FAWAZ Expands RANDCEM Cement Supply to Support Safer Construction Nationwide

August 28, 2026

Sierra Leone’s growing demand for housing, commercial buildings and public infrastructure has renewed attention on the quality of materials used throughout the construction sector.

FAWAZ Building Materials is contributing to this development by making RANDCEM 42.5R Cement available to contractors, engineers, developers, masons and private individuals undertaking projects across the country.

Produced in Vietnam and packaged in 50-kilogram bags, RANDCEM 42.5R is intended for various concrete and masonry applications. These include foundations, columns, beams, floors, concrete blocks and other structural works.

FAWAZ Building Materials says the cement delivers consistent performance and dependable early strength when mixed and applied correctly. Its reported setting time of approximately 30 minutes under suitable conditions may also help construction teams work efficiently and maintain project schedules.

The company, however, emphasizes that cement quality is only one part of safe construction. Strong buildings also require professional designs, stable foundations, correct reinforcement, clean sand, suitable aggregates, proper measurements and competent supervision.

Controlling the quantity of water used during mixing remains particularly important. Excess water can reduce concrete strength, increase shrinkage and create cracks. Poor measurements involving cement, sand and aggregate may also weaken a structure and shorten its lifespan.

For some general concrete applications, builders commonly use a ratio of one part cement, two parts sand and four parts aggregate. Lean concrete may use one part cement, three parts sand and six parts aggregate. These proportions are general guidelines and should never replace project-specific instructions from qualified engineers.

Proper curing is equally critical. Freshly placed concrete should be kept adequately moist during its early stages to allow strength to develop and reduce the possibility of cracking. Failure to cure concrete properly can undermine its performance, even when reliable cement has been used.

RANDCEM bags should be stored in dry, covered and well-ventilated areas. They must be raised above the floor and protected from rain, damp walls, groundwater and leaking roofs. Once opened, any remaining cement should preferably be used within seven days or sealed securely against air and moisture.

Workers are also encouraged to use gloves and face masks to minimize exposure to cement dust and avoid prolonged skin contact. Safe lifting practices should be observed when handling the 50-kilogram bags, while cement must always be stored away from children.

Recurring concerns about building collapses have intensified calls for tougher construction controls in Sierra Leone. Structural failures are often linked to weak foundations, defective designs, inferior materials, poor workmanship and inadequate professional oversight.

Construction stakeholders have therefore urged the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau and other responsible institutions to strengthen inspections and regularly test cement products entering the market. Effective monitoring of importers, distributors and retailers would help protect consumers, discourage the sale of substandard materials and promote fair competition.

FAWAZ Building Materials says its distribution of RANDCEM 42.5R Cement forms part of its commitment to supporting national development through reliable building products.

With construction activity continuing to expand, Sierra Leone’s ability to develop safer and longer-lasting structures will depend on quality materials, skilled workmanship, professional engineering and firm regulatory supervision.

Mercury International Unveils $120,000 End-of-Year Double Promotion

August 28, 2026

Mercury International Managing Director, Martin E. Michael

Mercury International has officially launched two major end-of-year raffles offering six grand prizes valued at a combined $120,000 to its online betting customers across Sierra Leone. The promotion follows the company’s earlier nationwide football payout reported by The Calabash Newspaper.

The Vegas Game Raffle and Sports Raffle were unveiled on 24 August 2026 at Gigibonta on Lumley Beach Road in Freetown. The promotions are intended to provide customers with opportunities to win valuable prizes ahead of the festive season.

Speaking at the launch, Mercury International Managing Director, Martin E. Michael, said the company is building on the success of its previous promotions by introducing even bigger rewards.

“We recently concluded a promotion in which we awarded a house, and as the Christmas season approaches, we are returning with greater prizes,” Martin E. Michael said.

Under the Vegas Game Raffle, eligible players will have the chance to win a brand-new 2026 Jetour T1 vehicle, an automatic scooter and an 85-inch smart television.

The Sports Raffle, which is exclusively designed for sports betting customers, will offer a two-bedroom house at TAF Salone, a TVS tricycle commonly known as a Kekeh and a Lifan motorbike.

Martin E. Michael described the initiative as a record-breaking promotion and assured customers that all six prizes would be awarded to the eventual winners.

“These raffles are genuine. We look forward to presenting the prizes to the winners in January 2027,” he stated.

Mercury International’s Deputy Online Manager, Octavus Jackson, explained that interested participants must first register an online account through the company’s official website, mercurybet.com.

