NGC Crisis: PPRC Warns Jesmed Sumah Against Misrepresentation

August 27, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has on August 25, 2025 issued a directive reaffirming the recognized leadership of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) Party while cautioning expelled member Jesmed Foday Mami Sumah against misrepresenting himself as the party’s leader.

According to the Commission, it has received and reviewed resolutions from the NGC’s National Delegates Conference held on December 15, 2024. Resolution Two of that conference expelled Jesmed Sumah along with Wilfred Alimamy Wyse, Alimamy Juma Tarawallie, Mohamed Alpha Jallon and Foday Mohamed Kebe for alleged anti-party activities. Resolution Six further replaced those expelled members with new appointees.

The PPRC noted that on August 25, 2025, the party’s National Secretary General, Alhaji Amadu Sheriff, lodged a formal complaint against Jesmed Sumah, accusing him of misrepresenting the NGC.

While acknowledging that the matter is currently before the courts, the Commission directed Jesmed Sumah to desist from parading himself as Chairman and Leader of the NGC until the Judiciary rules otherwise.

“The Commission wishes to inform the membership of the NGC Party and the general public that it is Mohamed Koroma whom the Commission recognizes as the current Chairman and Leader of the National Grand Coalition Party,” the statement concluded.

The PPRC, established under constitutional and statutory provisions, continues to serve as the regulator of political parties in Sierra Leone, ensuring compliance with party constitutions and national laws.

Choose Safety, Choose Authenticity: SV Electrical – Sierra Leone’s Trusted Source for Genuine RR Cables

August 27, 2025

Electrical safety is a responsibility that cannot be overlooked. Across Sierra Leone, homes, offices and industries rely on high-quality electrical wiring to keep people and property safe. Yet recent events in Freetown and Waterloo have revealed a disturbing trend: counterfeit electrical cables are flooding the market, endangering lives and damaging trust in well-known brands like RR Cables.

In recent weeks, authorities arrested a Chinese businessman in Freetown after discovering a large shipment of suspected fake RR cables. Shortly after, Mohamed Barrie, a trader in Waterloo, was detained for allegedly selling similar counterfeit products. These investigations are ongoing, but they underscore the serious risks associated with substandard electrical materials.

Electrical experts warn that imitation cables may look authentic but are made with inferior components. Unlike genuine RR Cables, counterfeit versions cannot handle electrical currents safely. They overheat quickly, spark under load and can easily ignite fires; putting homes, businesses and communities in grave danger. The consequences are real, and vigilance is essential.

For over four years, SV Electrical has been Sierra Leone’s exclusive importer and distributor of authentic RR Cables. Since 2019, the company has earned a reputation for supplying products that meet international safety and performance standards, making it the only trusted destination for genuine RR Cables in the country.

SV Electrical operates from just two official locations:

Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown
Hastings Junction

Any RR Cables purchased outside those official outlets are not guaranteed to be authentic and could pose serious risks. SV Electrical continues to stress that no amount of savings is worth compromising safety.

A company spokesperson stated:
“When customers purchase RR Cables from SV Electrical, they are investing in more than just a product; they are investing in safety, reliability and peace of mind. Counterfeit cables cannot deliver that assurance. Genuine RR Cables are certified, tested and trusted worldwide.”

Beyond business, SV Electrical’s mission is community protection. Each roll of authentic RR Cable ensures that electricians, contractors and households are working with materials designed to international safety standards.

Authorities are backing this initiative, pledging to prosecute anyone caught importing, selling or distributing counterfeit electrical goods. However, consumer awareness remains crucial. The counterfeit market thrives when buyers fail to verify the source of their products.

SV Electrical urges the public to follow three simple steps:

Always confirm the source of your electrical cables.
Demand authentic products.
Remember: genuine RR Cables are only available at SV Electrical’s two authorized outlets.

