure.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to its workforce, regulatory compliance and responsible mining practices, expressing confidence that operations will resume when global market conditions become more favourable.

CTC Mining SL Limited maintained that while current international economic pressures have affected operational decisions, the company remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to employees, complying with Sierra Leone’s regulatory framework and sustaining its long-term investment in the country’s mining sector.

Nigeria, Sierra Leone Set for Landmark Trade Fair to Boost Investment and Regional Commerce

July 3, 2026

Group of men standing and clapping beside a banner featuring a lion mascot and 'Nigeria-Sierra Leone International Trade Fair 2026'.

The Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Sierra Leone Chapter has unveiled plans for the maiden Nigeria Sierra Leone Trade Fair 2026, a major private sector initiative aimed at strengthening trade, investment and business partnerships between the two countries.

The unveiling and press conference took place on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at the Freetown City Council Hall ahead of the trade fair, which will run from 27 July to 9 August at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown.

The exhibition will bring together manufacturers, investors, importers, exporters, entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises from Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Products and services from sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, fashion, consumer goods, construction materials and automotive industries will be showcased.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Barrister Hanson Agbai Abosi, said the organisation was established under the auspices of the Nigerian High Commission to promote business cooperation between the two countries and support investors seeking opportunities in either market.

He said the trade fair would provide a platform for businesses to network, form partnerships, access new markets and attract investment.

Hanson Agbai Abosi described Sierra Leone as more than a domestic market, noting that its position within the Mano River Union provides access to Guinea and Liberia, making it an attractive gateway for regional trade.

He said the Chamber would support businesses through mentorship, market guidance, regulatory assistance and networking opportunities, particularly for small and medium enterprises.

According to him, the Chamber aims to promote two way trade by helping Sierra Leonean businesses access the Nigerian market while encouraging Nigerian investors to explore opportunities in Sierra Leone.

Hanson Agbai Abosi added that exhibitors would benefit from business support services, market access opportunities and connections with financial and export promotion institutions.

He disclosed that a large number of exhibition spaces had already been reserved and urged interested businesses to register early.

Describing the initiative as a private sector driven programme, Hanson Agbai Abosi said it was designed to create practical business opportunities capable of generating investment, jobs and economic growth in both countries.

Chairman of the Trade Fair organizing Committee, Remi Okafor, said the event was intended to translate the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Sierra Leone into stronger economic cooperation.

He noted that although political relations between the two countries had remained strong for decades, greater emphasis was now needed on trade and investment.

Remi Okafor said Sierra Leone’s private sector had grown significantly in recent years and is increasingly positioned to compete in regional markets.

He stated that the trade fair would connect local businesses with Nigerian manufacturers and investors while providing opportunities to access one of Africa’s largest economies.

He also encouraged Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs to join the Chamber, saying members would receive support on product development, quality standards, packaging and market entry requirements.

Remi Okafor also urged local businesses to pursue opportunities beyond Sierra Leone and take advantage of regional markets across West Africa.

He further revealed how discussions with Nigerian manufacturers had generated strong interest in the trade fair after many recognized Sierra Leone’s strategic importance as a gateway to the wider Mano River Union market.

According to him, several Nigerian companies have already indicated their willingness to participate in the exhibition and explore investment opportunities in Sierra Leone.

The trade fair will also feature business networking sessions, product demonstrations, business to business meetings and other promotional activities for visitors.

Organisers expressed confidence that the event would become an annual platform for strengthening trade, investment and private sector collaboration between Nigeria and Sierra Leone while creating new opportunities for businesses across the region.

NCRA DG Advances Decentralization with New Office in Segbwema

July 3, 2026

Man in a green cap and blue tie-dye shirt speaks into a handheld microphone at a table with notebooks and phones, colorful backdrop behind him.

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has officially opened a new branch office, recently, in Segbwema, Kailahun District, marking another significant milestone in its nationwide decentralization programme aimed at bringing essential civil registration services closer to citizens.

The newly established office will operate alongside the Authority’s ongoing mobile registration outreach in Segbwema and neighbouring communities, improving access to national identity and civil registration services for residents who previously had to travel long distances to obtain those essential services.

