Minister Karminity & NCPD Chairman Bring Relief to Disabled Community

August 20, 2025

A moving show of solidarity and compassion came from the Ministry of Social Welfare (MOSW) and the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD), who stepped forward to support vulnerable communities during the rainy season. The Help Empowerment Polio Organization (HEPO) home on Pademba Road was filled with hope and joy on Friday, August 15, 2025, when Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminity and the newly appointed NCPD Chairman, Brima Abdulia Sheriff, distributed bags of rice to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Speaking during the presentation, Minister Melrose Karminity reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting PWDs across Sierra Leone under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio. She emphasized that the rice donation was part of a nationwide initiative to cushion vulnerable groups against the unique hardships they face during the rainy season.

“Our Ministry has made a deliberate decision to support PWDs and the vulnerable with rice donations, recognizing the challenges they face during the rains,” she stated.

The Minister explained that during heavy downpours, many disabled individuals are unable to move about, making survival even more difficult. “When there is a heavy downpour and you are unable to go out, the rice is there for you and your family,” she said.

During the event, Minister Melrose Karminity officially introduced Brima Abdulia Sheriff as the new Chairman of the NCPD, praising his qualifications and dedication. “He is not only a disabled person who understands the realities of PWDs but he also brings deep knowledge and experience on disability issues,” she noted assuring the community that he has genuine intentions to improve their welfare.

In his remarks, Chairman Brima Abdulai Sheriff expressed gratitude for the Minister’s confidence and pledged to work closely with the Ministry in advancing disability rights.

“I am in office to ensure that laws around disability are fully implemented, fundamentally changing the lives of PWDs for the better,” he declared.

He outlined plans for institutional strengthening stressing that the Commission must be fully empowered to address the complex issues affecting PWDs nationwide.

John Conteh, Acting Director of Religious and Social Services, revealed that the rice donation was made possible through support from Caritas, specifically targeted at PWDs and other vulnerable groups. He assured beneficiaries that the Ministry would uphold transparency and accountability, ensuring donations reached the intended communities without diversion.

The event also saw heartfelt appreciation from HEPO representatives. Tamba Gborie, Chairman of HEPO, thanked the Ministry and Government for their consistent support. “We have benefited greatly from disability programs implemented by the Government,” he said, while pledging HEPO’s cooperation with the new NCPD leadership.

Chairlady, Esther Kallon, echoed those sentiments, assuring the Ministry and Commission of HEPO’s commitment to collaboration.

The initiative by MOSW and NCPD, supported by Caritas, reflects a Government taking practical steps to protect the dignity and welfare of persons with disabilities especially during difficult times. It underscores the Bio-led administration’s commitment not only to inclusion but also to delivering tangible support where it is needed most.

Social Welfare Minister Tours Orange Digital Centre, Commends Efforts to Empower Persons with Disabilities

August 20, 2025

The Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, accompanied by Commissioner for Persons with Disability, Brima Abdulai Sheriff, conducted an official tour of the newly reopened Orange Digital Centre (ODC) on Alpha Wurie Drive, Hill Station, Regent Road, Freetown. The visit, made at the invitation of Orange Sierra Leone, CEO Sekou Amadou Bah, highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through digital skills training.

Orange Sierra Leone, under its corporate social responsibility initiatives, has established a modern digital facility that provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to acquire valuable technology and digital skills. In her remarks, Minister Melrose Karminty emphasized President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to inclusive governance, noting that partnerships with the private sector are essential in creating equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of ability. She commended Orange SL for translating that vision into concrete action, noting that such initiatives reduce dependency while promoting self-reliance.

Commissioner Brima Sheriff echoed those sentiments, praising Orange SL for implementing practical measures that empower persons with disabilities. Drawing on his extensive advocacy experience, he emphasized that true support requires involving beneficiaries from planning to execution, prioritizing dignity over pity. He further stated that Orange SL’s program could serve as a model for other institutions, urging corporate entities to adopt rights-based approaches that align with national priorities and foster lasting social impact.

Speaking during the tour, CEO Sekou Amadou Bah reiterated Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to inclusive development, highlighting the company’s multiple women’s digital centres and training hubs designed to bridge the digital divide. He noted that Orange operates three Digital Centers and two Orange Digital Clubs across the country and expressed willingness to collaborate with the Government to extend those opportunities to additional communities.