Counterfeit cables are more than just an economic issue; they threaten lives, destroy property and undermine national development. Each fire or accident caused by substandard wiring disrupts families, halts business operations and erodes public confidence. By choosing genuine RR Cables, Sierra Leoneans protect themselves, their communities and the integrity of the market.

The message is clear: Stay cautious, buy genuine and stay safe. With SV Electrical and RR Cables, quality, reliability and peace of mind are always guaranteed.

SLRA Limits Traffic on Old Railway Line Bridge Over Safety Concerns

August 27, 2025

Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has announced new restrictions on the Old Railway Line Bridge in Brookfields due to its deteriorating condition. Effective immediately, only cars and light vans with a maximum weight of four tons will be permitted to use the bridge.

In a statement released on August 26, 2025, SLRA Management confirmed that physical barriers will be installed to enforce the load limit. The Authority also assured the public that plans are underway to retrofit the bridge, with the goal of restoring normal vehicular traffic as soon as possible.

Motorists are strongly urged to comply with the restrictions while traveling along this route. SLRA Management apologized for any inconvenience the measures may cause and emphasized that public safety remains the top priority.

Choithram Memorial Hospital Set to Restore More Sight with 2026 Cataract Camp

August 27, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Choithram Memorial Hospital (CMH) has announced that it will hold its 2026 Cataract Surgery Camp from March to May following the success of its 2025 outreach program that restored sight to more than 1,500 Sierra Leoneans.

During last year’s initiative, the hospital screened 9,117 patients and performed 1,542 free cataract surgeries, offering thousands the chance to regain vision and significantly reducing preventable blindness in the country.

Hospital authorities confirmed that the 2026 camp will once again be free of charge. The program will be organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Choithram Netralaya (Eye Hospital) in Indore, India, the Noor Dubai Foundation under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in Dubai and the Choithram International Foundation.

Screenings for patients are scheduled at CMH, Freetown, from 2nd September 2025 to 15th February 2026. Patients requiring surgery will receive either Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) or Phacoemulsification, performed by visiting international surgeons working alongside CMH’s ophthalmology team.

The hospital also highlighted that the camp will focus on training local doctors and nurses in advanced cataract surgery techniques to strengthen Sierra Leone’s eye care capacity in the long term.

Members of the public experiencing cataract-related vision problems are encouraged to attend the screenings. Tokens for participation will be available from 27th August 2025, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at CMH.

Sierra Leone Breaks Ground on First-Ever Canopy Walkway at Tacugama

August 27, 2025

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board and the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, has officially broken ground on Sierra Leone’s first-ever Canopy Walkway on Tuesday 26th August, 2025 at Regent, Freetown.

The event, held at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, marks the beginning of what is expected to become a flagship eco-tourism attraction. Once completed, the canopy walkway will boost Sierra Leone’s visibility as a sustainable tourism destination, generate green jobs, support biodiversity conservation and promote inclusive community development.

Delivering his address, Minister of Environment, Jiwoh Abdulai, described the walkway as a national treasure and urged citizens to take ownership of it. He emphasized that the success of the project depends on proper maintenance and community involvement.

“This Canopy Walkway is not just a Government project; it belongs to all of us,” he said. “If we see it as our own and care for it, it will serve generations to come. Beyond attracting tourists, it will create jobs, empower communities and strengthen our commitment to protecting the forest canopy that sustains us.”

Speaking also at the ceremony, Dr. Kadijatu Grace Ahene Kamara, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, described the project as a “turning of a new page” for Sierra Leone’s tourism and conservation drive. She emphasized the country’s role as the “firstborn of West Africa” and urged citizens to take pride in showcasing Sierra Leone’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

“This walkway blends conservation with tourism, education with experience and nature with nature. Today we are not just laying a foundation for a structure but building a legacy of pride, sustainability and harmony with our environment,” Dr. Kadijatu Grace Ahene Kamara said. She called on Sierra Leoneans to take ownership of the initiative as part of their collective responsibility for national development.