According to him, customers will qualify for a Vegas Raffle ticket after accumulating wagers worth NLe250. For the Sports Raffle, customers must place accumulated bets valued at NLe50 to secure a ticket.

Octavus Jackson said the company would continue offering bonuses and other incentives to customers throughout the promotional period.

“Everyone who participates has an opportunity to benefit. Mercury remains generous with bonuses and committed to creating life-changing opportunities,” he said.

He added that prizes such as a house, vehicle, Kekeh or motorbike could significantly improve the economic circumstances of the winners.

“Acquiring some of these assets would ordinarily take people many years, but Mercury is giving customers an opportunity to win them within a short period,” Octavus Jackson noted.

Mercury International’s Public Relations Manager, Alhaji Komba, said the company’s activities extend beyond sports betting to creating excitement and happiness among Sierra Leoneans.

“Mercury International is not only about betting; it is also about putting smiles on the faces of Sierra Leoneans,” Alhaji Komba said.

Both promotions will run from 24 August 2026 to 3 January 2027. The company said the grand prizes would be formally presented to the winners in January 2027.

Professor Duramany-Lakkoh Strengthens IPAM’s Partnerships with LIPA, AMEU and MUN-Liberia

August 28, 2026

Man in a beige shirt and glasses speaks into a microphone at a podium, with blue UN flags and a banner in the background. — Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh

Prominent Sierra Leonean academic, entrepreneur and chartered accountant, Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh, has concluded a significant visit to Monrovia, Liberia, where he promoted stronger academic partnerships, collaborative research, postgraduate education and youth participation in Africa’s development.

Professor Duramany-Lakkoh, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), participated in four major engagements during the visit: the West Africa Academic Leadership Meeting, a partnership meeting with the Liberian Institute of Public Administration (LIPA), a partnership and Memorandum of Understanding review meeting with African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) and the sixth session of Model United Nations Liberia 2026.

Reflecting on the visit, Professor Duramany-Lakkoh said the engagements provided an important platform for discussing academic leadership, institutional cooperation, research opportunities and the role of young Africans in shaping the continent’s future.

The West Africa Academic Leadership Meeting brought together academic and institutional leaders to exchange ideas on strengthening higher education across the sub-region. Discussions centred on how universities and other academic institutions could collaborate to address emerging challenges and expand opportunities for students, researchers and professionals.

Professor Duramany-Lakkoh said participants placed particular emphasis on joint consultancy and research initiatives through which institutions could combine their expertise, resources and professional networks to conduct studies aligned with West Africa’s development priorities.

The meeting also explored the establishment of joint doctoral programmes. According to Professor Duramany-Lakkoh, collaborative PhD programmes could deepen institutional relationships, strengthen regional research capacity and enable scholars to pursue advanced studies within a more integrated West African higher education system.

He maintained that African academic institutions must move away from working in isolation and develop sustainable partnerships that promote knowledge exchange, academic mobility and cross-border research.

Professor Duramany-Lakkoh’s meeting with the Liberian Institute of Public Administration focused on strengthening institutional cooperation and identifying practical areas in which the two institutions could work together.

Discussions covered joint consultancy, research and professional capacity development, particularly in governance, leadership and public administration.

He noted that higher education institutions and public-sector organisations possess complementary strengths that could be combined to address governance and development challenges confronting African countries.

Professor Duramany-Lakkoh also participated in a partnership and MoU review meeting with African Methodist Episcopal University. The meeting assessed existing areas of cooperation and considered new opportunities to expand academic and research collaboration.

The discussions examined potential joint research projects, consultancy services and postgraduate programmes, including the possibility of developing joint PhD programmes.

Professor Duramany-Lakkoh stressed that institutional partnerships must go beyond ceremonial agreements and produce measurable benefits for students, academics, professionals and communities.

He said the meetings with LIPA and AMEU demonstrated the willingness of regional institutions to pursue sustainable relationships capable of generating meaningful academic and professional outcomes.

One of the major highlights of the visit was Professor Duramany-Lakkoh’s appearance as guest speaker at the opening of Model United Nations Liberia 2026 in Monrovia.

Addressing participants, he challenged young Africans to look beyond national boundaries and embrace opportunities to learn, compete, collaborate and build professional networks across the continent.

He encouraged young professionals to take greater responsibility for Africa’s development by becoming innovators, entrepreneurs, decision-makers and builders of strong institutions.