Sekou Amadou Bah added, “Orange is in Sierra Leone not only to conduct business but to partner with the Government to enhance digital knowledge and entrepreneurship, positively impacting the nation’s business community. Our inclusion policy is a deliberate strategy embedded in our service delivery mission.”

The visit concluded with expressions of mutual appreciation, reaffirming the shared commitment to building a more inclusive Sierra Leone where every citizen has access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.

UNICEF and Stats SL Train Master Trainers for Upcoming MICS-7 Survey

August 20, 2025

In a bid to strengthen Sierra Leone’s data collection systems and enhance national statistical capacity, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has successfully concluded a ten-day Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) Pretest and Training of Trainers (ToT) program. The exercise, held from August 4–13, 2025, at the UNICEF Sierra Leone Central Medical Stores Compound in New England, Freetown, serves as a key preparatory step for the nationwide rollout of the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS-7).

A total of 32 staff members from Stats SL’s Demographic Health & Social Statistics and Data Science Divisions participated in the training. They received intensive instruction on the use of digital data collection tools, standardized interview protocols and the application of MICS-7 questionnaires, which span critical areas such as child health and nutrition, education, water and sanitation, child protection, early childhood development and domestic violence.

The program was designed to:

Build participant capacity in effectively using CAPI technology for accurate and efficient data collection.
Pretest the system in real-life settings to ensure functionality, usability and cultural appropriateness while identifying potential challenges.
Develop a pool of master trainers to guide field staff nationwide during the full survey rollout.
Guarantee consistency and quality in data collection processes in line with global MICS standards.

The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), developed by UNICEF and implemented in over 100 countries, remains one of the most important household survey programs worldwide. It generates internationally comparable and statistically robust data, providing Governments and development partners with insights crucial for policy planning, donor investments and targeted interventions that improve the lives of children and families.

Officials from both UNICEF and Stats SL described the successful completion of the CAPI Pretest and ToT workshop as a major milestone in the MICS-7 preparation process. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring reliable, evidence-based data collection that will support Sierra Leone’s development agenda.

The collaborative effort underscores Sierra Leone’s determination to leverage technology and robust research methodologies in shaping inclusive policies and delivering sustainable outcomes for its citizens, especially women and children.

Lands Minister Appointed ECOWAS Housing Committee Chair, Secures $20M Housing Initiative

August 20, 2025

A landmark development for housing in Sierra Leone has seen the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning announce a strategic partnership with Shelter Afrique aimed at expanding access to affordable housing and revitalizing the nation’s social housing sector.

Under the new arrangement, a $20 million mortgage credit line has been established with Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), designed to increase financing options for homebuyers. In parallel, a dedicated facility will support the revitalization of the Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC), strengthening the country’s capacity to deliver social housing for lower and middle-income families.

Adding to the significance of this partnership, Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, has been appointed by Shelter Afrique as Chair of the Technical Committee of the ECOWAS Housing Ministers, reflecting Sierra Leone’s growing role in regional housing policy and development.

This initiative comes after extensive consultations between the Ministry and Shelter Afrique, including Minister Turad Senesie’s participation in this year’s Shelter Afrique Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Algeria, highlighting the country’s commitment to leveraging regional and international expertise to improve housing access.

Speaking on the milestone, Minister Turad Senesie said, “Housing for all Sierra Leoneans is a central pillar of our governance agenda. The SLCB mortgage line and SALHOC revitalization translate policy into action, widening access to affordable financing and strengthening social housing for lower- and middle-income families.”

The Ministry emphasized that those facilities are part of a broader ‘housing-for-all’ objective, leveraging Shelter Afrique’s support alongside local financial institutions to accelerate the delivery of durable and affordable homes nationwide.

The collaboration signals a new era in Sierra Leone’s housing sector, combining financial innovation with strategic planning to ensure that more citizens can achieve homeownership and benefit from secure, quality housing.

RSLAF Joins Global Military Powers in U.S. Mega War Games to Boost Combat Readiness

August 20, 2025

The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has joined some of the world’s leading militaries in the United States’ Exercise Northern Strike, a premier multinational combat readiness training event. This participation marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and deepen international military cooperation.

Led by Chief of Army Staff, Major General S.D. Ngaujah, a senior delegation of RSLAF officers was deployed to observe the exercise through the State Partnership Program (SPP) with the Michigan National Guard. The program has served as a key platform for fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing and the exchange of best practices between the two countries’ armed forces.