Fredrick Hans Ampiah, UNDP Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, described the groundbreaking as an ambitious but necessary step in advancing Sierra Leone’s eco-tourism potential.

“At first this project seemed daunting but if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough. The Canopy Walkway will not only attract visitors but also create livelihoods and give value to the environment, which encourages its protection,” Fredrick Hans Ampiah said. He further stressed that the forest canopy must be preserved, noting: “If the canopy disappears, the walk disappears with it.”

Bala Amarasekaran, Founder and Director of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, expressed pride in the start of construction, noting that the walkway could become the first of its kind in West Africa.

“With a span of around 360 metres above the forest, this project demonstrates Sierra Leone’s commitment to innovation in conservation, environmental protection and eco-tourism,” Bala Amarasekaran said. He added that such initiatives not only enhance tourism but also open doors for international partnerships and create employment opportunities for local communities.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by representatives from the World Bank, Government officials, conservationists and community leaders.

Construction of the Canopy Walkway is now underway with completion expected to provide Sierra Leone with a world-class attraction that blends adventure with conservation and positions the country as a rising eco-tourism destination.

Over Kasafoni Land Dispute… MP Exposes Finance Minister

August 25, 2025

Hon. Jawah Sesay and Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura

Following the Government Delegation led by the Finance Minister, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, in the three Chiefdoms that own Kasafoni Land, a Member of Parliament of constituency 056 representing two of the Chiefdoms has exposed the Minister.

Hon. Jawah Sesay said that he represented two of the mining chiefdoms that own the Kasafoni land, explaining that they have the largest mining operation in Leone Rock Metal Group and that they also have Kasafoni, which is the subject of dispute.

He explained that last month Gento Group showed interest and the company was able to sign lease agreement and paid surface rent to the land-owning families “Government should come out and explained what is the destiny of Gento Group,” he said.

He explained that he was shocked to see huge military presence in the chiefdom which got other people very scared and intimidated “The worst of it is that the Finance Minister just read out lease agreement without actually engaging with the people,” he revealed.

He noted that they reject such approach as a people because they know government has a right but they themselves have right to the land.

The Minister on the hand said that he did not go into the chiefdoms with coercion but the military and police presence were for his personal protection.

Orange SL & Orange Money SL Ltd Uncover Fraud and Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Unethical Behavior

August 25, 2025

Orange Sierra Leone and Orange Money SL Ltd have uncovered a case of financial fraud involving a group of agency contract workers, including Field Sales Agents (FSAs), suspected of manipulating customer credentials without consent.

The investigation revealed that this misconduct was detected during a routine internal audit, because of their internal control systems. Their systems are designed to safeguard customer assets and ensure full compliance, flagged irregular transactions that led to the identification of the fraudulent scheme.

As a responsible corporate entity, Orange considers the protection of customer funds and data as a top priority. The incident is a serious breach of trust and ethics, and all individuals implicated have been referred to the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further action.

Alfie Barrie, Public Relations Officer for the companies, emphasized: “This case highlights the strength of our anti-fraud mechanisms. Our controls worked exactly as designed — detecting, escalating, and enabling immediate action. We operate with a strict zero-tolerance policy towards fraud and unethical behaviour.”

Orange Sierra Leone and Orange Money SL Ltd are taking all necessary measures to strengthen preventive protocols and ensure such incidents are not repeated. Additional safeguards are being implemented to reinforce protection for Orange Money customers and partners.

The company reiterates its unwavering commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability. As a trusted partner in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation, Orange continues to invest in strong governance frameworks to ensure the highest levels of trust and safety for all its stakeholders.

Orange is here! bold, responsible, and committed to protecting what matters most.

Jomapel Yankee Donates Twenty Million Old Leones for Mellon Street Road Rehabilitation

August 25, 2025

By Alpha Sesay

The Mellon Street Community came alive with jubilation on Friday, 22nd August, 2025, as Sierra Leonean music icon, Jomapel Yankee, extended a heartfelt gesture of philanthropy by donating Twenty Million Old Leones to support community development. The funds, according to organizers, will be directed toward the long-overdue rehabilitation of the community’s main road, which residents have long described as a “death trap.”

