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Ambassador Amara Sowa Markets Sierra Leone as Gateway for U.S. Investment

Ambassador Amara Sowa

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s diplomatic presence in the United States has entered a new phase with the appointment of Ambassador Amara Sowa, who is spearheading efforts to deepen bilateral relations and expand investment opportunities for the West African nation. His appointment by President Julius Maada Bio comes at a moment when Sierra Leone’s international profile is rising, following the country’s qualification for a $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact aimed at strengthening electricity supply.

The United States has signaled strong interest in intensifying commercial diplomacy with Sierra Leone, citing the Government’s commitment to good governance, respect for human rights, gender equality, anti-corruption reforms and inclusive politics. President Bio’s administration has highlighted the country’s economic potential, attracting renewed investor confidence in key sectors such as mining, banking, infrastructure and manufacturing. Already, the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has committed $412 million toward a new power plant and previously extended $150 million to support the modernization of Freetown International Airport. An additional memorandum of understanding signed with American company Acrow for the construction of the Lungi Bridge further underscores U.S. interest.

Since assuming office in Washington, Ambassador Sowa has moved swiftly to advance Sierra Leone’s interests. He has held consultations with officials at the U.S. State Department, particularly concerning visa restrictions currently under review, and has opened dialogue with congressional staffers, think tanks, and policymakers. In one congressional engagement, President Bio was described as a “dynamic leader” and “changemaker,” remarks that Ambassador Amara Sowa says reflect growing recognition of Sierra Leone’s reform agenda.

The Ambassador has also extended Sierra Leone’s voice to the International Monetary Fund, leveraging his bilingual skills in French and English to build influence within the institution. His approach, which he describes as acting as Sierra Leone’s “Chief Marketing Officer,” is focused on presenting the nation as a viable and profitable destination for foreign investment. At a recent Sierra Leone diaspora investment conference in Maryland, he spotlighted the country’s untapped natural resources and favorable business climate, calling on entrepreneurs to seize opportunities in the energy, infrastructure and agriculture sectors.

In keeping with President Bio’s vision of national unity, Ambassador Amara Sowa has made a point of engaging both ruling and opposition party members in the United States. He has hosted executives of the All People’s Congress (APC) and participated in events organized by Sierra Leone’s diaspora communities, including dinners, cultural events and town hall meetings. His message has remained consistent: that the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington serves all Sierra Leoneans regardless of political affiliation.

Religious tolerance has also been a recurring theme in his outreach. Ambassador Amara Sowa has visited Sierra Leonean churches and mosques across Washington, Virginia and Maryland, encouraging peace and harmony among diaspora communities. He has likewise engaged alumni associations and civic groups, using those platforms to share updates on Sierra Leone’s development progress and to rally support for the Government’s agenda.

Ambassador Amara Sowa has not limited his engagements to U.S. officials alone. He has held courtesy visits with African Union and ECOWAS Ambassadors in Washington to reinforce regional solidarity and amplify Sierra Leone’s leadership role, especially as President Bio currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

By branding himself as a “chief marketer” for Sierra Leone, Ambassador Amara Sowa is reshaping the country’s diplomatic strategy in the United States. His efforts aim not only to unlock fresh investment but also to strengthen people-to-people connections among Sierra Leoneans abroad. Through his multifaceted engagements, from lobbying Congress to attending diaspora events, Ambassador Amara Sowa is projecting Sierra Leone as a nation open for business, committed to reform and ready to partner with the world.

Chairman Sorie Fofana Assures Sierra Leoneans of Expanded Registration Access Nationwide

Sorie Fofana

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Chairman of the Board of Authority of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Sorie Fofana, has come under strong calls from registration officers and community stakeholders across Sierra Leone to accelerate the decentralization of the Authority’s services, in order to make them more accessible to citizens in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

During his visit to Kono District on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Sorie Fofana held discussions with the District Registration Officer, Daniel Matturi, who emphasized the urgent need for additional mobile teams and service outlets in chiefdoms where access remains limited. He noted that the shortage of staff and mobility constraints were hampering service delivery and making it difficult for residents in remote areas to secure essential registration and identification documents.

