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Marampa Mines Hands Over Newly Constructed Kulafai Rashideen Primary School in Maforki Village

Marampa Mines Handing Over Newly Constructed school in Maforki Village

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Marampa Mines Limited (MML) officially commissioned and handed over the newly constructed Kulafai Rashideen Islamic Primary School in Maforki Village, Marampa Chiefdom, in a ceremony attended by community leaders, education stakeholders, Government officials, parents and pupils. The modern facility features six classrooms, a six-room toilet block, two hand-pump water wells, an administrative office, an assembly area, a football field and a fully fenced compound, designed to serve over 200 pupils from Maforki and neighbouring communities including Magbil, Magberie, Manonkoh and Magbainkthay. The school was furnished with essential learning materials, desks, chairs, books and other supplies, with donations from partners. The total construction cost amounted to US$175,000.

Paramount Chief, Marampa Chiefdom, PC Bai Koblo Queen II described the project as a “major milestone” in the development of Marampa Chiefdom, highlighting the positive impact of mining on education, infrastructure and livelihoods. He reflected on the historical challenges following the closure of earlier mining operations and praised efforts to restore mining activities in the area.

The Paramount Chief emphasized the role of the 1% community development fund, noting that it has supported scholarships, teacher welfare and improved educational infrastructure. “This school is a symbol of progress for Maforki and the entire chiefdom. Education remains a key driver for development and we will continue to partner with MML to enable our children to become future leaders of Sierra Leone,” he said, urging parents to prioritize their children’s education.

Speaking for MML, Anthony Mansaray, Project Manager, explained that the relocation was motivated by safety concerns, as the former school was located less than 50 meters from the Valley B Tailings Storage Facility. He outlined the extensive consultations, stakeholder engagements and Government approvals that preceded construction and acknowledged the Kamara family for donating three acres of land for the project.

The construction, carried out by local contractor, YA Marie Investment, was supervised by the MML Projects Team to ensure quality. Anthony Mansaray expressed optimism that the new learning environment would positively impact pupils’ performances.

Gibrilla A. Sesay, Deputy Director of Education, Port Loko District, praised MML for complementing Government efforts to expand access to quality education. He assured that the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education would continue monitoring the school to ensure quality teaching and encouraged parents to support their children’s learning. He also urged teachers to pursue professional qualifications and licensing, promising Government support for certified teachers to be placed on payroll.

Safea Ndomaina, Deputy Development Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, highlighted the project’s contribution to human capital development and acknowledged the role of Government in approving the school relocation and resettlement of nearby households. He commended MML for transparency, compliance with national resettlement policies and investment in community welfare.

Ibrahim Satti Kamara, Director of Communications and Community Affairs at the National Minerals Agency, described the initiative as evidence of responsible corporate presence, emphasizing the alignment of MML’s investment with national priorities for human capital development. He encouraged other companies in Sierra Leone to emulate MML by investing in meaningful community projects.

John David Cooper, Director of Policy, Ministry of Mines, representing Minister Julius Daniel Mattai, said the project reflects a commitment to placing people at the center of development and demonstrates that mining and community welfare can progress hand in hand. He stressed that education is a key pillar of national development and urged the community to take ownership of the school.

On his part, Resident Minister North-West, Ambassador Alhaji Umar Bond Wurie, praised Marampa Mines Limited (MML) for constructing the newly relocated Kulafai Rashideen Islamic Primary School in Maforki, describing the project as a major step toward improving learning conditions in mining-affected communities.

He also hailed the implementation of the 1% community development initiative for mining areas, explaining that the policy was initiated when he served as Permanent Secretary in the then Ministry of Mines, but only began to be implemented after the current administration returned to office.

“The completion of this beautiful school shows the commitment of Marampa Mines to the people of Marampa and Maforki,” he said.

Ambassador Alhaji Umar Bond Wurie encouraged community residents to continue working closely with the company and Government institutions to foster peaceful relations and ensure long-term benefits for local people. He urged residents to prioritize dialogue over confrontation in addressing concerns related to mining operations.

He further emphasized that national development must rise above political divisions, saying progress will only be achieved when communities and Government institutions jointly support initiatives aimed at improving living standards.