Professor Duramany-Lakkoh acknowledged the importance of understanding Africa’s colonial history but urged young people to focus more attention on practical actions that could improve the continent’s present and future.

He argued that Africa must build productive economies, improve regional integration and strengthen institutions capable of providing education, entrepreneurship and dignified employment opportunities.

“To avoid migration issues, we must build economies that create opportunities. If we strengthen institutions, invest in education and entrepreneurship, improve regional integration and create dignified employment, migration becomes a choice, not a survival strategy,” he stated.

Professor Duramany-Lakkoh said meaningful investments in young people could help countries retain their talent and enable African youth to contribute effectively to national and regional development.

More than 1,000 participants attended the two-day MUN-Liberia 2026 conference, which was organized to expose young people to diplomacy, international relations, negotiation, leadership and collaborative problem-solving.

The gathering included 250 delegates from different countries who participated in six specialized committees: the United Nations Security Council, UN Women, UNICEF, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the United Nations Population Fund.

Professor Duramany-Lakkoh described the scale and diversity of participation as evidence of the growing interest among young Africans in leadership and international affairs.

He said platforms such as MUN-Liberia enable young people to acquire practical skills, exchange ideas and interact with peers from different national and cultural backgrounds.

His message to the delegates was that young Africans should not regard themselves merely as beneficiaries of development programmes. Instead, they should consider themselves active partners with the capacity to influence decisions and build the continent’s future.

He warned that Africa could lose the enormous potential of its youthful population if governments and institutions failed to invest deliberately in quality education, entrepreneurship, regional integration and decent employment.

Professor Duramany-Lakkoh said the meetings and discussions in Monrovia reinforced the importance of stronger connections among African institutions, researchers, governments and young professionals.

He called on academic institutions to collaborate more closely, researchers to undertake cross-border projects and universities to create more opportunities for joint postgraduate education.

According to him, Africa possesses enormous human and intellectual resources, but their full potential can only be realised through systems that allow people to learn from one another, work together and access opportunities beyond their national boundaries.

Professor Duramany-Lakkoh described his visit as more than a series of formal meetings, saying it contributed to a broader discussion about using institutional cooperation to build knowledge, strengthen capacity and create opportunities for future generations.

He noted that the debates, negotiations and consensus-building exercises undertaken by MUN-Liberia delegates demonstrated that Africa’s young people must not only be prepared for the future but must also be given opportunities to help shape it.

“The future of Africa will be shaped by the quality of its institutions, the strength of its partnerships, the opportunities available to its young people and our collective willingness to work together across national boundaries,” Professor Duramany-Lakkoh stated.

He concluded that building a more connected, educated, innovative and prosperous Africa should not be treated as a future aspiration, but as a responsibility that African leaders and institutions must embrace today.

ECSL Finalizes University Curriculum on Political and Electoral Education

August 28, 2026

A panel of six people seated at a conference table with microphones, water bottles, and a bright orange flask in the foreground, discussing.

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has completed the technical preparation of a Political and Electoral Education Curriculum for universities, marking significant progress in efforts to strengthen civic awareness and democratic participation among young people.

The initiative forms part of the implementation of Recommendation 13 of the Tripartite Committee, which calls for the integration of electoral and political education into university programmes across Sierra Leone.

The ECSL Technical Working Team concluded its final curriculum meeting on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, at the new Institute of Public Administration and Management building named after Professor Dr. Ekundayo J.D. Thompson.

The meeting concentrated on consolidating the curriculum and preparing the final draft for presentation to a wider plenary session involving Vice Chancellors, Principals and curriculum experts from tertiary institutions across Sierra Leone.

Members of the Technical Working Team reviewed and strengthened the contributions and technical inputs submitted by ECSL staff. They also ensured that the Commission’s proposals were properly incorporated into the curriculum and aligned with acceptable academic standards.

The final document is expected to provide university students with a deeper understanding of Sierra Leone’s political and electoral systems. Key areas include democratic principles, electoral laws and procedures, voter participation, political rights and responsibilities, electoral integrity and peaceful political engagement.

Students will also receive education on the role of citizens in democratic governance, respect for electoral outcomes, responsible political communication and the dangers of violence and misinformation. The initiative complements wider discussions on constitutional and electoral issues in Sierra Leone.

According to the objectives of the initiative, the curriculum will equip students with the knowledge and critical-thinking skills required to make informed decisions and participate responsibly in political and electoral processes.

