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Youths Taking Action to Localize the SDGs at Hard-to-Reach Community Level on International Youth Day

 By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The 2025 International Youth Day (IYD) was marked in Sierra Leone with an inspiring grassroots celebration in the Susan’s Bay community, spearheaded by Mariama Sahid, Founder and Executive Director of Secure Her Empowerment for Peace (SHE4Peace) and G17 Country Representative.

Under the theme: “Youths for the SDGs: Localizing the SDGs for National Development,” more than 22 youth-led groups came together to engage residents directly on sustainable development. The event was fully funded by the participating youths, showcasing their commitment to driving change without reliance on external aid.

The celebration began on Saturday, 9 August 2025, with a Training of Trainers (TOT) session on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), facilitated by Francis Turay. The training aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the SDGs and empower them to take meaningful local action.

On International Youth Day itself, activities started with a dialogue session at the Susan’s Bay Community Center, where representatives from the various youth groups outlined their missions and strategies. The focus was placed on four key SDGs deemed most relevant to the community: Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

The day also featured a female football match between IYD Volunteers and teams from Susan’s Bay and Mabella, followed by a communal lunch for 250 young people. Music, dancing and games brought the event to a lively close.

“This is not a conference; it is grassroots engagement in the slums,” said Mariama Sahid. “We are speaking directly to peers about our responsibilities as young people and the harmful habits that fuel instability. The SDGs will not be achieved by policies and promises alone, we need action.”

The initiative also received support from the Africa Disability Network, with its community chair helping mobilize local participation. Future plans include returning to the community for targeted training sessions that will equip young people with practical skills for economic empowerment and sustainable development.

Initially intended for 10 SHE4Peace members, the program drew 130 volunteer applications, reflecting growing youth enthusiasm for direct community action. Volunteers walked through the settlement’s narrow streets, met residents in areas affected by drug abuse and interacted with underage mothers, offering encouragement and support.

Africell Sierra Leone, through AfriMoney, sponsored the event’s banner printing. Mariama Sahid expressed gratitude to all youth groups and personal supporters who contributed financially, urging development partners to back such initiatives.

“The youths have decided they want action,” she said. “Imagine how much more we could achieve with your support.”

The event proved that when young people in Sierra Leone unite with purpose, they can transform their communities and take the lead in achieving the SDGs.

NP (SL): Consistent Fuel Supply and Exceptional Customer Service Drive National Progress

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP SL) has long been recognized as the country’s most trusted petroleum marketing company, renowned for its unwavering fuel availability, exceptional customer service and forward-thinking innovation. Decades of reliability have cemented its position as a pillar of Sierra Leone’s energy sector, ensuring that communities, businesses and institutions consistently have access to quality petroleum products.

Founded to transform petroleum marketing in Sierra Leone, NP SL has grown into a household name, supplying premium petrol, diesel, lubricants and NP Gas nationwide. Its operations now extend beyond national borders to Liberia, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, highlighting the company’s ambition to lead regionally while maintaining a strong commitment to local development. Fully Sierra Leonean-owned, NP SL adheres to the Local Content Policy through its all-local workforce, robust professional training programs and investments in youth empowerment.

Innovation drives NP SL’s operations. Calibrated fuel pumps ensure accuracy for every customer, while GPS and Video Tracking Systems provide real-time operational oversight. The NP Energy Pass Card, a secure cashless payment system, has revolutionized fuel transactions, offering online and offline top-ups and SMS alerts, while Mobile Fuel Tanks ensure uninterrupted supply to key public institutions like Parliament and the Sierra Leone Police Force during emergencies and peak demand periods.

“1st for Customer Care” is more than a slogan; it is NP SL’s philosophy. Investments in infrastructure, customer feedback systems and employee development guarantee reliability and responsiveness, fostering strong customer loyalty. The company also demonstrates social responsibility, contributing to community initiatives such as water facilities for the National Fire Force, a Burns Unit at Connaught Hospital and emergency aid during public health crises and disasters.

Fiscal responsibility complements NP SL’s operational excellence. As one of Sierra Leone’s top taxpayers, the company strengthens Government revenues and fuels socio-economic growth. Its adherence to safety and environmental standards, regular emergency drills and infrastructure upgrades reflect its commitment to sustainable and responsible operations. Partnerships with Government agencies through flexible fuel credit systems further reinforce NP SL’s indispensability to national governance.

Guided by CEO Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu, NP SL continues to expand its digital capabilities, operational efficiency and regional relevance. From its origins as a British Petroleum branch in the 1950s to full local ownership in 1996 and rebranding in 2011, NP SL has remained a pioneer in Sierra Leone’s energy landscape, now offering NP Gas cookers for households alongside its fuel products.