Ambassador Alhaji Umar Bond Wurie concluded by reiterating Government’s commitment to ensuring that communities benefit fairly from mining activities, while calling for continued cooperation and patience as development projects unfold within the district.

In his keynote address, Managing Director of Marampa Mines Limited, Angula Kalili, said the handover demonstrates the company’s commitment to community development, safety and inclusive progress in its operational chiefdom. He noted that the relocation became necessary due to the close proximity of the former school structure to the company’s Tailings Storage Facility.

The new facility comprises six fully furnished classrooms, an administrative office, a six-room toilet block, two hand pump water wells, a fenced compound for safety and a recreational space. Learning materials were also donated by Marampa Mines.

Angula Kalili expressed gratitude to the Kamara family for donating the land on which the school now stands and applauded local contractor Ya Marie Investment as well as the MML project team for successfully delivering the work.

He emphasized that the intervention aligns with the vision of Marampa Mines’ Board Chairman, Craig Dean, and supports the Government’s education priorities. “This investment is not just about a building; it is about empowering future leaders,” he said, assuring that the company remains committed to community welfare and sustainable development in the chiefdom.

The event which underscored a shared commitment among Marampa Mines, Government authorities and the community to improve educational infrastructure, ensure pupil safety and foster sustainable development in Marampa Chiefdom and beyond was climaxed by official commissioning of the school by the Angula Kalili, Managing Director of MML, Paramount Chief, Marampa Chiefdom, PC Bai Koblo Queen II and the Ambassador Alhaji Umar Bond Wurie, Resident Minister North-West followed by conducted tour of the facility.

Caritas Freetown Ends Two-Day Training on SGBV for Communities in Western Rural 

By Ibrahim Sesay 

Caritas Freetown, with support from Manos Unidas, has concluded a two-day training on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) aimed at improving community understanding and strengthening sensitization efforts.

‎The session, which ran from 8-9 December at the Twin Hall in Hastings, brought together members of community forum groups drawn from Western Area Rural communities, including Makanba, Newton (Tommy Brown), Maintakeh, Bolima, Makombay, Banga Ground, Makimba and others.

‎Presenting an overview of the project, Project Manager, Lucky Bah, explained that the initiative was developed in response to the growing reports of rape, early marriage and teenage pregnancy across several communities. He said one of the main objectives is to influence behavioral change and shift community attitudes surrounding gender-based violence.

‎ Lucky Bah also highlighted that the project’s focus is on improving access to justice for survivors. He noted that financial challenges often prevent victims or their guardians from following up on cases under investigation. To address that, according to him, Caritas will provide financial support to those pursuing justice.

‎“Another goal is to build resilience among survivors,” he added, noting that twenty women will receive vocational skills training as part of the project. He further encouraged participants to carry the message back to their communities. “We expect you to lead sensitization efforts at least once a month. We will be doing follow-ups to assess the impact,” he said.

‎The training covered key topics such as understanding gender-based violence, referral pathways, gender laws, community sensitization techniques and the roles of nature club members in prevention efforts.

‎Speaking briefly, Acting Programmes Manager, Eliza Sillah, urged couples to cultivate respect and mutual understanding, noting that those are essential in preventing gender-based violence. “Respect must come from both sides. It becomes visible when a man and woman find common ground,” she said. She encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained and continue sensitization within their households and communities.

‎For many attendees, the training provided valuable new insights. John Paul Kargbo from the 3-Mile Nyandehun community said the sessions helped him recognize behaviours he previously did not know amounted to GBV. “This training has shaped my perception,” he said. “As a teacher, I will start sensitizing my pupils and their parents. If Caritas provides megaphones, I will also extend the message across my community.”

‎He called on authorities responsible for enforcing GBV laws to avoid compromise and ensure equal punishment for all perpetrators, regardless of their status.

‎Another participant, Isha Salamatu Turay, from Newton, said her understanding of GBV expanded beyond sexual and physical abuse. “I learned that psychological and economic abuse are also forms of GBV,” she noted.