For years, the road has been in deplorable condition, posing daily challenges for residents, motorists and traders. The announcement of Jomapel Yankee’s support was therefore met with cheers and gratitude from locals, who turned out in large numbers to witness the symbolic presentation.

Speaking at the event, Jomapel Yankee, who was born and raised in Mellon Street, underscored the deep personal connection he has with the community. “This community made me who I am today. I owe much of my success to the support I received here and this is my way of showing appreciation,” he said. He further stressed that while Government has a responsibility to improve infrastructure, citizens also have a role to play in driving community-led development.

Community representatives hailed the gesture as a major boost. Chairman, Idriss Rollings Kamara, popularly known as Chairman Pilot, received the donation on behalf of residents. In his remarks, he praised Jomapel Yankee for what he described as a timely intervention, noting that the deteriorating condition of the road has not only restricted free movement but also endangered lives and hampered economic activities, particularly during the rainy season.

“The road is a lifeline for this community and its rehabilitation will transform livelihoods. We are grateful to Jomapel Yankee for showing that true leadership is not only about fame but also about service,” Chairman Pilot said. He assured residents that the funds would be managed transparently to ensure that the project is completed and delivers lasting impact.

Beyond the formalities, the occasion was marked by cultural performances, prayers and celebrations that reflected both gratitude and renewed optimism. Community elders and youths alike hailed Jomapel Yankee not only as an accomplished music star but also as a role model whose humility and generosity continue to inspire.

The event left behind a strengthened sense of unity and hope among residents of Mellon Street, as dusk fell, who now look forward to the day when their long-neglected road will be transformed into a safe and accessible passageway.

136 Pharmaceutical Outlets Sanctioned for Regulatory Breaches

August 25, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone has concluded a two-day Disciplinary Committee Hearing on August 20–21, 2025, at its Conference Room in Freetown, bringing 136 pharmaceutical outlets and enterprises before the Committee for multiple regulatory breaches.

The quarterly hearings form part of the Board’s sustained efforts to enforce compliance with pharmaceutical standards nationwide. The violations followed routine inspections by the Board’s Distribution Chain Inspection Department and included the absence of licensed professionals on premises, the sale of counterfeit and unregistered drugs and the illegal stocking of Class A, B and other controlled substances in patent medicine shops.

In line with Section 12(1) and Section 12(4)(b) of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2021, each violation attracted a fine of Le500. Offending outlets are required to pay into the Pharmacy Board’s account within 21 days of the ruling. Beyond fines, the compliance framework also provides for closure and license revocation in cases of persistent breaches.

Dr. Joy Bernadette Johnson, Head of the Enforcement and Narcotics Control Department, described the disciplinary measures as a strong warning to those undermining the law. She emphasized that monitoring would be intensified and cautioned that no operator would be spared if caught stocking restricted medicines in violation of regulations.

Registrar of the Pharmacy Board, Dr. James Komeh, reminded outlets that repeated warnings have been issued regarding illegal practices that endanger public health. He stressed that the licences of negligent pharmacists could be revoked, calling such conduct a “sheer disregard” for professional ethics. He reiterated that compliance is crucial to safeguarding public health in Sierra Leone.

Representing the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and serving as Chair of the Disciplinary Committee, Thomas Joe Freeman Esq, noted that with the forthcoming revised Act, non-compliant pharmaceutical outlets risk outright closure and licence revocation. He stated that the hearings were not only about fines but also about compelling operators to desist from dangerous practices that threaten the health and safety of Sierra Leoneans. He warned that repeat offenders will face harsher penalties in the future.

The Pharmacy Board is urging all pharmaceutical operators to comply strictly with licensing requirements, ensure the presence of qualified personnel and avoid stocking prohibited or unregistered medicines. Failure to comply, the Board warns, will continue to attract disciplinary action.