Similar appeals were echoed by Regional Registration Officers in the East, Northeast and Northwestern regions, who pointed out that decentralizing services would reduce the cost and stress citizens incur traveling to district headquarters or even Freetown for simple corrections such as typographical errors, name mismatches and spelling amendments. Community leaders also pressed for services to be available at chiefdom levels, stressing that decentralization was critical for inclusion and effective national identity management.

Responding to the concerns, Chairman Sorie Fofana assured staff and community stakeholders that the Board and senior Management of NCRA would carefully examine the issues raised and adopt measures to address them. He described the matters highlighted as “low-hanging fruits” that could be acted upon swiftly. He also commended the resilience and dedication of NCRA staff, many of whom continue to operate in difficult circumstances to keep services running.

The Chairman stressed that improving staff welfare remains a top priority for the Board and Management, noting that mobile teams deserve special recognition for their commitment and selfless contribution to national service. He reaffirmed that decentralization is at the core of NCRA’s mission and pledged that every Sierra Leonean and non-national resident should be able to benefit from registration and identification services, regardless of location.

It will be recalled that Sorie Fofana embarked on a nationwide inspection tour of NCRA district offices on Monday, September 15, 2025. His tour has already taken him to Bo, Kenema and Kailahun, with Bombali and other districts also on his schedule. The purpose of the tour is to assess operations, strengthen service delivery and identify opportunities for expansion.

In his engagements in the southern and eastern regions, he underscored the growing demand for civil registration and national identification services, describing valid National and Non-National ID cards as gateways for citizens and residents to access vital social and economic services. He also disclosed that the Authority has recently rolled out new service outlets in remote areas, including one at Mile 91 in Tonkolili District, with another nearing completion in Lungi, Port Loko District.

The NCRA Chairman further revealed that the Authority has been engaging the Council of Paramount Chiefs to ensure that decentralization strategies include services at chiefdom levels. He lauded the chiefs for their cooperation and expressed confidence that the structured rollout would significantly ease citizens’ access to registration services.

Regional Registration Officers in the South and East, along with the District Registration Officer in Kailahun, provided updates on their operations and outlined the challenges they face. In response, Sorie Fofana reiterated the Board’s and Management’s commitment to addressing those challenges while ensuring that the Authority delivers on its mandate of providing efficient, reliable and inclusive registration services to all.

By deepening decentralization, NCRA aims not only to bring services closer to the people but also to enhance national planning and strengthen identity management systems that are vital for governance, security and socio-economic development.

Attorney General Reaffirms Citizens’ Role in Sierra Leone’s Constitutional Review Process in Makeni

Alpha Sesay

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has taken the Government’s justice reform agenda to Makeni City, where he met with citizens of Bombali District to discuss the newly enacted Criminal Procedure Act 2024, the ongoing Constitutional Review Process and broader reforms within the justice sector. The engagement formed part of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s Civic Day Series held on Tuesday, 16 September 2025 at the University of Makeni (Unimak) Hall, Makeni.

In his address, the Attorney General highlighted the significance of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, which has officially come into force, replacing the outdated law that had guided criminal proceedings for over thirty years. He explained that the new law introduces modernized procedures aimed at ensuring fair, speedy and accessible trials nationwide, including in provincial areas, thereby strengthening justice delivery across Sierra Leone.

Referencing recent criminal cases, including robberies in Bo and the murder of a Reverend Father in Kenema, Alpha Sesay reassured the public that such matters will now be prosecuted under the framework of the new Act, which guarantees timely and just trials in line with the law.

Turning to constitutional reforms, the Attorney General reminded citizens that the review process began in the aftermath of the Lomé Peace Agreement of 1999. He paid tribute to the late Justice Edmond Cowan, who led the first Constitutional Review Committee and oversaw extensive consultations with more than 10,000 Sierra Leoneans. Alpha Sesay emphasized that the process reflects a commitment carried across three successive Governments and reaffirmed the current administration’s determination to conclude it in an inclusive and transparent manner.