‎Isha Salamatu Turay added that some of the most common cases in her community include inappropriate advances from men, as well as physical and sexual assault. “This training has also taught me that married women can be raped and married men can be victims too,” she said.

‎The training ended with renewed enthusiasm as participants prepare to take the lead in promoting awareness and prevention of SGBV in their respective communities.

Leone Rock Metal Group Sets New Standard in Fire Safety and Environmental Management

Leone Rock Metal Group conducting fire safety training for workers

Leone Rock Metal Group has further strengthened its commitment to workplace safety and long-term environmental sustainability through two major capacity-building initiatives: an intensive fire safety training for staff and the formal recognition of its Environmental Unit for excellence in environmental management.

At the Technical Equipment Department workshop in Pepel, the company’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) conducted practical fire extinguisher training for employees, equipping them with essential skills for responding to emergency situations. The session focused on building awareness of fire risks, understanding the different types of extinguishers; Water, Dry Chemical and CO₂ and demonstrating the correct application of the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Participants engaged in hands-on simulations to test their readiness, demonstrating how to safely and swiftly manage fire incidents. Representatives from the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Directorate and the Technical Equipment Department supervised the drills to ensure accuracy and adherence to safety standards. Following the exercises, evaluators recommended periodic refresher sessions to maintain staff alertness and reinforce the message that fire prevention must remain a daily priority. Employees were reminded that reducing fire hazards requires consistent vigilance and a proactive safety culture across all work areas.

In a parallel achievement, the company celebrated a milestone in environmental sustainability. The Training Department under the HSE Directorate awarded Certificates of Merit in Environmental Management and Sustainability to members of the Environmental Unit. The recognition followed their successful completion of a rigorous theoretical and practical training programme aimed at strengthening environmental protection, regulatory compliance and responsible resource management.

The accomplishment underscores the Environmental Unit’s dedication to developing innovative, eco-friendly interventions and enhancing the company’s overall sustainability practices. With the newly acquired expertise, the team is better positioned to drive impactful environmental initiatives that support Leone Rock Metal Group’s long-term operational goals.

During the certificate presentation ceremony, HSE Superintendent at Kingho Rail and Port, Mr. Kabia, commended the team for their professionalism and commitment. “These certificates represent trust, appreciation and a shared pledge for all,” he remarked, noting that the achievement reflects the company’s collective responsibility to protect the environment and promote a culture of sustainable operations.

Special appreciation was extended to the HSE Management for its strategic leadership, as well as to the management of Kingho Rail and Port for fostering an enabling work environment that encourages growth, learning and community-focused responsibility.

Leone Rock Metal Group reaffirmed that it will continue to align its operations with national regulations and global best practices. Through continuous employee training, strong safety systems and effective environmental programmes, the company aims to set a new industry benchmark for workplace safety and sustainable industrial development in Sierra Leone.

Alhaji Alex Jalloh Hunted by Poro Secret Society as Deadly Manhunt Intensifies

Alhaji Alex Jalloh

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The life of Alhaji Alex Jalloh, a young man from Magbema Chiefdom in Kambia District, Northern Sierra Leone, is now in severe danger as members of the Poro Secret Society intensify a coordinated manhunt to capture him alive and forcefully initiate him. The threat against him escalated sharply after developments linked to his late father’s position in the society and the death of his uncle, Abdul Aziz Jalloh, a senior figure in the Poro Secret Society, who died on 10 June 2025.

Family members explain that the root of the crisis lies in tradition: Alhaji Alex Jalloh is the first son in his father’s biological line, making him the automatic successor to any role his father once held within the Poro Secret Society. His late father, who died years ago,  had occupied a significant and respected position within the society, a responsibility that custom dictates must pass directly to his eldest biological son.

For years, Alhaji Alex Jalloh’s fragile health and his absence from the community delayed this expectation. During that period, his father’s biological brother, Abdul Aziz Jalloh, temporarily assumed the responsibilities associated with their father’s former role. His leadership created a buffer that shielded Alex from immediate pressure.

But when Abdul Aziz Jalloh died on 10 June 2025, that buffer was abruptly removed. Family sources told this news medium that senior Poro Secret Society members immediately renewed their focus on Alhaji Alex Jalloh, insisting that he must inherit the role because he is the first biological son in his father’s lineage.