The Segbwema office forms part of the NCRA’s expanding national network, complementing its regional headquarters in Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko, as well as recently established sub-offices, including those in Mile 91 and Lungi. The expansion reflects the Authority’s commitment to extending its services to communities across Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Paramount Chief of the area welcomed the establishment of the office, describing it as a major development for the chiefdom and surrounding communities. He noted that the office would make it easier for citizens to obtain National Identity Cards and other civil registration services without travelling to distant locations.

The Paramount Chief also disclosed that he is working with fellow Paramount Chiefs in neighbouring chiefdoms to introduce bylaws aimed at encouraging all eligible citizens to obtain National Identity Cards, describing the card as the country’s most authentic form of identification.

Director General of NCRA, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, said the opening of the Segbwema office is part of the Authority’s broader strategy to decentralize civil registration services and ensure that every Sierra Leonean has convenient access to legal identity documentation.

Since assuming office in 2018, the Director General has overseen several reforms within the NCRA, including the expansion of mobile registration teams to underserved communities, the digitization of civil registration records, the introduction of secure biometric National Identity Cards and the establishment of additional offices across the country.

The Authority maintains that strengthening access to civil registration services remains central to improving governance, national planning and public service delivery, while ensuring that citizens can easily access legal identity documents regardless of where they live.

The opening of the Segbwema branch office is expected to reduce travel costs and waiting times for residents of Kailahun District, while supporting the Government’s broader objective of promoting inclusive and accessible public services throughout Sierra Leone.

NCRA reiterated that civil registration is a fundamental right and remains a key pillar of national development, stressing that expanding its presence across the country will continue to be a priority as it works to ensure that no citizen is left behind.

Sierra Leone’s Energy Transition: From Vision to Transformation

July 3, 2026

Chair, Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF); Special Envoy for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS); Former Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and United Nations Under-Secretary-General.

Every evening, millions of Sierra Leoneans still plan their lives around electricity. Businesses close early. Students struggle to study. Hospitals rely on generators. Changing that reality is one of our country’s greatest development challenges.

There is one lesson that history teaches over and over again: no country has achieved sustained economic transformation without reliable, affordable and sustainable energy.

Whether we look at Europe after the Industrial Revolution, the rapid rise of East Asia, or the remarkable progress of countries closer to home, the pattern is unmistakable. Electricity powers factories, irrigates farms, enables digital innovation, strengthens healthcare, improves education and creates jobs. It is not simply another public service; it is the foundation upon which modern economies are built.

For Sierra Leone, therefore, the question has never been whether we can afford to invest in energy. The real question is whether we can afford not to.

That conviction lies at the heart of Sierra Leone’s Energy Transition Agenda.

Leadership Means Looking Beyond Today’s Crisis

When President Julius Maada Bio began his second term in 2023, he made an important choice. Rather than allowing the energy sector to remain trapped in a cycle of emergencies and short-term fixes, he committed the country to a long-term strategy.

At the first National Climate Resilience and Energy Transition (CRET) Dialogue in October 2023, the President launched the Sierra Leone Energy Transition Agenda. It was more than the unveiling of another Government programme. It was a recognition that transforming an energy sector requires patience, consistency and a willingness to make investments whose greatest benefits will be enjoyed years into the future.

Energy transitions do not happen in one budget cycle or within a single political season. They require stable policies, capable institutions, strong partnerships and sustained leadership.

Above all, they require persistence.

Three Years Later, the Results Are Beginning to Speak for Themselves

When I addressed Parliament in November 2025, I expressed my belief that 2026 would mark the beginning of Sierra Leone’s energy revolution.

Today, that vision is beginning to take shape.

In June this year, President Bio commissioned Sierra Leone’s first utility-scale solar power plants in Newton and Lungi. These projects are more than engineering achievements. They represent a shift toward cleaner, more affordable and more reliable electricity while strengthening power supply to Freetown and surrounding communities.

Across rural Sierra Leone, another transformation is quietly unfolding. Through the European Union-supported Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Access (SOGREA) Programme, nearly 100 communities are preparing to receive modern mini-grids. For many families, electricity will arrive not as a luxury, but as an opportunity; for children to study after dark, health centres to provide better care, farmers to add value to their harvests and entrepreneurs to build businesses that were previously impossible.

Another significant milestone came with the World Bank’s approval of the US$60 million Decentralized Renewable Energy Access Scale-up (DARES) Programme. Together with Sierra Leone’s Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact and our participation in Mission 300, the joint World Bank and African Development Bank initiative to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, these investments will dramatically expand access to electricity across the country.