Youth Affairs Ministry Hosts Inaugural Meeting of National Steering Committee on Youth, Peace and Security

August 25, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Ministry of Youth Affairs, in collaboration with international development partners, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, convened the inaugural meeting of the National Steering Committee and the National Technical Working Group on Youth, Peace and Security at the Sierra Palms Hotel in Freetown. The milestone event was co-funded by the European Union and supported by ECOWAS, UNDP and other international partners committed to strengthening Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding and youth empowerment agenda.

The meeting brought together an impressive mix of Government leaders, Civil Society Organizations, international development agencies and youth representatives, reflecting the shared recognition that young people must be at the center of the country’s peace and security frameworks. Among the dignitaries present were the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, as well as senior Government officials and stakeholders from across the development spectrum.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, emphasized the urgency of ensuring that young people are meaningfully included in decision-making processes that directly affect their lives and the stability of the nation.

“This inaugural meeting marks a turning point in our national commitment to youth, peace and security,” the Minister declared. “Young people are not just beneficiaries of peace, they are drivers of peace. The Government of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of His Excellency the President, remains resolute in ensuring that our youths are meaningfully engaged in decision-making processes that affect their future. Through this Steering Committee and Technical Working Group, we are building the institutional frameworks necessary to transform young people into central actors of national stability, reconciliation and development.”

The Minister also outlined the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to implement youth-centered policies that address unemployment, skills development and youth exclusion, which are often cited as drivers of insecurity. He reassured stakeholders that the Steering Committee would serve as a mechanism to bridge Government action with grassroots youth participation.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator, in her statement, reaffirmed the UN’s support to Sierra Leone in advancing the global Youth, Peace and Security agenda. She underscored that the country’s growing youth population represents both an opportunity and a challenge, noting that harnessing their energy constructively would be key to consolidating peace and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event also highlighted Sierra Leone’s alignment with global, regional and continental frameworks on youth, peace and security. In 2015, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2250, which recognizes the positive role young people play in sustaining peace. That was followed by Resolutions 2419 (2018) and 2535 (2020), which reinforced the global call for greater youth participation in peacebuilding processes. Similarly, the African Union’s Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security, adopted in 2020, stresses the importance of African countries creating enabling environments for youth inclusion in governance, conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Sierra Leone’s experience makes the initiative particularly relevant. With young people constituting more than 60 percent of the population, the country’s future hinges on how effectively their aspirations are integrated into national development and peacebuilding policies. The scars of the civil war, in which youth were both victims and participants, remain a cautionary reminder of the consequences of marginalization. Today, however, the youth of Sierra Leone are increasingly engaged in entrepreneurship, education, advocacy and leadership, making them indispensable partners in advancing stability and growth.

Civil Society Organizations and youth representatives at the meeting welcomed the establishment of the Steering Committee and Technical Working Group, describing it as a significant step toward institutionalizing youth participation in governance and security matters. They urged Government and partners to ensure that the process is inclusive, transparent and responsive to the real needs of young people across rural and urban communities.

The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and other Government officials also spoke on the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration. They highlighted how youth involvement in community policing, early warning systems and civic education could contribute to reducing violence, crime and extremism, while promoting national cohesion.

The inaugural meeting concluded with commitments from stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, mobilize resources and support the implementation of an inclusive action plan that prioritizes youth engagement in peace and security. Participants agreed that the establishment of the Steering Committee and Technical Working Group would not only ensure coordination among stakeholders but also serve as a model for regional efforts in promoting youth-centered peacebuilding.

As Sierra Leone continues to consolidate its hard-won peace, the initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs stands as a bold step toward ensuring that the country’s young population is empowered, engaged and equipped to play a constructive role in shaping a more stable and prosperous future.

The meeting, described as a landmark in the nation’s journey, closed with a renewed sense of optimism. For many participants, it represented not just another conference but a concrete step toward redefining the role of young people as active partners in peace, security and development.