By this time, however, According to what was gathered Alhaji Alex Jalloh was out of the country by that time.

The pressure quickly shifted to his family. According to close friends, eyewitnesses and family members, Poro Secret Society elders intensified their intimidation of those he left behind. The threats became so severe that his biological brothers, Ibrahim Jalloh and Mohamed Jalloh, were forced to flee the settlement to avoid being abducted or used as leverage to force Alex out of hiding. Their escape left behind only women, who now endure constant intimidation.

Eyewitnesses from Magbema Chiefdom describe repeated nighttime visits by Poro Secret Society members demanding that the family reveal the whereabouts of Alhaji Alex Jalloh or “face consequences.” The women have endured threats, surveillance, insults and relentless fear.

One sister, speaking through tears said, “We do not know where Alhaji Alex Jalloh is. But the threats keep coming. They say they want him at any cost.”

Friends close to Alex reveal that his outspoken condemnation of the Poro Secret Society; especially its practices of ritual killings, human sacrifice, the drinking of human blood and the consumption of human body parts, is a major reason he is being hunted. He vowed never to submit to rituals involving violence or death, a stance that deeply angered the society’s elders.

Eyewitness accounts confirm that the Poro Secret Society has activated its networks across several districts in search of him. Family members say the society has vowed never to relent until he is found, raising fears that any attempt to capture him could result in his death.

The ongoing manhunt for Alhaji Alex Jalloh, the disappearance of his brothers and the continued harassment of his family has now become a serious human rights concern. Everyone who spoke to this medium including family members, eyewitnesses and close acquaintances affirmed that the threat facing him is real, coordinated and immediate.

President Bio Graces Dakhlallah Antar Family 100 Years Anniversary Dinner in Freetown

By Foday Moriba Conteh

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Saturday 6th December, 2025 graced the Centennial Celebration Dinner of the Dakhlallah Antar Family, joining distinguished personalities to commemorate the family’s 100-year presence and contribution to Sierra Leone. The President, accompanied by First Lady Dr. Fatima Bio, attended the high-profile event held at the Antar Family Residence on Hill Station in Freetown, where government officials, diplomats and prominent community figures also gathered to honour one of the country’s oldest family legacies.

In her welcoming address, Hendia Sahid Antar, granddaughter of the late Dakhlallah Antar, expressed appreciation to guests for honouring the historic occasion. She highlighted the family’s century-long journey, describing it as one defined by resilience, heritage and lasting friendship with the people of Sierra Leone.

“Tonight, we gather to celebrate a century of heritage, resilience and contribution,” she noted, adding that the family remains grateful for the relationships built over generations.

Honourable Alhaji Dr. Alpha Kanu, longtime associate of the Dakhlallah Antar family, described the event as historic not only for the family but for the people of Port Loko and Sierra Leone. He recalled that the Antar family settled in Port Loko in December 1925 long before his own generation and have since become an integral part of the district’s social, cultural and economic life. “This family preceded many of us,” he explained, adding that even at over seventy years of age, the Antar history in Port Loko still stands nearly half a century ahead of his own lifetime.

He paid glowing tribute to the family patriarch, the late Dakhlallah Antar, describing him as a generous humanitarian whose quiet philanthropy touched countless lives. Dr. Kanu recounted personal childhood encounters with the late patriarch, noting that he was known for supporting vulnerable families, assisting children, and offering relief during difficult times.

According to him, the level of respect the family earned became evident at the time of Dakhlallah Antar’s death in 1966, when the entire district suspended activities including schools out of grief and solidarity. “That was how deeply rooted this family had become,” he said.

He highlighted the strong ancestral, social and marital connections between the Antars and several well-known Port Loko families, explaining that the family’s bonds expanded over generations, spreading beyond their Lebanese heritage into the fabric of Sierra Leonean identity. Dr. Kanu also noted that the family continues to play visible roles in the district through traditional leadership, local development support and assistance to communities during major events and celebrations.