He revealed that the revised Constitution will strengthen governance by entrenching fundamental human rights, protecting key reforms and guaranteeing the continuation of policies such as free quality education. He also disclosed that a new governance chapter is being drafted, with the technical review currently underway. Once complete, the proposed Constitution will be tabled before Parliament and subsequently put to the people of Sierra Leone for their approval.

The Attorney General assured residents of Makeni and the wider district that public participation will remain central to the process until a new Constitution is formally adopted. He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring that reforms in the justice sector continue to reflect the voices, concerns and aspirations of citizens across the country.

AHF Sounds Alarm on HIV Funding Crisis, Calls for Urgent Domestic Resource Mobilization

In response to escalating global health funding reductions, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Sierra Leone (AHF-SL) has issued a strong appeal for strengthened domestic health financing. The call was made during a high-level strategic engagement with Civil Society Organizations and partners on Wednesday September 17, 2025 in Freetown.

An AHF representative highlighted that the Africa Health Strategy 2016–2030 underscores the importance of sustainable health financing for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She recalled the 2019 African Union Leadership Meeting on Investing in Health, which produced the Addis Ababa Commitment, popularly known as the ALM Declaration. The Declaration emphasized three key commitments: boosting domestic resources for health, sustaining dialogue between health and Finance Ministries and aligning external support with African priorities.

The representative stressed that health financing is not only about money but about forging alliances. She urged Governments to honor the Abuja Declaration commitment of allocating at least 15% of national budgets to health, describing it as critical for building fair and functional systems.

UNAIDS Program Manager, Semion A.T. Saffa-Turay, described the meeting’s theme, “Strengthening Health Financing with Emphasis on HIV and AIDS,” as both timely and essential. He warned that global funding cuts in 2025 had created systemic shocks to HIV responses, particularly in Africa. Many treatment and prevention programs, he said, were severely disrupted, putting vulnerable populations at risk.

Despite those challenges, Semion A.T. Saffa-Turay noted progress. Low- and middle-income countries now provide 59% of funding for their HIV responses, with 25 nations working with UNAIDS to increase domestic HIV financing for 2026. Still, he cautioned that those efforts remain insufficient to replace declining donor aid. He called for bold new approaches, pointing to South Africa where 80% of HIV response funding is domestically sourced.

Semion A.T. Saffa-Turay also welcomed efforts made at the Sevilla Financing for Development Conference to address Global South debt and curb tax avoidance, describing them as essential for freeing fiscal space for health spending.

On treatment innovation, he referenced a new HIV prevention drug, approved by the FDA that offers near-100% efficacy when administered twice yearly. However, he raised alarm over its prohibitive price tag of $28,000 per year, compared to an estimated $25 production cost. He called for international pressure on manufacturer Gilead to license generics, stressing that affordability is crucial for scaling access.

From the Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdul Jibril Njai, Senior Health Financing Specialist, explained that domestic resource mobilization must ensure financial protection, equitable access and quality services. He listed Government revenue, donor contributions, out-of-pocket spending, private sector input and community financing as the traditional pillars of health funding.

National AIDS Secretariat Director General, Abdul Raman Sesay, praised AHF’s initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction. He called for enhanced collaboration, better coordination and the review of identified gaps in health financing.

The event also featured a panel discussion with AHF Regional Policy Advocacy Manager, Dina Tibesigwa, Members of Parliament, Civil Society leaders and local Government representatives. The discussion covered the legislative role in health financing, the responsibilities of local councils and the importance of grassroots advocacy.

The engagement concluded with a shared understanding that Sierra Leone’s fight against HIV and broader health challenges requires more than donor aid. Strong domestic investment, strategic partnerships and policy reforms were identified as central to sustaining health services and safeguarding vulnerable populations.

U.S. Ambassador Bryan D. Hunt Resigns, Chargé d’Affaires Jared Yancey Leads Embassy

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The United States Embassy in Freetown has on September 18, 2025 announced the resignation of U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone Bryan D. Hunt, effective September 17, 2025. Embassy officials said Ambassador Bryan D. Hunt submitted his resignation to the White House, citing personal reasons related to family medical consideration and will not be returning to Freetown. Chargé d’Affaires Jared Yancey will continue to lead the mission pending further guidance from Washington.