Exercise Northern Strike, held annually in Michigan, brings together active-duty and reserve forces from across the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and National Guard, alongside foreign partners. This year’s training saw participation from more than 10 allied nations and region, including the United Kingdom, Latvia, Taiwan (a Region of China), Bolivia, Albania, Bulgaria and Sierra Leone. The exercise covered multi-domain operations across air, land, maritime, cyber and space, showcasing the full spectrum of U.S. and allied military capabilities.

According to military officials, Sierra Leone’s involvement underscores its commitment to modernization, professional development and global defense collaboration. The Chief of Army Staff emphasized that engaging in such exercises not only improves the RSLAF’s operational effectiveness but also positions Sierra Leone as a reliable partner in addressing contemporary security challenges.

Building on the exercise, additional senior officers from the RSLAF Navy and Legal Services are scheduled to arrive in Michigan on August 23, 2025. Their mission will focus on observing maritime security operations and legal training exercises, giving the RSLAF deeper insights into U.S. naval operations and the legal frameworks guiding international defense responsibilities.

By participating in high-level joint exercises such as Northern Strike, the RSLAF is advancing its readiness to respond to emerging threats while consolidating strategic ties with global allies.

NP (SL): Redefining Petroleum Marketing in Sierra Leone and Beyond

August 20, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In Sierra Leone’s energy sector, one company continues to stand tall as a symbol of reliability, innovation and national pride. NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP SL), the country’s leading petroleum marketing enterprise, has evolved far beyond the traditional role of supplying fuel. Today, it is shaping communities, empowering citizens and driving economic progress while staying true to its roots as a 100% Sierra Leonean-owned business.

What began decades ago as a branch of British Petroleum has transformed into one of West Africa’s most dynamic petroleum companies. Since its transition to full Sierra Leonean ownership in 1996 and rebranding in 2011, NP SL has expanded its footprint across the sub-region, with thriving operations in Liberia, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.

The company remains a leading supplier of petrol, diesel, lubricants and NP Gas within Sierra Leone, but its role is far greater than keeping vehicles on the road and lights in homes. NP SL has become an institution, one that Sierra Leoneans trust for quality, innovation and dependable service.

NP SL’s success is underpinned by its commitment to innovation and efficiency. Customers at its stations benefit from calibrated fuel pumps that guarantee accuracy and fairness. To ensure accountability, the company has invested in GPS and video tracking systems that provide real-time monitoring of operations.

One of its most celebrated innovations is the NP Energy Pass Card. By enabling secure, cashless transactions the card has modernized fuel purchases, allowing both individuals and institutions to enjoy convenience and safety. With online and offline top-ups supported by instant SMS notifications, it has become a vital tool for businesses and households alike.

The company’s Mobile Fuel Tanks further illustrate its forward-thinking approach. These units are deployed during emergencies to guarantee that critical public institutions, such as the Sierra Leone Police Force and Parliament, never run out of energy during peak demand. In this way, NP SL ensures continuity of essential services, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable national partner.

NP SL’s motto, “1st for Customer Care,” is not an empty slogan but a philosophy that defines its approach to business. The company invests heavily in employee training, ensuring that its all-Sierra Leonean workforce is equipped with the skills and professionalism needed to deliver top-class service. This focus on local talent reflects NP SL’s commitment to the Local Content Policy, providing jobs, capacity-building and career development opportunities for citizens.

The company also prioritizes customer feedback, constantly upgrading its infrastructure and services to meet the changing needs of clients. Whether through quicker service, transparent billing systems or digital solutions, NP SL has kept customer satisfaction at the heart of its strategy.

Beyond business, NP SL has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community support. Over the years, the company has invested in initiatives that improve public welfare and strengthen national resilience.

It has provided clean water facilities for the National Fire Force, supported the establishment of a Burns Unit at Connaught Hospital and offered emergency assistance during major health crises and natural disasters. These interventions highlight NP SL’s understanding that its role goes beyond profit-making; it is also about safeguarding lives and building stronger institutions.

As one of Sierra Leone’s largest taxpayers, NP SL plays a crucial role in sustaining the country’s economy. Its contributions help fund Government-led socio-economic programs and development initiatives. Strategic partnerships with state institutions, such as flexible fuel credit systems, further demonstrate NP SL’s importance in ensuring the smooth running of public services.

The company also prioritizes safety and environmental stewardship. Regular emergency drills, infrastructure upgrades and eco-friendly policies form part of its operational culture. In doing so, NP SL ensures that it continues to grow sustainably while protecting the communities it serves.