Dr. Kanu welcomed visiting family members who had travelled from abroad to attend the centennial, while encouraging younger generations to carry forward the values of generosity, unity and service that characterised the Antar legacy. He stressed that the celebration was not merely a dinner, but a moment of reflection on a remarkable journey of integration and belonging. “Today is a celebration of a legacy and of people who have stood with Sierra Leone for a hundred years,” he emphasised.

He concluded by calling on guests to enjoy the evening and to recognise the significance of the moment not only for the Antar descendants but for Port Loko and Sierra Leone as a whole. He thanked the President, First Lady and dignitaries for honouring the family, describing the ceremony as proof of the long-standing mutual respect that exists between the Antar family and the nation at large.

It must be noted that the Antar family has consistently invested in community development. Their initiatives include the completion of the Presidential Pavilion at Benguema Military Training Camp, the donation of an X-ray machine to the 34 Military Hospital and the construction of schools at Mile 13. They are currently constructing a school and mosque at York Village as a gift to the community, while also supplying mortuary equipment to districts across the country. They have further supported water projects in Lungi, Port Loko and Kono, and pre-financed solar streetlights in Port Loko, alongside annual support for mosque renovations.

In recognition of their century-long contribution, the Government of Sierra Leone under President Bio this year appointed several members of the family to serve as Special Envoys. Jihad Eter serves as Special Envoy for Eastern and Central Europe, Daklala Mohamed Antar as Special Envoy for Trade and Investment, and Faissal D. Antar as Special Envoy for Tourism and Investment. These appointments reinforce the family’s continuing role in advancing national development.

For 100 years, the Antar family has stood as a pillar of Sierra Leonean society serving faithfully in moments of stability and crisis, investing generously in communities and living modestly despite their significant impact. Their story is not only one of business success and philanthropy but also of identity, belonging and national loyalty. For the Antars, Sierra Leone is not merely a place of residence; it is home.

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic cutting of the 100-year anniversary cake by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, joined by members of the Antar Family, marking a proud milestone in a century of service, heritage and national commitment.

Dr. Pauline O’Dwyer Emerges as Sierra Leone’s Most Academically Distinguished Female Lawyer

Dr. Pauline O’Dwyer

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Dr. Pauline O’Dwyer stands out as one of the most academically distinguished women lawyers in Sierra Leone, with an exceptional portfolio of qualifications that span human rights law, international development, juvenile justice and legal practice across two continents. Her outstanding academic journey and professional achievements have earned her recognition as arguably the most educated woman lawyer in the country.

The lawyer’s educational pathway reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing justice and strengthening legal systems. She pursued her higher education at some of the United Kingdom’s most respected institutions, beginning with the University of North London, where she earned a Master’s degree in Advice and Paralegal Work, followed by a BA (Hons) in Business Law and Human Resources Studies.

Her quest for broader expertise led her to the renowned College of Law in London, where she completed both the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) and the highly regarded Legal Practice Course (LPC), qualifying her as a Solicitor in the United Kingdom. She later expanded her academic horizons by obtaining a Master of Laws in Socio-Legal Studies, strengthening her analytical grounding in the relationship between law, society and justice.

Dr. Pauline O’Dwyer’s academic achievements reached an extraordinary height at Birkbeck, University of London, where she completed two PhD programmes; one in International Human Rights Law and another in International Development Studies, specializing in Childhood Studies and Juvenile Justice. Her doctoral research was supervised by the respected Professor Keren Wells, widely acknowledged for her expertise and mentorship of advanced legal scholars.

In Sierra Leone, Dr. Pauline O’Dwyer further cemented her professional standing by qualifying as a Barrister after completing her studies at the Sierra Law School in 2013/14. This dual qualification, Solicitor in the UK and Barrister in Sierra Leone, places her among a rare cadre of legal professionals who can competently navigate and advocate within both jurisdictions.

Dr. Pauline O’Dwyer’s academic depth, combined with her cross-border legal practice, positions her as an influential figure in shaping policy, defending human rights and advancing legal reforms. Her exceptional achievements continue to inspire young legal scholars, especially women, who see in her a model of excellence, resilience and intellectual brilliance poised to make lasting contributions to Sierra Leone’s justice sector.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr Breaks Ground on Susan’s Bay Care Block to Support Women and Families

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE on Thursday, 4 December 2025, officially launched the construction of the new Susan’s Bay Care Block, a purpose-built facility designed to ease the heavy burden of unpaid care work carried predominantly by women and girls in the capital.