Universities are expected to play a greater role in promoting civic responsibility, tolerance, accountability, national cohesion and peaceful democratic participation among young Sierra Leoneans.

Young people constitute a significant proportion of Sierra Leone’s population and electorate. Improving their knowledge of elections, democratic institutions and governance is therefore considered essential to building a more informed, peaceful and responsible society.

The initiative could also help address political intolerance, electoral violence and the spread of misinformation, particularly among young voters. Through structured academic instruction, students will be encouraged to examine political issues critically, verify information and participate in national affairs without resorting to violence or hate speech.

The Technical Working Team said the latest engagement provided a clear roadmap for resolving the remaining issues and ensuring that the curriculum is comprehensive, academically sound and responsive to Sierra Leone’s electoral and governance environment.

Completing the technical work ahead of the plenary is also expected to make the validation exercise more focused, efficient and productive by reducing the amount of time needed to discuss outstanding matters.

The curriculum will now proceed to the plenary stage for final validation by university leaders and academic experts before its anticipated introduction in tertiary institutions.

Its successful completion represents another major milestone in implementing Tripartite Committee Recommendation 13 and institutionalizing Political and Electoral Education within Sierra Leone’s universities.

Vice President Backs Latter-Day Saints Church’s Plan to Create Hundreds of Jobs for Sierra Leonean Youths

August 28, 2026

Group of formally dressed adults posed for a photo in a meeting room, front row seated and back row standing, with a framed portrait behind them and a round emblem on the floor left corner.

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has pledged the Government’s support for an ambitious educational and employment initiative proposed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The initiative seeks to provide affordable, technology-based education while connecting qualified Sierra Leoneans with remote employment opportunities offered by companies worldwide.

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, welcomed the proposal during a meeting with senior Church representatives at the Office of the Vice President in Freetown on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The discussions covered the Church’s “Succeed in School” programme, its healthcare interventions and plans to establish a Global Education Centre in Sierra Leone.

The proposed centre is expected to deliver accessible, high-quality education and equip young people with practical digital skills that could lead to employment and entrepreneurship. It could also connect Sierra Leonean graduates with international employers while allowing them to remain and work within the country.

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, described the Global Education Centre as a promising intervention capable of helping young people acquire valuable knowledge, develop marketable skills and earn sustainable incomes through technology.

He assured the Church delegation that the Government would support the initiative, including efforts to accelerate the documentation and administrative processes required to establish the centre.

The Vice President also praised the Church for implementing community-focused programmes that complement the Government’s development priorities. He noted that improved access to education and employment would help young people become more productive, independent and responsible citizens.

According to him, providing a young man or woman with the opportunity to attend school and secure employment strengthens not only the individual but also the family, community and country.

Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, said the growing partnership between the Government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is contributing to practical education and technical skills development.

She highlighted the Church’s assistance to technical institutions, including the provision of equipment to support hands-on training. She explained that the proposed centre corresponds with the Government’s objective of expanding technology-enabled learning and employment opportunities beyond Freetown.

Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie stressed that embracing technology is essential to preparing Sierra Leonean youths for the changing global labour market. She said young people must be equipped with relevant skills that could enable them to secure dignified employment or establish their own businesses.

Senior Church leader, Elder Clark G. Gilbert, confirmed plans to establish the Global Education Centre, saying it could create hundreds of employment opportunities through online education and remote work.

Elder Clark G. Gilbert explained that the centre would offer affordable education and prepare students for jobs with employers operating in different parts of the world. The arrangement would enable beneficiaries to earn international incomes without leaving Sierra Leone.

The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen the Government’s broader efforts to promote digital learning, technical education, youth empowerment and sustainable opportunities and decent employment across the country.

As Secretary General Rejects Batilo Songa’s Claim… SLPP Faces Questions Over Flagbearer Process and Conflicting 2028–2030 Election Remarks

August 28, 2026

Two men shown separately: left a man in a green polo shirt and olive cap; right a man in a blue suit and white cap waving outdoors.

The debate over the Sierra Leone People’s Party’s leadership succession has intensified following conflicting statements from senior officials about who has the authority to select the party’s next presidential flagbearer.

SLPP National Secretary General, Umar Paran Tarawally has rejected remarks attributed to National Chairman, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa suggesting that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio would determine the party’s next flagbearer.

Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa reportedly told a gathering of party officials that the SLPP leader would come with “a name” and members should follow the leader’s political direction. Some party members interpreted the statement as indicating that President Bio, who serves as the SLPP’s National Leader, would personally choose his successor.