At the helm of NP SL is Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu, whose leadership has accelerated the company’s digital transformation and expanded its regional influence. By integrating advanced technology into its operations and strengthening customer engagement platforms, Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu has positioned NP SL as not just a market leader in Sierra Leone but also a force to reckon with in the wider West African petroleum industry.

NP SL’s product portfolio continues to grow, with NP Gas cookers now available to households. These safe and efficient alternatives to traditional cooking methods reflect the company’s commitment to improving daily life for ordinary Sierra Leoneans.

From its modest beginnings to its current position as a regional petroleum powerhouse, NP SL has shown that it is not only about selling fuel. It is about fueling growth, innovation and national development. It is about creating jobs for Sierra Leoneans, supporting public institutions and pioneering new technologies that make life easier for customers.

NP SL is a driver of progress, a partner in community development and a champion of local talent. Its impact is felt not only at the fuel pump but also in schools, hospitals, Government offices and homes across the nation.

Sierra Leone’s journey toward sustainable growth has found a dependable ally in NP SL. Through professionalism, innovation and a deep-rooted commitment to the people, the company has shown that it is offering more than just fuel; it is delivering trust, empowerment and hope for the future.

Sierra Leonean Students in Russia Demand Urgent Payment of Delayed Stipends

August 20, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A standoff is brewing between Sierra Leonean students studying in Russia and the country’s diplomatic mission in Moscow, following growing concerns over the non-payment of Government stipends for the 2024/2025 academic year.

In a Press Release issued on August 18, 2025, the National Union of Sierra Leone Students in the Russian Federation (NUSS-RF) described the situation as a humanitarian crisis. According to the student body, Government stipends covering the academic year September 2024 to June 2025 have not been paid, leaving many students unable to cover essential expenses such as medical insurance, hostel fees, visa renewals, food and utilities.

The students stressed that sanctions imposed on Russia have worsened the crisis, making it nearly impossible for their families back home to send them money. With the new academic year set to begin in less than two weeks they are demanding immediate payment of the outstanding stipends and a permanent resolution to recurring delays.

“If no action is taken we will be forced to take further steps, including a peaceful protest, to ensure our voices are heard and our stipends are paid,” NUSS-RF declared, while calling on civil society, humanitarian organizations and the media to amplify their concerns.

In response, the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Moscow issued a counter-release on August 19, 2025, urging students to exercise patience while engagements continue with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the Ministry of Finance in Freetown.

“It is regrettable that despite these efforts, the students’ body decided to go public with the matter,” the Embassy noted, while acknowledging the importance of stipend payments. The Embassy assured that updates will be communicated through official channels and encouraged students to prioritize dialogue and “quiet diplomacy” over public confrontation.

The Embassy reaffirmed its support for Sierra Leonean students in Russia, stressing that their education and contributions remain integral to the nation’s development.

As uncertainty lingers, Sierra Leonean students in Russia continue to wait anxiously for Government intervention to ease their financial struggles.

Fawaz Building Materials Lends Crucial Support to Sierra Leone Police Project

August 20, 2025

Fawaz Building Materials (FBM) has made a generous donation of electrical equipment worth 400,000 Leones to the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in support of the long-overdue construction of the Freetown East Regional Headquarters building on Ross Road.

The official presentation was held at the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Williams Fayia Sellu.

The headquarters project, initiated more than a decade ago by former Regional Commander for Freetown East, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Memunatu Konteh-Jalloh, in collaboration with community stakeholders, has suffered delays over the years. The latest donation is expected to accelerate its completion.

Speaking at the event, IGP Sellu underscored the significance of completing the headquarters, noting that it will greatly improve the working conditions of the police. He recalled that upon assuming leadership of the SLP, he prioritized the construction and rehabilitation of police stations nationwide, with the Ross Road project being one of his main focuses.

He explained that when Mr. Fawaz Haj, proprietor of FBM, asked how he could contribute to national development, he recommended supporting the Ross Road headquarters. “Not long after, Mr. Haj provided the necessary electrical supplies for installation, marking a major step toward completing the project,” the IGP stated.

Calling on other business leaders and philanthropists to follow suit, IGP Sellu described the gesture as a timely intervention and expressed hope that Mr. Haj would be present at the official commissioning of the facility once completed.

Representing Mr. Haj at the ceremony, Mr. Orlando Williams noted that FBM is a household name in Sierra Leone for quality building materials. He explained that after inspecting the site at the IGP’s request, Mr. Haj decided to provide the electrical materials needed to push the project forward.