Today, NP SL is more than a petroleum provider. It is a catalyst for economic progress, a champion of local talent, a driver of innovation and a steadfast partner in Sierra Leone’s path to sustainable development. Through its blend of professionalism, technology and patriotism, NP Sierra Leone Limited continues to set the standard for excellence in energy supply and service.

MoPED Minister Demands Swift Action on Civil Service Cooperative Credit Union

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Madam Kenyeh Barlay, has called on stakeholders to expedite the operationalization of the Civil Service Cooperative Credit Union (CivSCCU), warning that bureaucratic delays will no longer be tolerated. She stressed that any further hold-ups would deprive civil servants of the opportunity to access much-needed loans for medical bills, school and college fees and other emergencies.

Madam Kenyeh Barlay made the appeal on Wednesday, 13th August 2025, at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall on George Street, Freetown, during a high-level stakeholder meeting aimed at reviewing the one-year progress report on the CivSCCU initiative. The meeting also examined key recommendations, financial projections and strategies to establish a sustainable financial institution for civil servants nationwide.

Emphasizing the need for urgency, the Minister declared, “Now is the time for action, not words,” highlighting the scheme’s potential to uplift the lives of over 24,000 civil servants. She expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by stakeholders and pledged to present the report to Cabinet without delay to seek ratification.

Madam Kenyeh Barlay further underscored that the CivSCCU will be guided by the principles of the cooperative movement, stressing trust and integrity as the foundations for its success. She also appealed for swift facilitation of the registration process by the Cooperative Department at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as well as the opening of bank accounts and authorization for payroll deductions by the Ministry of Finance, the Accountant General’s Department and the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO).

Chairing the meeting, MoPED Development Secretary, Ambrose James, reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to advance the process and commended the dedication of David Abu and his team at the CivSCCU Secretariat.

Presenting the progress report, David Abu revealed that the initiative began in 2024 as a means to close the financial gap faced by civil servants. He noted that the scheme aligns with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) and will be open to all permanent and pensionable civil servants. According to him, savings are expected to commence by the end of September 2025, with plans for low-cost housing and agricultural investments starting next year. Seventy percent of savings will be used for loans and 30% for investments, he explained, adding that the scheme is not profit-driven but designed to ease financial pressures on civil servants.

Highlighting the scheme’s customer-focused features,  David Abu expressed hope that it would serve as a model for similar initiatives.

The Deputy Accountant General pledged his office’s support, noting that salary deductions are already being done for teachers, insurance companies and other institutions. “What about us civil servants?” he asked, emphasizing the scheme’s relevance.

HRMO Director-General, Ansu Tucker, said the scheme was conceived to address the high-interest loans, often exceeding 20% that civil servants currently face from commercial banks. He stressed that the CivSCCU, which would charge about 9% interest, could provide members with a more dignified retirement. However, he reiterated that Cabinet approval remains crucial.

During an interactive session, stakeholders expressed strong support for the initiative but raised concerns about civil servant attrition rates, the need for deeper technical analysis and the importance of robust nationwide sensitization. They also discussed sustainability, annual interest rates and maintaining the cooperative movement’s core principles.

While acknowledging that extensive consultations have already taken place, participants agreed that success will depend on the collective will of all stakeholders to accelerate the process and ensure the scheme becomes a reality.

WFP, Government and EU Launch €9.5M Project to Restore Forests and Boost Sustainable Livelihoods

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Finance, has launched the Nature Nourishes – Territorial Approach to Local Development Project, a €9.5 million initiative funded by the European Union to combat deforestation, restore ecosystems and promote sustainable livelihoods across Sierra Leone’s protected areas.

The project will focus on restoring forests and water catchments, promoting alternative sources of income, improving land use planning and training community guards to protect biodiversity. Efforts will target major protected areas, including the Western Area Peninsula National Park, Outamba Kilimi National Park, Gola Rainforest National Park and the Loma Mountains National Park.

At the launch event, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jiwoh Abdulai revealed troubling new deforestation figures for the period May 2024 to April 2025: 713 hectares lost in the Western Area Peninsula National Park, 2,152 hectares each in Outamba Kilimi and Gola Rainforest National Parks and 840 hectares in Loma Mountains National Park. He identified logging, construction encroachment, mining and charcoal burning as the main culprits, warning that those activities threaten Sierra Leone’s water security and heighten the risk of disasters.