Taken together, these are not isolated projects. They are pieces of a carefully designed national strategy.

Energy Is About People, Not Just Power

Discussions about electricity often become conversations about megawatts, transmission lines and generation capacity.

Those numbers matter.

But they are not the reason we invest.

The true measure of success is what electricity makes possible.

Reliable power allows a farmer to process cassava instead of selling it raw. It enables manufacturers to operate competitively. It keeps medicines refrigerated, allows hospitals to save lives and gives students the chance to study after sunset. It provides the confidence that investors need before building factories and creating jobs.

In other words, energy policy is really economic policy.

Our ambition is not simply to build more power plants.

It is to build a more productive, competitive and prosperous Sierra Leone.

Building an Energy-Secure Future

The pipeline of projects now under implementation is among the most ambitious in our nation’s history.

It includes the completed solar facilities at Newton, Lungi and Makoth; rehabilitation of the Kingtom and Blackhall Road power stations; the Innovent solar project at Waterloo; the Nant gas-fired power plant; the Kamakwie solar project; and the expansion of the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project.

Alongside these grid investments are decentralized solutions that will reach communities where extending the national grid would otherwise take years. The SOGREA programme, existing World Bank mini-grid projects and the newly approved DARES initiative will together bring electricity to well over one million Sierra Leoneans.

By mid-2027, electricity available to Greater Freetown is expected to increase dramatically as Newton, Waterloo and the first phase of the Nant power project come fully online. Looking further ahead, renewable energy is expected to account for approximately 50 percent of Sierra Leone’s electricity generation by 2030.

Equally important, under the Mission 300 Compact, Sierra Leone aims to increase national electricity access from approximately 36 percent today to nearly 78 percent by 2030.

These are ambitious targets.

But unlike many development aspirations, they are backed by real projects, committed financing and clear implementation plans.

Partnerships Make Transformation Possible

No country makes an energy transition alone.

Sierra Leone’s progress has been possible because of strong partnerships with the World Bank, the African Development Bank, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the European Union, the Governments of Germany and Denmark, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, BADEA, the OPEC Fund, JICA, government of China and many others.

Just as encouraging is the growing confidence of private investors, who increasingly see Sierra Leone as a country committed to reform and long-term planning.

That combination, political leadership, development finance and private investment, is exactly what successful energy transitions require.

The Work Is Far From Finished

While we celebrate progress, we should also acknowledge the work that still lies ahead.

Transmission and distribution networks must continue to expand. Utilities must become more efficient and financially sustainable. Regulatory reforms must continue. Private investment must accelerate. Above all, electricity must become affordable and accessible in every district, every chiefdom and every community.

An energy transition is not an event.

It is a journey.

Beyond Energy

In the years ahead, we should judge our success not simply by the number of megawatts we install, but by the opportunities those megawatts create.

Success will be measured by factories that open because reliable electricity is available; by young people who find meaningful jobs; by farmers who process and market their produce locally; by entrepreneurs who build thriving businesses; by hospitals that save more lives; and by schools that prepare a generation ready to compete in a modern economy.

That is the true promise of the Energy Transition Agenda.

Reliable electricity is not the destination. It is the foundation.

President Bio’s Energy Transition Agenda is laying that foundation. The journey will require patience, partnership and continued commitment. Challenges will undoubtedly arise, but the direction is now clear.

Sierra Leone’s energy transition is no longer a distant aspiration.

It is underway.

It is producing measurable results.

And if we sustain this momentum it has the potential to become one of the defining development success stories of our generation.

For Allegedly Criticising Government: Tounkara Alex Conteh Reportedly Declared Wanted, Father Allegedly Arrested

July 3, 2026

By Saidu Bangura

Tounkara Alex Conteh, a young Sierra Leonean, has reportedly been declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police over a series of Facebook posts in which he allegedly criticised the government of President Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio. According to information gathered by this medium from family members and other sources, police officers have been searching for Conteh following several social media posts.

Sources claimed that the authorities believe he used the platform to incite members of the public against the government. The sources further alleged that after failing to locate Tounkara Alex Conteh, police officers arrested his father, Pa Sallu A. Conteh, at the family’s residence in Waterloo and took him to a police station in an attempt to obtain information regarding his son’s whereabouts.