Ambassador Bryan D. Hunt served for two years in Sierra Leone, during which he focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in public health, security sector partnerships and economic growth initiatives. Embassy staff credited his tenure with helping to advance shared priorities between the two countries, noting his active engagement with Government institutions, civil society and development partners.

In a message to Embassy personnel, Ambassador Bryan D.Hunt expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve: “I have loved every moment of my time in Sierra Leone and deeply admire the work you all do to advance the U.S.-Sierra Leone relationship.”

The Embassy emphasized that the United States remains committed to its partnership with Sierra Leone and will continue collaborative work with the Government and people of Sierra Leone to build on recent gains. Day-to-day operations and diplomatic engagement will be overseen by the Chargé d’Affaires while normal procedures for leadership transition proceed.

QNET Vows to Put Criminals Out of Business

By Chernor Jalloh

The Chief Communications Officer of QI Group, Rayma Chandrasekaran, has vowed that QNET will not allow criminals to tarnish its reputation or exploit unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of its brand.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, she disclosed that the company currently offers more than 30 brands through its worldwide network of distributors, but lamented that its greatest challenge in Africa is the misuse of QNET’s name by fraudsters. She described the company as resilient and determined, stressing that it will “fight the good fight against hoodlums” seeking to exploit its image.

According to her, some criminals, particularly desperate youths in parts of Africa, have been deceiving people by falsely claiming that QNET recruits individuals for jobs or studies abroad with promises of lucrative salaries. She described this as the saddest part of the scam, noting that many victims fail to conduct basic due diligence, such as cross-checking with QNET or relevant authorities.

Rayma Chandrasekaran made it clear that QNET does not charge money to recruit or send people abroad for employment or education. She therefore warned the public against falling prey to such fraudulent schemes, which she described as “salivating but fake promises.”

“We have launched public awareness campaigns in the media as well as training programs for our distributors and law enforcement agencies to ensure they know exactly what services we provide,” she emphasized. “QNET is not engaged in human trafficking or any other criminal activity.”

She further explained that QNET has been proactive in fighting fraud by rolling out awareness drives, erecting billboards and leveraging social and traditional media platforms. The company has also funded the repatriation of individuals who were wrongfully lured abroad by scammers misusing its name.

While she admitted uncertainty about when or where criminals first began misusing the QNET brand for fraudulent purposes, she stressed that the company’s efforts to inform and protect the public will continue. “The awareness campaign cannot change things overnight, but gradually people will know the truth,” she said. She also appealed to the public to utilize QNET’s compliance hotline for verification, reiterating that the company has nothing to do with such criminal enterprises.

Rayma Chandrasekaran concluded by reaffirming QNET’s commitment to its core business: offering products in health, wellness, nutrition and lifestyle through its e-commerce platform. She highlighted that customers earn commissions by marketing genuine products, including water filtration systems and reiterated that QNET is a legitimate global direct-selling company determined to put criminals out of business.

Agriculture Ministry Presents 2026–2028 Budget Prioritizing Youth Empowerment, Technology & Food Security

By Ibrahim Sesay 

‎The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) has, on Thursday September 18, presented its Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2026 to 2028 at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall, bringing together Government officials, development partners and Civil Society groups to review plans aimed at transforming Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector.

‎Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Agriculture 1, Dr. Theresa Tenneh Dick, outlined the Ministry’s proposed budget, describing it as a forward-looking strategy centered on productivity, youth engagement and modernization. She stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of the economy and called for more investment, modern infrastructure and innovative approaches to ensure food security and inclusive growth.

‎Dr. Theresa Tenneh Dick praised the resilience of farmers and agricultural workers, noting their crucial role in sustaining livelihoods despite challenges. “We must move agriculture beyond subsistence to a thriving economic sector that attracts our young people,” she said.

‎The Chief Agriculture Officer, Professor Abdulai Jalloh, presented the key deliverables for 2026 under the Feed Salone Strategic Objectives. He explained that the Ministry’s roadmap is built on six main pillars, each tied to a specific deliverable.