The Minister urged residents, especially those in the Western Area, to protect water catchment areas and refrain from building in ecologically sensitive zones such as near the Tacugama Sanctuary.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the August 14, 2017, Freetown landslide, WFP Country Director, Yvonne Forsen, warned that deforestation has accelerated since that tragedy. She stressed the urgent need for coordinated action to prevent future landslides, floods and long-term environmental crises such as water shortages and rising temperatures. Yvonne Forsen explained that the Nature Nourishes Project will directly link environmental protection with tangible community benefits through reforestation, sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism and stronger local governance.

The launch also showcased local success stories. Paramount Chief and Member of Parliament Hon. Mima Kajue shared how her chiefdom replaced charcoal burning with swamp rice cultivation and established 100 hectares of cashew plantations, creating green jobs for young people while protecting local forests.

From the donor perspective, Holger Rommen, Team Lead for Infrastructure and Rural Development at the European Union, said the EU is proud to support the initiative as part of its broader climate action strategy. He stressed that the EU’s €9.5 million investment is aimed at helping communities living near forests and wetlands protect those critical ecosystems while improving their livelihoods.

Holger Rommen described the deforestation rates as alarming, noting that forest loss undermines biodiversity, food production, water availability and community resilience. He emphasized that EU support is designed to empower local people to lead conservation efforts, adopt sustainable land management practices and build viable green economic opportunities, ensuring environmental protection yields benefits for both current and future generations.

The Nature Nourishes Project is expected to run in key biodiversity hotspots, aiming not only to restore degraded landscapes but also to create a model for community-driven conservation and development in Sierra Leone.

ACC Indicts Former NRA Finance Manager Abu Kamara on Nine Counts of Unexplained Wealth

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has on August 14, 2025 announced the indictment of Abu Kamara, a former Finance Manager at the Customs Department of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), on nine counts of Possession of Unexplained Wealth in violation of Section 27(1)(b) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008, as amended in 2019.

According to the ACC, Abu Kamara of No. 30 Peninsula Road, Ogoo Farm, Western Area, earned an annual net salary of Le 152,790 (new Leone) but allegedly accumulated assets far exceeding his lawful income between March 1, 2019 and June 31, 2025.

Investigations revealed that Abu Kamara acquired:

  • A registered company, UK Trading Mini Mart SL Ltd, with outlets in Ogoo Farm, Kobba Farm and along the Bo-Kenema Highway in Bo.
  • Five town lots at Gloucester Village purchased for Le 180,000.
  • Another five town lots at Gloucester Village purchased for Le 325,000.
  • A one-storey building and land at Black Johnson, Western Area.
  • A four-storey building and land at No. 8 Cemetery Road, Ogoo Farm.
  • A three-storey building under construction at Cemetery Road, Ogoo Farm.
  • A four-storey building at Babadorie Hills, Western Area.
  • A Nissan vehicle (Reg. No. APW 606) purchased for Le 60,000.
  • A white Hyundai Jeep (Reg. No. UMU 023) purchased for Le 300,000.

The ACC alleges that Abu Kamara could not provide lawful justification for those acquisitions which are “grossly disproportionate” to his legitimate earnings.

The Commission further disclosed that Abu Kamara is currently at large. In accordance with Section 89(7)(a) of the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act No. 9 of 2019, the ACC intends to apply for his trial in absentia.

In its statement, the Commission reaffirmed its determination to combat corruption and safeguard public resources, urging members of the public to support efforts in promoting transparency and accountability.

Resolution 4 in Action… Government Clears 37 APC Members, Frees APC Sheriff & Co Under Presidential Pardon

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Government of Sierra Leone has formally cleared 37 members of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) of any criminal investigations, in line with Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) signed between the Government and the APC on October 18, 2023. The move, facilitated by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), is part of the ongoing implementation of Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU), signed on 18 October 2023 between the Government and the APC.

The announcement was made by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, following a decision taken on August 12, 2025, based on recommendations from the Resolution 4 Oversight Committee. According to the Committee’s findings, the listed individuals are not under any criminal probe and are free to resume their normal business and political activities without hindrance.