Speaking to this medium, Mariama Jalloh, a neighbour of the family, claimed that a vehicle carrying more than five police officers arrived at the residence in search of Tounkara Alex Conteh. She alleged that when the officers were unable to find him, they took his father into custody, believing that he knew where his son was hiding. Another family member, Alusine Conteh, also alleged that several relatives of Tounkara Alex Conteh have been subjected to harassment and intimidation in connection with the ongoing search.

However, these claims could not be independently verified at the time of publication, as repeated efforts to obtain comments from the Sierra Leone Police were unsuccessful. As of press time, the Sierra Leone Police had not issued an official statement explaining the reported declaration of Tounkara Alex Conteh as a wanted person or the alleged arrest of his father.

Attempts by this medium to obtain comments from the police and other relevant authorities were unsuccessful. The reported incident has generated concern among some citizens and civil society observers, who argue that freedom of expression, including the right to express opinions on matters of public interest, is protected under Sierra Leone’s Constitution.

They have called on the authorities to ensure that due process is followed in addressing any allegations related to online speech and to respect the rights of all individuals while carrying out law enforcement activities.

Vice President Leaves Hamburg Inspired by Shared Commitment to Sustainable Development and Global Cooperation

July 1, 2026

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has concluded a successful participation at the 2026 Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) on Tuesday July 1, 2026 in Germany, where he joined world leaders, policymakers and development partners in addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including sustainable development, economic resilience and geopolitical instability.

Reflecting on the two-day conference, the Vice President described the engagements as productive and valuable, noting that the forum provided an important opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and promote practical solutions for a more sustainable future.

“I leave Hamburg encouraged by the shared commitment to practical solutions and stronger international cooperation. Sierra Leone will continue to be an active voice in shaping a more resilient and equitable future for countries in the Global South,” Dr. Juldeh Jalloh said.

The Vice President contributed to two high-level discussions during the conference. One focused on advancing child nutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of life, while the other examined the global implications of the Strait of Hormuz crisis. During the latter session, he highlighted the disproportionate impact of geopolitical conflicts on small, import-dependent economies such as Sierra Leone and emphasized the need for more flexible financing mechanisms to help vulnerable countries withstand global economic shocks.

Held in Hamburg, Germany, the conference brought together heads of state, senior government officials, multilateral development bank presidents and United Nations leaders to discuss issues ranging from climate resilience and sustainable development financing to economic stability and international cooperation.

The Vice President participated alongside distinguished global leaders, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda and President of the African Development Bank Group Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, among others.

A key moment of his participation came during the high-level panel titled “Navigating the Hormuz Crisis: Forging a Collective Response.” Drawing on his experience as a former United Nations governance and security expert for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh warned that disruptions to strategic shipping routes have far-reaching consequences for developing nations.

“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,” he stated.

The Vice President called on global financial institutions, including the African Development Bank and the World Bank, to establish a Global South Shock Absorption Facility capable of providing rapid and flexible financing to countries affected by geopolitical crises before they escalate into humanitarian emergencies.

He stressed that the international community must move beyond financing recovery after disasters and instead invest in preventive resilience that protects critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture and infrastructure.

Observers noted that Dr. Juldeh Jalloh’s interventions elevated Sierra Leone’s profile at the conference, positioning the country as a constructive contributor to global policy discussions. His engagements with international leaders and development partners further reinforced Sierra Leone’s growing diplomatic influence and commitment to advancing equitable growth, stronger multilateral cooperation and sustainable development across the Global South.

Citizens Engage President Bio on Key National Issues at Fourth Presidential Town Hall at UNIMAK

July 1, 2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to constitutional reform, national unity, economic transformation and human capital development during the Fourth Presidential Town Hall Meeting 2026, held under the theme: “Year of Action” at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) Hall, on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. The interactive forum, chaired by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, brought together Cabinet Ministers, the Mayor of Makeni, members of the Makeni City Council and Bombali District Council, Paramount Chiefs, traditional leaders, Civil Society Organisations, students, youth groups, development partners and residents from diverse backgrounds. The meeting provided an opportunity for citizens to engage the President directly on key national issues through an open question-and-answer session, during which he stressed that development, rather than tribal or regional division, must remain the common language that unites Sierra Leoneans and drives national progress.