The event concluded with Mr. Williams officially handing over the equipment to IGP Sellu, symbolizing FBM’s commitment to strengthening police infrastructure and community safety.

QNET Entrenches Relationship with Sierra Leone Media with VCON Webinar

August 19, 2025

Sierra Leonean journalists face-to-face with QNET executives

A QNET webinar hosted on August 14, 2025, brought Sierra Leonean journalists face-to-face with company executives, fostering transparency and understanding about QNET’s operations. The purpose was clear: to challenge misconceptions and highlight the company’s efforts in anti-scam campaigns, social impact, especially in Sierra Leone.

Journalists who had previously visited QNET’s headquarters in Malaysia described their warm reception and impressive exposure to the company’s product portfolio, which spans wellness, lifestyle, and personal care. Their visits included attendance at VCON Malaysia, where they observed QNET’s commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and social empowerment.

Aaron Parker of Sierraloaded noted productive discussions with QNET’s management, during which challenges faced in Sierra Leone were openly discussed. He emphasized the company’s campaigns against scams and its efforts to educate and involve local stakeholders. Fellow journalist James Kamara-Manneh reflected on the quality and credibility standards maintained by QNET’s diverse product range.

Editor of the Calabash Newspaper, Amin Kef, recounted: “As the first Sierra Leonean journalist to be invited to Malaysia by QNET, it was a great opportunity for me to really understand the brand and the issues it was facing. Prior to that time, myself and my colleagues have filed many negative news about QNET because our understanding of the brand was limited. Three years later, I can say that QNET is very serious in fighting scams and all the misrepresentations about its name and products.”

Sierra Leonean journalists now see QNET as a legitimate business that has faced misrepresentations due to limited awareness and activities of individuals misusing its name and products. Naana Quartey, QNET’s Global Compliance Officer, highlighted ongoing efforts to work with authorities to differentiate the company from illegal actors while fostering a positive business environment.

This webinar marked a significant step in transforming perceptions, emphasizing that, with proper awareness, QNET could serve as a catalyst for sustainable entrepreneurship and social development in Sierra Leone and the entire West Africa sub-region.

Africell CEO Lauded as Africell Drives Digital and Social Development in the North

August 18, 2025

Residents of Makeni have showered praise on Shadi Gerjawi, Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, describing him as a “God-sent man” for his outstanding role in boosting the city’s technological and infrastructural development.

The commendation came during a working visit to Makeni on Friday, August 15, 2025, as part of the Afrimedia Tour 2025. CEO Shadi Gerjawi was accompanied by Martison Obeng-Agyei, CEO of Afrimoney, alongside senior Management of Africell and Afrimoney. The engagement brought the company’s services closer to the community allowing residents to interact directly with Africell leadership and learn about the company’s latest innovations, connectivity solutions and future opportunities.

Addressing the gathering, Shadi Gerjawi stressed the importance of constructive feedback from customers in Makeni and its environs. He reaffirmed Africell’s commitment to enhancing service delivery, improving network performance and strengthening community relations.

As Africell celebrates 20 years of operations in Sierra Leone and 25 years across Africa, the company is running several promotional campaigns, including the Jubilee Jumbo Promo, which offers customers life-changing prizes. Among the highlights is the chance for a lucky Makeni resident to win a fully furnished house at TAF Micro City.

A standout moment during the visit was Shadi Gerjawi’s announcement of Africell’s plan to renovate Makeni’s iconic clock tower, one of the city’s most treasured landmarks. He also revealed that a large-scale fibre optic installation project will commence at the end of August, aimed at expanding coverage and delivering faster, more reliable connectivity for homes and businesses.

In addition, Africell is supporting the construction of a memorial cemetery in Makeni, further underscoring the company’s commitment to community development and cultural preservation. Shadi Gerjawi highlighted that the Northern Region remains one of Africell’s strongest customer bases, pledging continued investments in infrastructure and innovation.

Africell has outlined a series of projects designed to transform Makeni’s digital landscape:

Citywide Fibre Network: Deployment of high-speed fibre optic infrastructure to boost internet quality.
Enhanced Connectivity: Upgraded telecommunications systems to deliver more reliable services.
Afrimoney Expansion: Broader access to digital financial services through Afrimoney.
Customer-Driven Solutions: Tailored innovations shaped by feedback from local communities.

These initiatives reflect Africell’s strategy of blending modern technology with a customer-first philosophy cementing its role as a leading driver of digital transformation in Sierra Leone.