In a related development, President Julius Maada Bio granted a pardon to the last two APC members in custody, Alpha Sheriff popularly known as “APC Sheriff,” and Amadu Saidu Fofanah. Their release marks a significant milestone in the ongoing implementation of the ANU which aims to foster political reconciliation and national cohesion.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, Esq., confirmed that the cleared individuals include:

  1. Idrissa Hamid Kamara
  2. Insp Sullay Deen Sesay
  3. Victor Vandy Kamara
  4. Sgt Kanneh Thoronka
  5. Sgt Hassan Bruz Kamara
  6. Sgt Abubakarr Conteh
  7. Sheik Ibrahim Koroma (SIK)
  8. Rtd Captain Desmond Gebara
  9. Abdulai Mansaray (Rambo)
  10. Hassan N’Bompa Turay
  11. Sorie Conteh
  12. Alimamy Conteh
  13. Sheku Jalloh
  14. Ibrahim Jawara
  15. Foday Jalloh
  16. Ms Dankay Koroma
  17. Sorie Ibrahim Koroma (Street Ambassador)
  18. Sahr Kemokai
  19. Umaru Rahman (Gallon Pan)
  20. Mr Kumalo
  21. Ben Kamara
  22. Mohamed Bangura
  23. Idrissa Sesay
  24. Ibrahim Sulaiman Kabia
  25. Brima Kabia (BKT)
  26. Abdul Karim Kabia
  27. Muctarr Dawoh
  28. Salieu Mansaray
  29. Abdul Conteh
  30. Osman Kamara
  31. Lamin Sesay
  32. Noah Kabia
  33. Hon David Johnson
  34. Ibrahim Tarebo
  35. Cecelia Ngobeh
  36. Victor Luseni
  37. Sharka Gassimu

The pardon of APC Sheriff and Amadu Saidu Fofanah brings an end to their legal ordeal that began in 2023. Both men were convicted by High Court Judge, Adrian Fisher, under the National Security and Central Intelligence Act of 2023 and sentenced to five years in prison, with 22 months already served in pre-trial detention. They were the first to be convicted under the new legislation.

APC Sheriff was arrested in Bo on June 7, 2023, while campaigning alongside APC running mate Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah and charged with operating an unlicensed security company, possessing illegal firearms and concealing weapons. Prosecutors sought a 20-year sentence, citing national security risks, but his defense, led by lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, argued for leniency.

The case was further complicated by allegations of the pair’s involvement in the November 26, 2023, alleged attempted coup and prison break, during which APC Sheriff briefly escaped from Pademba Road Prison before being recaptured in Gloucester.

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr described the day as one of “mixed blessings,” celebrating the dropping of charges against the 37 APC members, many of whom had been living in exile, while also marking the third anniversary of the death of Evangelist Samson, to whom she paid tribute.

The Government has reiterated its commitment to fully implementing the Agreement for National Unity, with further actions expected as part of the ongoing reconciliation process.

SLCAA DG Showcases Sierra Leone’s Aviation Progress at ICAO Global Summit in Durban

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), led by its Director General, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, the youngest serving Civil Aviation Director General in the world, proudly represented Sierra Leone at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025, held in Durban, South Africa.

The two-day summit, themed: “The Flight Plan for Future Aviation Talent: Innovate, Educate, Inspire – Building the Workforce for the Skies Ahead”, brought together global aviation leaders, policymakers, educators and industry experts to tackle the urgent need for a skilled, inclusive and future-ready aviation workforce.

During a high-level panel on: “The Future of Work in Aviation: Adapting to Industry Transformation”, Madam Musayeroh Barrie emphasized the importance of attracting and empowering young people and women in the civil aviation sector. She urged African aviation bodies to move beyond rhetoric on empowerment and take concrete action, describing it as a “necessary cultural shift” for long-term sector growth.

She stressed the need for continuous learning, adaptability and the creation of work environments that encourage innovation among young professionals. Madam Musayeroh Barrie also called for regulatory and structural reforms to integrate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, while ensuring that digital solutions are tailored to communities’ literacy levels.

Highlighting Sierra Leone’s recent achievements, the SLCAA Director General cited the successful launch of the national carrier, Air Sierra Leone, which has boosted public interest and national pride. She also reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to expanding aviation training opportunities, promoting gender diversity and aligning national aviation strategies with ICAO’s NGAP framework.

“As the youngest Civil Aviation Director General in the world, I carry both the responsibility and the privilege of ensuring Sierra Leone’s aviation story is one of progress, inclusion and sustainability,” she told delegates. “The future of work in aviation is about people and Sierra Leone is committed to preparing our people for that future.”

Sierra Leone’s active participation in the ICAO NGAP Global Summit 2025 underscores its determination to play a leading role in shaping the future of African aviation, with a focus on safety, connectivity and growth.

Afrobarometer Survey Shows Rising Tolerance and Demand for Political Inclusivity in Sierra Leone

Recent Afrobarometer survey data from March–April 2025 reveal a growing public desire in Sierra Leone for political inclusivity and national unity. Large majorities of citizens now support cross-party collaboration over divisive politics and want Governments to promote regional and ethnic balance in political appointments.