Responding to a question on the constitutional review process, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio categorically rejected claims that the review is intended to extend his tenure in office. He explained that the constitutional review process began under previous administrations and that his Government is committed to completing it because every constitution must be reviewed periodically to remain relevant to the changing needs and aspirations of the people. He informed the audience that the proposed constitutional review document is currently before Parliament, where Members of Parliament will consider its provisions and recommend any necessary amendments before its adoption.

On the delayed national population and housing census, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio confirmed that the exercise will be conducted later this year, explaining that it was postponed because the necessary conditions to ensure a credible, transparent and acceptable process had not been fully established. He encouraged every Sierra Leonean to participate, describing the census as a vital national exercise whose data will guide planning, policy formulation, equitable resource allocation and economic development. He cautioned against attempts to undermine the importance of the census, stating that every responsible citizen has a duty to support the process because national development depends on reliable population data.

Addressing concerns over national unity, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio said Sierra Leone’s diversity should never be viewed as a source of division but rather as one of the country’s greatest strengths. He maintained that politicians without meaningful development agendas often magnify ethnic and regional differences for political advantage, insisting that development remains the only language capable of uniting all Sierra Leoneans. “I have demonstrated to you that I am a President for everyone in Sierra Leone,” he declared, adding that his Government reflects regional inclusivity because appointments are based on competence rather than ethnicity or place of origin. He noted that even before becoming President, members of his personal staff, including his cook and security personnel, came from the northern region, while all his vice-presidential running mates have also hailed from the North.

The President further disclosed that his administration has implemented many of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission aimed at fostering reconciliation, national healing and lasting peace. He appealed to politicians, adults and young people to reject tribalism and regionalism, reminding citizens that Sierra Leone remains one of the most religiously tolerant countries in the world. “There is one language in the world that everybody understands, and that language is development,” he said, urging Sierra Leoneans to bridge ethnic and regional divides through a shared commitment to national progress.

Responding to questions on the economy and the persistent challenges in electricity supply, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio acknowledged that the country’s energy sector faces longstanding structural problems resulting from decades of underinvestment in electricity generation, transmission and distribution. He said the challenges cannot be resolved overnight but assured citizens that Government has undertaken major investments through development projects and international partnerships to improve electricity generation and expand transmission infrastructure. The President disclosed plans to increase electricity production from the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project by an additional 50 megawatts while identifying vandalism of electricity infrastructure and widespread electricity theft as significant factors undermining progress. He called on citizens to work collectively with Government to protect national infrastructure, noting that reliable electricity remains essential for economic growth and industrial development.

Speaking on the Government’s flagship Feed Salone initiative, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a productive and commercially viable sector capable of achieving food security and generating export earnings. He explained that Government’s responsibility is to create an enabling environment through improved access to agricultural inputs, mechanization, infrastructure and scientific research. He highlighted the important role being played by the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), particularly its research facilities at Mile 91, in developing improved farming methods capable of increasing agricultural productivity. He further stated that improving feeder roads and providing subsidies remain essential for making large-scale farming profitable and attractive to farmers.

On youth empowerment, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio said creating opportunities for young people begins with quality education. He noted that the introduction of the Free Quality Education Programme during his first term has equipped thousands of young Sierra Leoneans with the knowledge and skills needed to compete successfully in the future. The President explained that while Government provides only a limited number of jobs, sustainable employment depends largely on private sector growth and investment. He therefore encouraged entrepreneurship and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to make Sierra Leone an attractive destination for investors capable of creating employment opportunities for young people.

Addressing the education sector, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio said Government has significantly expanded access to primary and secondary education through the provision of free tuition, textbooks and other teaching and learning materials. He urged parents to report any school demanding illegal payments, stressing that such practices undermine the objectives of the Free Quality Education Programme. He also highlighted investments in teacher recruitment and training, as well as measures aimed at eliminating examination malpractice and improving the quality of education. The President disclosed that Government is considering legislation that would make the Free Quality Education Programme a permanent national policy binding on future administrations.