Speaking on AYV’s State of the Nation programme on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Umar Paran Tarawally said the chairman’s comments did not represent an official decision of the party.

“What Batilo said is his own opinion and does not represent the party,” Umar Paran Tarawally stated. “As Secretary General, all I know is that we have not taken that decision. He was very wrong to say so.”

Umar Paran Tarawally maintained that President Bio would not instruct party officials that he alone should determine the party’s next presidential candidate.

“President Bio will never communicate such a message to anybody. Jimmy Batilo knew exactly what the President said,” he added.

According to the Secretary General, President Bio has consistently maintained that SLPP delegates should decide who succeeds him as flagbearer. He defended the President’s democratic record, arguing that Bio had demonstrated respect for internal party democracy and national democratic institutions.

Umar Paran Tarawally disclosed that the SLPP expects to convene its delegates between March and April 2027 to decide who will lead the party into the next presidential election.

“Anytime between March and April next year, we will definitely convene the entire party delegates and decide on who takes over,” he said.

The controversy has also drawn criticism from SLPP National Trustee for the Eastern Region, Dr. James Vibbi, who accused Jimmy Batilo Songa of playing political “mind games” with party members.

Speaking on Truth FM 103.9’s Morning Devotion programme on August 26, 2026, Dr. James Vibbi argued that Jimmy Batilo Songa’s remarks appeared designed to create the impression that President Bio had already identified a preferred successor.

Dr. James Vibbi said the party could pursue consensus among stakeholders and prospective candidates. However, he maintained that if no consensus were reached, the flagbearer should be selected through a free and transparent election conducted in accordance with the SLPP Constitution.

He described President Bio as a cautious leader who does not make important political decisions hastily. Referring to the SLPP’s previous national chairmanship election, Dr. James Vibbi argued that the President did not impose a preferred candidate on party members.

He claimed that if President Bio had openly backed and imposed a particular candidate during that contest, Jimmy Batilo Songa might not have emerged as National Chairman.

Dr. James Vibbi alleged that the chairman was invoking the influence of the President to persuade party members to wait for a decision that might ultimately serve particular political interests.

“Jimmy Batilo Songa’s statement and actions are un-chairmanlike,” Dr. James Vibbi said. “I might write to the Secretary General, for the attention of the party leader, regarding the chairman’s actions and statements.”

He stressed that the National Chairman should remain neutral because several aspirants, movements and ideological groupings are expected to compete for influence during the succession process. The debate comes amid wider discussion of constitutional and electoral questions in Sierra Leone.

According to Dr. James Vibbi, the chairman should promote peace, reconciliation, harmony and cohesion rather than appear to favour a particular candidate or political bloc.

He also questioned the constitutional status of the gathering at which Jimmy Batilo Songa reportedly made his remarks, describing it as a constituency-level grouping that was not properly recognized under the party’s Constitution.

Dr. James Vibbi insisted that his criticism is not motivated by personal rivalry or ideological disagreement. He said his principal concern is protecting the SLPP Constitution and ensuring that the flagbearer-selection process remains credible, fair and transparent.

Meanwhile, SLPP National Public Relations Officer, Moses Mambu, has attracted public attention after reportedly referring repeatedly to the party winning the “2028 or 2030 elections” during an appearance on Liberty Online TV.

The reference to 2030 has generated questions because Sierra Leone’s next presidential and parliamentary elections are generally expected in 2028. Coming amid debate over proposed constitutional changes and discussion about a possible seven-year presidential term, the remark has fueled speculation among Government critics about a potential “More Time” agenda.

However, no evidence has been presented showing that the Government or SLPP has formally adopted a plan to postpone the elections until 2030. The controversy has nevertheless prompted demands for Moses Mambu and the wider party leadership to clarify whether the reference was simply a verbal error.

Moses Mambu had earlier explained that Jimmy Batilo Songa’s remarks concerned the chairman’s loyalty and that of the party to the political direction of President Bio as National Leader. He cited Article 6(c), subsection 1(a) of the SLPP’s August 2020 Constitution.

Salone Political Watch has also joined the debate, arguing that the SLPP belongs to its members and supporters rather than one individual, movement, faction or interest group.

The organisation welcomed Umar Paran Tarawally’s assurance that delegates would choose the flagbearer but demanded clarification of the official constitutional procedure, who is authorized to communicate the party’s position and whether every prospective candidate will receive a level playing field.