‎Under mechanization and irrigation, the Ministry plans to mechanically plough 35,000 hectares of land, including 30,000 hectares of riverine and boli land and 5,000 hectares of inland valley swamps for rice cultivation. In the area of seeds and input systems, 3,375 cocoa seedlings will be raised to establish 3,000 hectares of cocoa farms.

‎On aggregation, processing and marketing linkages, the Ministry intends to rehabilitate 420 feeder roads and farm tracks to ease the transportation of farm produce. With regard to agricultural finance, plans are underway to support the establishment of an Agricultural Development Bank that will provide access to credit for enterprising farmers across scales.

‎Professor Abdulai Jalloh added that the Ministry will also push forward agricultural technology and climate-smart agriculture by developing and promoting 100 hectares of integrated land management systems that will allow year-round farming. Equally important, the empowerment of women and youth remains a cross-cutting goal, with programs designed to strengthen their participation and improve productivity.

‎The Chief Agriculture Officer also drew attention to the challenges confronting the Ministry, which include late disbursement of funds, delays in recruiting staff to support field activities and a shortage of logistics such as vehicles and motorbikes.

‎To address those issues, he recommended timely release of funds since agricultural activities are time-bound, closer coordination with the Human Resource Management Office to speed up staff recruitment and greater Government support to provide the logistics needed for effective field delivery.

‎Collaboration was also emphasized as a crucial factor for success. Dr. Dr. Theresa Tenneh Dick called on Government institutions, the private sector and farming communities to support the Ministry’s agenda, assuring stakeholders of MAFS’s commitment to provide technical guidance, policy leadership and institutional backing for effective implementation.

‎The session ended with Dr. Theresa Tenneh Dick encouraging open dialogue on the proposed budget, inviting contributions from stakeholders to strengthen the final document. She thanked the Ministry of Finance, development partners and other actors for their continued support, reiterating that agriculture is not just a Government priority but a shared national responsibility.

President Bio’s Working Visit to Burkina Faso Marks First ECOWAS–AES Engagement

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, was warmly received in Ouagadougou by Burkina Faso’s Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, during a one-day working visit on Tuesday, 16 September 2025. The visit attracted regional attention, as President Julius Maada Bio became the first ECOWAS Chair to pay an official visit to a member country of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) since its formation, a move widely seen as a deliberate effort to promote dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding at a critical juncture in West Africa’s political and security landscape.

During the visit, President Julius Maada Bio and Captain Ibrahim Traoré held a bilateral meeting in which they reviewed relations between ECOWAS and AES countries. Their discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration to address shared security threats, strengthen political ties and expand avenues for economic partnership. Diplomatic observers noted that the talks also reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s bilateral friendship with Burkina Faso and encouraged more open engagement between the two regional blocs.

President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership as ECOWAS Chair has often been associated with efforts to build consensus on difficult regional issues and his presence in Burkina Faso reinforced that approach. His visit followed closely on the heels of an earlier mission in August 2025, when, as President of the United Nations Security Council, he travelled to Burkina Faso to assess its security environment. That visit provided him with first-hand insight into the country’s ongoing challenges, including terrorism, insurgency and humanitarian pressures affecting the wider Sahel. By returning in his ECOWAS capacity, President Julius Maada Bio demonstrated continuity in his commitment to regional stability and showed readiness to translate high-level consultations into practical cooperation.

Regional analysts described the Ouagadougou meeting as a diplomatic milestone that could open a new chapter in relations between ECOWAS and the AES. With Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger asserting new regional alignments, the initiative taken by President Julius Maada Bio was viewed as a constructive step to keep dialogue alive while exploring avenues for collaboration that could strengthen peace and security across West Africa. His leadership style is praised as inclusive and pragmatic, with many noting that the symbolism of the visit was as significant as the concrete outcomes it produced.

At the conclusion of the working visit, a joint communiqué was issued, outlining areas of agreement and a shared commitment to address security and development challenges. Both countries reaffirmed their determination to deepen bilateral ties and to maintain open lines of communication within the broader regional framework.