On healthcare, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio assured participants that stringent surveillance and screening measures have been introduced at all official entry points to prevent the Ebola outbreak currently affecting parts of the region from entering Sierra Leone. He added that Government remains vigilant and continues to strengthen disease prevention and emergency preparedness systems. Highlighting achievements in the health sector, the President disclosed that maternal mortality has declined by 78 percent, infant mortality by 55 percent, while life expectancy has improved significantly. He also pointed to the construction of additional hospitals, the recruitment and training of more healthcare professionals and the establishment of Sierra Leone’s first specialist medical training centre for doctors as evidence of continued investment in the country’s healthcare system.

Turning to the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio said his Government has intensified efforts to combat the growing menace through stronger legislation, improved law enforcement and closer cooperation with international partners. He revealed that strengthened laws and expedited prosecution have resulted in more than 120 convictions in drug-related cases, while five rehabilitation centres have been established across the country to support the treatment and recovery of drug users. He further disclosed that Government is working with international partners to prevent the importation of high-dose tramadol exceeding 50 milligrams and is awaiting a comprehensive report on Sierra Leone’s maritime domain to strengthen efforts aimed at intercepting illicit drugs entering the country through its territorial waters.

Emphasizing that Government’s substantial investment in human capital development would not be allowed to be undermined by narcotics, the President urged Sierra Leoneans to reject attempts to portray the country as a narcotic state, warning that such narratives damage the country’s international reputation and discourage investment.

Concluding the engagement, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio called on Sierra Leoneans, particularly young people, to reject tribalism, regionalism and every form of divisive politics. He encouraged them to embrace one another as compatriots and work collectively towards building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation. Reiterating that development is the universal language understood by all people, he challenged citizens to break the barriers of ethnicity and regionalism and become active partners in advancing Sierra Leone’s development.

The Fourth Presidential Town Hall Meeting once again underscored the Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and participatory governance by providing citizens with a platform to engage directly with the Presidency on issues shaping the country’s future.

Tourism Ministry Strengthens Coastal Conservation Through Island and Beach Tourism Policy Initiative

July 1, 2026

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has taken a significant step towards strengthening sustainable coastal tourism with the validation of the draft Island and Beach Tourism Policy and Management Plan. The stakeholder validation workshop, held on Thursday, 25 June 2026, at Dove’s Nest Hall on Aberdeen Road in Freetown, marked a major milestone in the development of a comprehensive framework aimed at protecting, managing and developing Sierra Leone’s beaches and islands.

The policy, which is the outcome of months of nationwide consultations and extensive field assessments conducted across the country’s coastal areas, seeks to establish a coordinated approach to the sustainable management, conservation and promotion of Sierra Leone’s coastal tourism assets. The validation workshop brought together representatives from Government Ministries, development partners, local councils, community leaders, Civil Society Organisations and other key stakeholders to review the draft policy and provide recommendations before its final adoption.

Chairing the event, Emmanuel A. B. Turay welcomed participants and encouraged them to become ambassadors for the policy within their respective communities. He stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on the collective commitment of all stakeholders in ensuring that Sierra Leone’s beaches and islands are protected while creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Chairman of the National Tourist Board, Allieu Kokobay, described the validation exercise as a major achievement in the country’s efforts to preserve its unique coastal tourism resources. He noted that the policy would provide a strategic roadmap for sustainable tourism development while ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the country’s natural coastal heritage.

Representatives from the Ministries of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Lands, Housing and Country Planning, and Environment and Climate Change reaffirmed their institutions’ commitment to supporting the implementation of the proposed policy. They emphasized that stronger inter-agency collaboration would be essential in addressing challenges such as unregulated coastal development, environmental degradation, poor waste management and unsustainable land-use practices that continue to threaten Sierra Leone’s beaches and islands.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, Senior Permanent Secretary Judith Jones highlighted the enormous economic potential of sustainable coastal tourism. She observed that coastal and maritime tourism accounts for nearly 80 percent of global tourism and contributes more than US$1.5 trillion annually, making it the largest component of the global ocean economy.

She stated that Sierra Leone possesses some of the world’s most pristine beaches and culturally significant islands, which have the potential to contribute substantially to national economic growth, job creation and community development if effectively managed. However, she cautioned that environmental degradation, uncontrolled human activities and weak institutional coordination continue to pose serious threats to those valuable natural assets.

Judith Jones called on all stakeholders to work together to transform the policy into concrete actions that will preserve Sierra Leone’s coastal heritage while promoting responsible tourism and environmental sustainability.