It further urged the SLPP leadership to issue a collective statement to prevent conflicting interpretations from causing divisions among grassroots supporters, constitutional chairmen, stakeholders and potential aspirants.

The controversy now extends beyond the disagreement between Jimmy Batilo Songa and Umar Paran Tarawally. It raises broader questions about internal democracy, leadership neutrality and the credibility of the process that will produce the SLPP’s next presidential candidate.

With the proposed delegates’ gathering expected between March and April 2027, party members and the public will be watching for a process guided by the SLPP Constitution, equal treatment of aspirants and a clear answer concerning whether the next national elections will be held in 2028 or at another date.

The party also faces growing pressure to provide an unambiguous explanation of Moses Mambu’s “2028 or 2030” remark and reassure the public about its commitment to Sierra Leone’s established electoral timetable.

With preparations for the succession contest gaining momentum, the exchanges have exposed differences among senior SLPP officials over how the party’s next flagbearer should emerge. Party members are now awaiting an authoritative clarification that could settle the controversy and reassure potential aspirants that the process will follow the SLPP Constitution.

2028 or 2030? SLPP Mambu’s Reckless Remark Fuels “More Time” Suspicions

August 28, 2026

Man wearing a black and white striped polo shirt sits on a blue tufted couch, talking, with a microphone clipped to his shirt. — Moses Mambu, National Public Relations Officer of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party

Words spoken by those who stand at the centre of political power are never empty. They can reassure a nation or unsettle it; strengthen democracy or deepen suspicion. This is why the repeated reference to “2028 or 2030 elections” by Moses Mambu, National Public Relations Officer of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party, cannot simply be dismissed as humour, political entertainment or an innocent slip of the tongue. It was a reckless political pronouncement that struck directly at public confidence in Sierra Leone’s democratic future.

Moses Mambu is not an ordinary party supporter speaking casually at a gathering. He is the chief public spokesperson of the SLPP, the party controlling the Government. His statements will naturally be examined for clues about the thinking, intentions and possible direction of the ruling establishment. Mentioning 2030 repeatedly during his appearances on SLIK and Liberty Online TVs therefore created the disturbing impression that some elements within the SLPP may be quietly testing public reaction to a possible extension of the Government’s tenure beyond 2028.

Sierra Leone’s next presidential and parliamentary elections are generally expected in 2028. Any suggestion of 2030 is bound to provoke serious questions, particularly at a time when the country is debating constitutional amendments and confronting speculation about a possible seven-year presidential term. Against this sensitive political background, Moses Mambu’s statement was not only careless; it was inflammatory and damaging to national cohesion.

There is presently no credible evidence that the Government or SLPP has formally resolved to postpone the elections. That fact must be clearly acknowledged. However, politics is shaped not only by official resolutions but also by signals, language and public perception. When the National Public Relations Officer of the governing party repeatedly introduces 2030 into a discussion about elections, citizens have every right to ask whether the statement was a mistake, a political trial balloon or an attempt to prepare the country psychologically for a “More Time” agenda.

Moses Mambu reportedly compounded the controversy by referring to former President Ernest Bai Koroma of the All People’s Congress, whose tenure extended beyond the initial electoral timetable during the Ebola crisis. That comparison is dangerously misleading. Ebola was a devastating national emergency that killed thousands, disrupted communities, weakened institutions and made normal electoral activities extremely difficult. It was not a convenient political arrangement manufactured to keep a Government in office. Invoking that tragedy to rationalize contemporary talk about 2030 trivializes the suffering Sierra Leone endured.

After widespread condemnation across social media, Moses Mambu appeared to make an embarrassing retreat during an interview with Lamrana Bah of Truth Media on August 27, 2026. Asked whether he was advancing a 2030 agenda to extend his own relevance within the SLPP, he described the controversy as “political basketball.” He suggested that when people become excessively focused on one issue, politicians may divert their attention towards something else.

That explanation is deeply troubling. Election dates are not toys for political diversion. The constitutional future of Sierra Leone cannot be reduced to a gimmick designed to confuse citizens, dominate social media discussions or distract attention from uncomfortable national questions. Calling the statement “fun,” an “aside” or a “political jab” after public outrage does not repair the damage. It instead reveals a disturbing lack of appreciation for the responsibilities attached to his office.