This shift follows a turbulent early 2020s marked by rising ethnic and political tensions, including inflammatory rhetoric, violent protests and an attempted coup in November 2023. Those events contributed to Sierra Leone’s decline in the Global Peace Index in 2024, dropping from third to eighth place in Africa.

In response, a U.S.-backed Tripartite Committee, involving Government, opposition and UN representatives, brokered an “Agreement for National Unity” in 2024. Since then, tensions and political violence have lessened, inflammatory rhetoric has decreased, and the country’s peace ranking improved to fifth in Africa in 2025.

Reflecting this progress, Afrobarometer data show increased tolerance among citizens toward different ethnicities, religions and political parties, with a majority believing their ethnic group is fairly treated by the Government. Nonetheless, interpersonal trust remains low, indicating that further reconciliation and trust-building are needed.

While awareness of ongoing electoral reform efforts is limited among citizens, there is strong support for inclusive governance. Most Sierra Leoneans believe that political parties should welcome individuals from diverse regions, ethnicities and opposition groups into key Government roles, signaling broad public appetite for a more united and representative political landscape.

Parliament Passes National Country Planning Act 2025, Repealing 79-Year-Old Law

Dr. Turad Senesie

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a decisive move to modernize Sierra Leone’s growth agenda, Parliament has passed the National Country Planning Act 2025, sweeping aside the outdated Town and Country Planning Act of 1946 and ushering in a bold era of coordinated urban and rural development.

The landmark law, driven by Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, lays out a nationwide framework for physical planning aimed at sustainable growth, climate resilience and improved living standards.

“This landmark law will stand the test of time,” Dr. Turad Senesie declared after the vote, praising lawmakers and stakeholders for backing reforms that will turn Sierra Leone’s cities greener, safer and better equipped for the 21st century.

Key provisions of the Act include:

  • National planning framework to guide infrastructure, housing and public services.
  • Climate action priorities including disaster risk reduction, adaptation and mitigation.
  • Citizen participation in planning processes.
  • Stronger enforcement to ensure compliance.
  • Alignment with global goals like the SDGs, climate agreements and human rights standards.

The legislation also mandates continuous monitoring and review to keep development plans relevant and effective.

The National Country Planning Act 2025 becomes Dr. Turad Senesie’s third major legislative achievement since 2021, following the National Land Commission Act and the Customary Land Rights Act.

Other Parliamentary Business
During the same sitting, Parliament tabled key infrastructure and energy agreements, including:

  1. A Public-Private Partnership with Societe Djura Maritel Construction Ltd for the design, reconstruction, tolling, operation, and maintenance of the Mano Junction–Tongo–Bumpeh Road under a DFBOT model.
  2. A Stakeholder Engagement Report on the road project’s PPP financing by the Sierra Leone Roads Authority.
  3. The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (Mini-Grid) Regulations 2025.
  4. The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Act 2025 (Act No. 13 of 2025).

With this bold legislative step, Sierra Leone is setting the stage for well-planned, climate-smart and inclusive development that could reshape the nation’s physical and economic landscape for decades.

ECOWAS Chair’s  Regional Tour Gains Momentum with Strong Côte d’Ivoire Support

His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone, has on Monday, 11th August 2025 reaffirmed, alongside His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, President of Côte d’Ivoire, a strong commitment to bolstering the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and reviving the Mano River Union.

The pledge came during President Bio’s one-day working visit to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, part of his ongoing regional tour of ECOWAS Member States in his capacity as Chairman.

Following a closed-door meeting, President Alassane Ouattara hailed President Bio as a “close friend” and reiterated Côte d’Ivoire’s full support for his leadership of ECOWAS. While acknowledging the serious challenges facing the sub-region, President Alassane Ouattara expressed confidence in President Bio’s capacity to tackle them effectively. He also welcomed President Bio’s initiative to foster stronger ties between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

In his remarks, President Bio stressed that his regional tour is part of a broader mission to unite and strengthen ECOWAS. He cited the security concerns and the withdrawal of AES member states as major hurdles inherited upon assuming office, underscoring the importance of engaging with those nations to maintain cooperation.

“We must strive to keep close ties with AES nations and foster collaboration,” President Bio affirmed, adding that discussions with President Alassane Ouattara also centred on deepening regional integration and advancing institutional reforms to address pressing challenges.

President Bio further praised the people of Côte d’Ivoire for their steadfast support to Sierra Leone, particularly during its peacebuilding process, describing their solidarity as a cornerstone of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

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