The workshop also featured a virtual presentation by the international consultants responsible for developing the draft policy and management plan. The consultants explained the methodology adopted throughout the assignment, including nationwide stakeholder consultations, field assessments, technical analyses and data collection processes that informed the development of the draft framework.

Participants were guided through the various stages of the policy development process, demonstrating how technical findings and community perspectives were integrated into the proposed management plans. The presentation was followed by an interactive plenary session during which participants engaged in group discussions, presented recommendations and provided constructive feedback aimed at strengthening the final document.

Closing the workshop, the Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange Program, Mohamed Jalloh, expressed appreciation to participants for their active participation and valuable contributions during the validation exercise. He noted that the quality of the discussions reflected a shared national commitment to protecting Sierra Leone’s beaches and islands while advancing sustainable tourism development.

Mohamed Jalloh expressed confidence that once finalized, the Island and Beach Tourism Policy and Management Plan would serve as a strong framework for sustainable coastal management, environmental conservation, community participation and responsible tourism investment across Sierra Leone. He urged all stakeholders to maintain their collaboration and support the successful implementation of the policy to ensure that the country’s coastal resources continue to benefit present and future generations.

Immigration Department Presents Cabinet Policy Proposal for Semi-Autonomous Regimental Service

July 1, 2026

Group of diverse professionals seated around a long conference table, discussing with laptops and water bottles in a bright room.

By Ibrahim Sesay

The leadership of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) has presented a draft Cabinet Policy Proposal to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor, seeking Government approval to transform the Department into a semi-autonomous regimental service.

The presentation took place on Saturday, July 27, 2026, at the Country Lodge Conference Hall, where the Chief Immigration Officer, Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio Esq., led a cross-section of the Department’s senior leadership in outlining the proposed institutional reforms. Present at the meeting were the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Deputy Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and the Director of Research and Policy.

The proposal is designed to reposition the Sierra Leone Immigration Department to better address modern migration challenges, strengthen border security, enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery in line with international best practices.

During the meeting, Minister Morie Lengor and his team conducted a comprehensive review of the draft policy, providing strategic recommendations to strengthen the document before its submission to Cabinet. Discussions focused on the proposal’s purpose, rationale, institutional framework, expected outcomes and implementation roadmap.

According to the policy paper, the primary objective of the reform is to secure Cabinet approval for restructuring the Sierra Leone Immigration Department into a semi-autonomous service operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The proposed model aims to grant the institution greater operational and administrative autonomy while maintaining ministerial oversight on policy matters.

The policy argues that the current institutional arrangement limits the Department’s ability to respond effectively to emerging migration trends, border security threats and transnational organized crime. It further states that adopting a regimental structure would strengthen command systems, enhance discipline, improve accountability and create a more professional immigration service.

Another key aspect of the proposal is the transition in institutional terminology. The policy recommends replacing the designation “agency” with “service” and adopting the term “regimental” instead of “paramilitary” to more accurately reflect the Department’s mandate, operational responsibilities and institutional values.

The proposed governance structure would establish a disciplined regimental command system capable of supporting rapid deployment, operational effectiveness and enhanced professionalism while remaining accountable to the Ministry of Internal Affairs through established regulatory frameworks.

If approved, the reform is expected to deliver stronger border management, improved migration control, enhanced institutional professionalism, clearer coordination among Government agencies and increased public confidence through greater efficiency, transparency and accountability.

The policy also emphasizes the importance of avoiding duplication of functions across Government institutions. Officials noted that the draft has been carefully reviewed to clearly define the Immigration Department’s responsibilities while strengthening collaboration with other Ministries, departments and agencies involved in national security and border management.

As part of the implementation process, the Department plans to revise the draft policy by incorporating the recommendations made during the consultation with the Minister and his team. The final policy paper will then be submitted to Cabinet for consideration and approval.

Upon Cabinet approval, Government will initiate the necessary legislative and administrative processes required to operationalize the proposed semi-autonomous regimental service.

The Sierra Leone Immigration Department believes the proposed reforms will modernize the institution and position it to effectively respond to the country’s evolving security, migration and border management needs. Officials maintain that the transformation will create a more efficient, disciplined and accountable service capable of meeting 21st-century challenges while remaining fully accountable to the Government of Sierra Leone.