Even more unsatisfactory was Moses Mambu’s refusal to affirm that elections would be conducted in 2028, arguing that he lacked the constitutional authority to decide. Although technically correct, that was politically evasive. He was not being asked to set an election date; he was being invited to reassure the nation that his party respects the existing constitutional timetable.

The SLPP leadership must now speak clearly and decisively. It should tell Sierra Leoneans whether it remains committed to elections in 2028. The issue comes amid wider constitutional and electoral questions that have generated public discussion. Silence, ambiguity and political wordplay will only strengthen suspicion.

Higher Education Minister Calls for Tougher Action Against Examination Malpractice

August 28, 2026

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, has called for stronger institutional safeguards, stricter accountability and greater use of technology to protect the credibility of the country’s higher education system.

She made the call on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, during a special edition of the Civic Town Hall at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown.

The programme, hosted by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, examined the theme: “How Do We Address the Threats to Quality Education in Sierra Leone?” Discussions focused on examination malpractice, fake academic qualifications, institutional responsibility and technology’s role in improving transparency.

Addressing participants as keynote speaker, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie said higher education institutions must strengthen their internal systems to prevent misconduct and preserve public confidence in their certificates and graduates.

Drawing on her experience as a university lecturer, Head of Department and Dean, she said she understood many of the challenges facing tertiary institutions. Although universities and colleges have policies and penalties to address academic misconduct, she argued that such measures would achieve little without consistent implementation.

The Minister identified examination malpractice as one of the most serious threats to education, warning that it must never be accepted as a normal part of academic life.

She explained that students in universities and colleges are being prepared for future responsibilities as professionals, public servants and national leaders. Allowing dishonesty to flourish during their education, she warned, could encourage similar behaviour in workplaces and positions of authority.

The Minister recalled maintaining a zero-tolerance position on examination malpractice throughout her teaching career and urged institutions to apply equally firm standards. Beyond punishment, she said authorities must work to change students’ attitudes by helping them understand the lasting personal and professional consequences of academic fraud.

Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie also proposed the wider adoption of digital examination systems to reduce opportunities for cheating and minimize unnecessary human interference.

She disclosed that multifunctional information and communications technology facilities were being considered and piloted to allow students to sit examinations electronically. Under the proposed approach, randomized question banks could generate different sets of questions for candidates, making collaboration and other forms of malpractice more difficult.

Artificial Intelligence could also support the marking of multiple-choice and short-answer questions, she said. Lecturers and heads of departments would, however, retain responsibility for reviewing results and conducting quality-assurance checks.

According to the Minister, properly managed technology could improve efficiency, transparency and accountability across the examination process. She stressed that digital systems should strengthen not replace academic supervision and institutional responsibility.

Turning to fraudulent academic credentials, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie called for more rigorous verification of degrees and certificates. She said the relevant authorities must ensure that qualifications presented for employment, promotion or public responsibility are genuine.

She warned that individuals who obtain or use fake credentials must understand that academic fraud will not be tolerated. Effective verification, she added, would protect reputable institutions while ensuring that those entering professional and leadership positions possess legitimate qualifications.

The Minister maintained that preserving educational quality is a shared national responsibility involving the Government, higher education institutions, lecturers, students, families and regulatory bodies.

She concluded that Sierra Leone could not afford to weaken academic standards when graduates are expected to manage institutions, deliver essential services and provide national leadership.

The Minister therefore urged sustained action to combat examination malpractice, strengthen the authentication of academic credentials and introduce secure digital solutions capable of building a more credible, transparent and accountable higher education system.

ICPNC Team Completes Environmental Response and Peace Seminar in China

August 28, 2026

Three certificate recipients pose on a stage, each holding a red certificate, wearing matching striped outfits, in front of a blue ceremony backdrop that includes multilingual text.

Three officials of Sierra Leone’s Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion have completed a three-week seminar in China aimed at strengthening responses to environmental emergencies and preventing conflicts linked to natural resources.

The Environmental Emergency Response and Peace Seminar, held from 7 to 27 August 2026, was organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China as part of the country’s international training and knowledge-sharing programme for developing nations.

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion was represented by Deputy Executive Secretary, Moses Margao; Deputy Director of Conflict Prevention Simeonette Uwanie Pontis and Senior Conflict Prevention and Mediation Officer for the North-West Region, Francis Patterson.

The programme brought together participants to examine environmental challenges and their potential impact on peace, security and community stability. Discussions focused on natural-resource management and the ways disputes involving land, livelihoods and access to resources could generate tensions when they are not identified and addressed promptly.