For Sierra Leone, the visit reinforced its growing reputation as an active and respected diplomatic voice in Africa. For Burkina Faso, it represented recognition from ECOWAS and an opportunity to engage constructively with the regional bloc despite recent political shifts. As West Africa continues to grapple with some of its most complex challenges in recent history, the outreach of President Julius Maada Bio in Ouagadougou carried a clear message: that unity, dialogue and cooperation remain indispensable tools for building a peaceful and stable sub-region.

Fatima Bio Inaugurates Olive B. Academy as Beacon of Girls’ Education

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo 

Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has officially inaugurated Olive B. Academy, an all-girls boarding school located on Olive B. Drive in Kerry Town, Western Rural District, during a ceremony on Monday, 16 September 2025. The event was attended by senior Government officials, education stakeholders, community leaders and the school’s first cohort of pupils, marking what many described as a milestone in the country’s drive to expand quality education for girls.

Co-founder, Olive Favor Baimba, welcomed guests and explained that the establishment of Olive B. Academy represents the first step in a broader vision to affirm and develop Sierra Leonean talent. She described the school as occupying 15 acres of fenced land, with additional space beyond the perimeter to allow for future growth and said it was deliberately designed to provide a serene and modern learning environment. Olive Favor Baimba outlined the facilities, which include 18 fully furnished classrooms, science laboratories, a design and technology laboratory, a robotics laboratory, a computer science hall and a smart room equipped for virtual instruction and mentoring.

She said every pupil will receive a personal laptop for use in the smart classroom and announced that instructors in Mandarin and Spanish are being recruited to teach remotely. She also highlighted teacher development as a core priority, noting that each semester staff will undergo a week-long training led by expert educators. Sustainability has also been built into the campus, with a 75 KVA solar system supported by a 75 KVA backup generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply, a water filtration system to provide purified drinking water and reduce plastic waste, the planting of over 500 trees and the construction of 14 staff quarters to allow teachers to live on campus and dedicate more time to lesson preparation and student mentoring.

Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, commended the project, describing it as a valuable national investment in human capital. He praised President Julius Maada Bio’s continued prioritization of education and lauded Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s role in safeguarding children’s right to learn. Minister Conrad Sackey said Olive B. Academy demonstrates that “excellence in education is more than an ambition; it is a responsibility,” predicting that its positive impact would be felt not only by pupils but also by families, communities and the nation as a whole.

Delivering the keynote address, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio conveyed warm greetings on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio and described the inauguration as “a sacred moment.” She thanked Olive Favor Baimba and her team for entrusting her with the ribbon-cutting and characterized Olive B. Academy as more than a school, calling it “a sanctuary of learning, a safe space for empowerment and a beacon of progress.” She affirmed that the Academy is a declaration that “daughters matter,” stressing that it will help protect girls from early marriage, gender-based violence and exploitation. Quoting Nobel Laureate, Malala Yousafzai, she reminded the audience that “one child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world,” and said Olive B. Academy stands as living proof of that message.

Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio described the school as STEM-focused, solar-powered, inclusive by design and a local alternative to families who might otherwise seek education for their daughters abroad. She praised teachers as “nation-builders,” urged parents to continue serving as the strongest supporters of their daughters and encouraged the pupils to pursue their dreams without limitation. She told the girls to aspire to become doctors, engineers, artists, scientists and entrepreneurs, and warned them never to allow anyone to silence or restrict their ambitions. Acknowledging that education requires sacrifice, she said that investing in excellence at home will reduce dependence on opportunities overseas. Reflecting on her own experiences, she spoke as both a mother and an advocate, urging the girls to hold fast to their dreams and to reject anything that threatens to derail them.

The First Lady also noted that Olive B. Academy complements the Government’s Free Quality Education programme and her Hands of Our Girls campaign, both designed to strengthen opportunities for girls across Sierra Leone. She paid tribute to the Kerry Town community for hosting the institution and called on residents to protect and nurture the school as a national asset.

The inauguration of Olive B. Academy is widely seen as a significant step for girls’ education in Sierra Leone. With its modern STEM-focused facilities, commitment to teacher development, renewable energy systems and environmental stewardship, the Academy sets a new standard for private-sector investment in education that supports Government policy.

With the first intake of pupils now beginning their journey many are watching closely to see how the Academy translates its promise into measurable outcomes for pupils, families and the wider community.

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