Joined by Councillors and staff of the Freetown City Council (FCC), community leaders, implementing partners and beneficiaries, the Mayor described the project as “a transformative investment in people, dignity and opportunity.”

The Susan’s Bay Care Block will serve as a central hub for a wide range of essential community services, including adult education classes, nutrition support, childcare, professional development initiatives and improved access to health and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response services. The facility is also designed to promote shared responsibility in the home by offering caregiving training for men and running public awareness campaigns on the value of care work.

Implemented by the Freetown City Council in partnership with CHANGE, the initiative draws on Bogotá’s globally acclaimed Care Blocks model, adapting it to meet the needs of caregivers in densely populated urban communities like Susan’s Bay.

The project forms part of the Scaling Care Innovations in Africa partnership and is supported by Global Affairs Canada, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Metropolis. Its focus on improving access to education, health, economic empowerment and safe spaces aligns directly with the Human Capital Development pillar of Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s Transform Freetown agenda.

Construction of the Care Block marks a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to empower women, reduce inequalities and strengthen community resilience. The facility is expected to expand opportunities for thousands of caregivers and families once completed.

Shalimar Trading Rolls Out 2025 Holiday Raffle, Offers HLX 125 as Grand Prize

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Shalimar Trading has rolled out its 2025 nationwide festive raffle campaign, giving customers an exciting opportunity to win a new HLX 125 motorbike as the year draws to a close. The promotion, which is now active across all company outlets, will run until 22 December 2025, attracting riders, transport operators and individual buyers eager to secure a chance at the grand prize.

Under the rules of the campaign, every motorbike or tricycle (kekeh) purchased from Shalimar Trading within the promotional period qualifies as an automatic entry into the raffle. Each transaction counts as one ticket, increasing customers’ chances of winning the highly reliable HLX 125; celebrated for its strength, low fuel consumption and suitability for commercial riding.

The winning ticket will be selected during a live raffle draw on AYV Television, where Shalimar Trading will unveil the lucky customer who will take home the premium motorbike.

Shalimar Trading has cemented its reputation as a trusted supplier of durable motorbikes, tricycles and spare parts, building a strong customer base throughout Sierra Leone. Its extensive distribution network and commitment to dependable after-sales support have positioned the company as a key player in the transport sector, especially for those who rely on motorbikes for their daily livelihoods.

According to management, the End-of-Year Raffle is a gesture of appreciation aimed at rewarding customer loyalty and supporting communities as the festive season approaches—a period marked by high economic demands. The company emphasized that many Sierra Leoneans depend on motorbikes and tricycles for income generation, and initiatives like this raffle help enhance earning potential and uplift households.

Since the announcement, Shalimar outlets across the country have reported increased sales and customer engagement, as buyers rush to participate before the deadline. The company assures customers of a smooth, transparent raffle process and consistent product availability throughout the campaign.

With excitement steadily rising ahead of the draw, Shalimar Trading is urging customers to take advantage of the promotion early.

As the campaign unfolds, Shalimar Trading continues to demonstrate its commitment to customer empowerment and service excellence—closing 2025 with a strong message of gratitude, support and community partnership.

Pee Cee & Sons Expands Seasonal Promo Across Sierra Leone with Attractive Rewards

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Pee Cee Foreign Exchange Bureau Ltd has kicked off its much-awaited December Promo 2025/2026, introducing generous rewards for customers collecting MoneyGram, Western Union and Ria transfers during the holiday season. Running from 1st December 2025 to 3rd January 2026, the promotion is active across all Pee Cee & Sons branches, reinforcing the company’s role as a leading supporter of families who depend on remittances throughout Sierra Leone.

This year’s festive campaign offers an automatic 1% cash bonus to anyone receiving NLe 22,000 and above, with the extra amount added instantly at the counter. Pee Cee assures customers that there are no complicated steps or hidden conditions; a deliberate move to make the process seamless at a time when households rely heavily on international financial support.