Participants also explored practical approaches to detecting, documenting and reporting emerging environmental concerns before they escalate into serious community disputes or wider conflicts.

The seminar highlighted the importance of effective early-warning systems, timely intervention and cooperation among Government institutions, communities and other stakeholders in addressing environmental emergencies.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Vice President of Jiangxi Vocational University of Foreign Studies, Rao Jianhua, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with countries across the world. He said such partnerships would support international efforts to prevent environmental emergencies and advance sustainable peace.

The three representatives of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion received certificates upon completing the programme.

The training is expected to support the Commission’s mandate of promoting peace and national cohesion across Sierra Leone. Lessons from the seminar could also enhance the Commission’s ability to identify environmental and natural-resource-related risks that may threaten peaceful coexistence in communities.

Deputy Executive Secretary, Moses Margao, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of China for providing the training opportunity. He said the knowledge and experience acquired during the seminar would be shared with colleagues and incorporated into the Commission’s operations in Sierra Leone.

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion said it would draw on the lessons gained from the programme as it continues to strengthen early-warning mechanisms, mediation processes and preventive interventions.

The Commission is expected to apply the knowledge acquired to its engagement with communities where disputes over land, livelihoods and natural resources could undermine peace and national cohesion.

Africell CEO Shadi Gerjawi Puts Customer Satisfaction at the Heart of Service Delivery

August 28, 2026

Portrait of a bald man with a white beard in a light blue shirt seated on a white sofa, interview setting with water bottle on a glass table and sponsor logos visible in the corner, afr money and Africell banners. — Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi

Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, has reaffirmed the telecommunications company’s commitment to placing customers at the centre of its operations, stressing that no product can be considered successful if it fails to satisfy the people using it.

Speaking during Africell’s nationwide Customer Experience (ACE) Media Tour, Shadi Gerjawi said customer opinions, experiences and concerns remain essential to the company’s efforts to develop and improve its products and services.

“It doesn’t matter what product we have; if the customers are not happy with it, it means we don’t have a good product,” Shadi Gerjawi stated.

He explained that the telecommunications industry is constantly changing as customers’ communication and digital needs continue to evolve. Africell, he said, regularly reaches out to communities to hear directly from customers, understand their expectations and identify the challenges affecting their access to services.

According to Shadi Gerjawi, customer engagement has been part of Africell’s operational strategy for the past five years. Through the ACE initiative, the company deploys directors, managers and other staff members to radio and television stations, markets, streets and public spaces to interact with customers.

Those engagements enable Africell representatives to explain the company’s products and services while providing customers with opportunities to ask questions, make recommendations and raise complaints.

Shadi Gerjawi acknowledged that the feedback received during such engagements often provides the company with a list of issues requiring further attention. He said the concerns are taken back to the appropriate departments for review and possible action.

The Africell CEO also highlighted the company’s continued investment in innovation, accessibility and digital inclusion. He cited Africell’s introduction of 3G and 4G technologies, preparations towards 5G services, Fibre-to-the-Home connectivity and the expansion of Afrimoney.

He also pointed to the company’s partnership with Sierratel under a Mobile Virtual Network Operator arrangement, which forms part of wider efforts to strengthen telecommunications services across Sierra Leone.

Beyond commercial services, Shadi Gerjawi highlighted Africell’s investment in social-impact initiatives. Those include KidZone, a platform designed to help protect children online and the company’s partnership with the Milton Margai School for the Blind.

He said the programmes demonstrate Africell’s determination to remain innovative, inclusive and responsive to the different needs of Sierra Leoneans.

The nationwide ACE Media Tour, held on Thursday, 13 August, brought Africell representatives closer to customers through live radio and television discussions. The engagements covered the company’s products and services, Afrimoney operations, employment opportunities, corporate social responsibility programmes and network expansion plans.

Members of the public were also allowed to seek clarification, report difficulties and receive direct responses from company officials.

Africell described the initiative as more than a conventional media tour, saying it represents an ongoing conversation between the company and the people who depend on its network and digital services.

After more than two decades of operations in Sierra Leone, Africell says its growth has been driven by customer trust, affordable services, innovation and value for money.

Shadi Gerjawi assured customers that the company would continue listening to their concerns and using their feedback to improve service delivery. He emphasized that maintaining customer satisfaction will remain central to Africell’s mission of providing reliable, affordable and accessible telecommunications services across Sierra Leone.