In addition to the cash top-up, Pee Cee & Sons is distributing a range of branded nutritional and household essentials as part of its Christmas reward package. Among the items available are:

  • Padi Evaporated Milk
  • Padi Cocoa
  • Padi Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • Royale Mayonnaise
  • Sweet Padi Seasoning Cube
  • Padi Vegetable Cooking Oil
  • Padi Malted Drink
  • Padi Tea Leaf
  • Padi 5kg Rice
  • And other popular consumer items

These gifts will be available while supplies last, adding meaningful value to customers during the festive period.

To ensure accessibility nationwide, the Bureau has outlined several designated collection centres in Freetown and across the provinces for customers to conveniently redeem both their remittances and promo rewards.

Freetown Locations:
59 Wellington Street · 16 Goderich Road, Lumley · 31 Guard Street · 19 Fourah Bay Road · 10 Sani Abacha Street · 24 City Road, Portee · 9 Krootown Road · 32A Wilkinson Road · 53 Abacha Street

Provincial Locations:
76 Kainkordu Road, Kono · 5 Palmer Street, Kabala · 54 Dambala Road, Bo · 39 Hanga Road, Kenema · 9A Liverpool Street, Waterloo · 29 Rogbaneh Road, Makeni · 137 Airport Ferry Road, Lungi · Lengor’s Compound, Kailahun · 35 IDA Road, Kambia

According to management, the December Promo underscores the company’s longstanding appreciation for customer loyalty, especially during a season when many Sierra Leoneans depend on relatives abroad to meet increased household needs. Pee Cee & Sons reaffirmed its commitment to quick, secure and customer-focused remittance services across the country.

Members of the public seeking further information are encouraged to visit any Pee Cee branch or call the customer service line at 088076539.

With its unique blend of monetary rewards and essential household goods, the Pee Cee & Sons Holiday Promo is poised to deliver comfort, relief and festive cheer to families nationwide throughout the 2025/2026 Christmas season.

IGP Sellu and RSA Executive Director Lead Major Decongestion Operation in Cline Town

A major joint operation spearheaded by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu and the Executive Director of the Road Safety Authority (RSA),  James Bio, brought much-needed relief to commuters and residents of Cline Town on Thursday, 4th December 2025. The exercise targeted the long-standing congestion caused by stationary and abandoned vehicles along Jenneh Wright Road, Ross Road and Fourah Bay Road; critical corridors that serve thousands of daily road users.

The initiative falls in line with the Sierra Leone Police’s strategic mandate to support Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in ensuring public safety, efficient mobility and orderliness across the country. With the IGP personally leading officers on the ground and the RSA mobilizing its enforcement team, the operation focused on clearing disused trailers and container trucks that had been left unattended for months along the routes leading to the Quay.

Residents say the situation had deteriorated into a serious public inconvenience. A journey that should ordinarily take five to ten minutes often extended into hours leaving commercial drivers, passengers and community dwellers frustrated. The abandoned trucks did not only obstruct traffic but also forced commercial transport operators to stop midway, causing unnecessary delays and contributing to the increment of transport fares, especially for commuters from the far east of Freetown and Waterloo.

Pedestrians who witnessed Thursday’s operation described it as “long overdue,” noting that the daily struggle of navigating narrow, obstructed pathways had become unbearable. Many recounted being forced to trek long distances after work as vehicles were unable to access key stops along the crowded roadway.

Following the clearance exercise, vehicular movement along the affected corridors has been restored, significantly easing the pressure on commuters. Transport analysts also expect a reduction in the double and triple fares that had become commonplace due to restricted road access.

Local residents and road users have widely applauded the intervention by the IGP and RSA leadership, hailing it as impactful and timely. Many expressed optimism that the authorities will maintain strict monitoring and enforcement to prevent the return of abandoned vehicles, which have long undermined the free flow of traffic in Cline Town.

The successful operation, they say, demonstrates a renewed commitment by law enforcement and regulatory agencies to address longstanding transportation challenges and improve mobility for thousands who rely on these crucial routes each day.

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