Ambassador Sowa Deepens Diaspora Engagement at Christ Is Lord International Church in Virginia

June 4, 2025

Demonstrating a continued effort to deepen connections with Sierra Leoneans living abroad, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Amara Sowa, attended a vibrant worship service at the Christ Is Lord International Church in Springfield, Virginia, on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

The visit marked Ambassador Amara Sowa’s third consecutive week of engaging with the Sierra Leonean diaspora as part of his diplomatic outreach. It underscored his unwavering commitment to promoting unity, collaboration and active engagement among Sierra Leoneans living in the United States and beyond.

Upon arrival, Ambassador Amara Sowa was warmly received by the church’s spiritual leader, Reverend Dr. Gibrilla Sapunka Bangura. The service opened with patriotic fervor as the congregation sang Sierra Leone’s national anthem and recited the national pledge, creating an atmosphere of unity and pride.

In his remarks to the congregation, Ambassador Amara Sowa expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome and the opportunity to fellowship with his compatriots. He emphasized the critical role that unity plays in national development and called on all Sierra Leoneans to put aside differences for the greater good.

“We cannot develop our country if we are not united or do not show love among ourselves,” Ambassador Amara Sowa said. He encouraged members of the diaspora to consider the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington, D.C., as their home and invited them to engage with the mission, which also serves eight other accredited countries.

The Ambassador also highlighted his recent engagements with political stakeholders in the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area, including opposition leaders. He shared his satisfaction with their commitment to collaborate for Sierra Leone’s progress and urged the diaspora community to channel their expertise and resources toward the country’s development.

“Bring your ideas, bring your initiatives; we want to hear from you,” he told the congregation, reinforcing the embassy’s openness to inclusive dialogue and national contributions from Sierra Leoneans abroad.

The service featured a spiritually uplifting sermon by Reverend Dr. Gibrilla Sapunka Bangura, centered on the theme: “Leaning on God.” Drawing from biblical passages such as Psalm 20:3, Haggai 2:9, Joshua 24:13–15and Jeremiah 17:5–8, Reverend Dr. Gibrilla Sapunka Bangura encouraged the congregation to trust fully in God, especially in trying times. “Absolutely depending on God is what God is looking for,” he said, reminding the faithful of the importance of fear of God and standing firm on His promises.

As a demonstration of spiritual solidarity, the congregation joined together in prayer for Ambassador Amara Sowa, asking for divine protection and guidance in his duties at home and abroad.

The Ambassador’s visit to Christ Is Lord International Church represents more than just a diplomatic gesture; it symbolizes the embassy’s commitment to strengthening bonds within the Sierra Leonean diaspora community and promoting a collective vision for national development.

This outreach initiative is part of a broader strategy to engage Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, fostering stronger links between citizens overseas and the institutions that serve them.

Presidential Townhall to Be Held in Kenema on June 17 as Civic Access Expands

June 4, 2025

The annual Presidential Townhall is set to hold in Kenema on the 17th of June this year. This is the first time a Presidential Townhall will be held out of Freetown. The event will take place at the Kenema City Hall, which will host up to two thousand people.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah said the move is to ensure “we decentralize major events like these to other areas of the country.”

“We want to make sure everyone in this country has access to the Presidency. President Bio is also committed to listening and answering questions directly from people,” the Minister pointed out.

Last year, the Ministry hosted President Bio in a Presidential Townhall for the first time in history, with the President directly answering some of the 800 questions received from the public in a live three hour event.

The President covered important subjects like Youth employment, Feed Salone and Sierra Leone’s aspiration on the global stage with foreign policy and diplomacy.

This year the Ministry has already released a powerful teaser to back up the event announcement. The event will follow the current Civic Day Series format, preceded by a youth engagement event on the first day.

The event will bring together young people to learn about civic education and their role in strengthening it in their schools and communities.

NP (SL) Limited Powers Up Digital Fuel Access with Nationwide Roadshows

June 4, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) Limited, Sierra Leone’s leading and most trusted indigenous petroleum marketing company is making waves with its nationwide rollout of the NP Energy Pass Card, a digital innovation designed to revolutionize fuel transactions. As part of its commitment to digital transformation, transparency and customer convenience, the company has taken its Energy Pass Card Roadshow to key districts, including Kono, Makeni, Kenema and Bo; empowering motorists and institutions with modern, cashless fuel purchasing solutions.

The Energy Pass Card is a safe, reliable and free prepaid electronic payment tool that simplifies fuel purchasing at designated NP Filling Stations across the country. Through the nationwide roadshow, NP (SL) Ltd. has been actively engaging with commercial drivers, motorbike riders, fleet managers and public sector representatives, educating them about the numerous benefits of adopting this digital fuel solution.

In Kono District, the campaign brought together unions representing drivers and motorbike riders. Participants learned how to acquire and use the NP Energy Pass Card; highlighting the company’s vision to decentralize access to digital solutions and promote financial accountability within transport and logistics.

In Makeni City, the energy of the roadshow reflected the growing interest in digital innovation among motorists. “Buying fuel has never been easier,” one participant remarked, noting how the card enables seamless top-up, PIN-secured access and digital tracking of every transaction. The campaign aligns with NP’s broader strategy to make digital convenience the standard nationwide.

The success of the campaign was equally evident in Kenema and Bo, where large crowds turned out to interact with NP staff and explore the card’s real-world benefits. Communities responded with enthusiasm to demonstrations showing how the card logs key data; such as volume, cost, time and location of fuel purchases; offering users a new level of control over their fuel spending.

Ibrahim Kamara, a senior fleet supervisor at a construction firm, described the card as a “game changer.” He explained: “Before, managing fuel was chaotic; receipts got lost and cash went unaccounted for. With this card, every transaction is automatically recorded. We now track everything in real time from our office. It has streamlined our operations.”

The card has particularly resonated with institutions dependent on donor funding. Mariama Sesay, an accounts officer at a humanitarian organization, stated: “We must justify every expense. The NP Energy Pass Card provides clean, verifiable records. It’s helped us reduce financial leakages and satisfy audit requirements.”

Samuel Bangura, a civil society advocate for public sector efficiency, applauded the card’s anti-corruption potential: “This digital tool limits misuse. It eliminates the risks of handling physical cash and ensures fuel is used only for its intended purpose. If Government departments adopt this widely, we could save millions.”

Each Energy Pass Card is secured by a personal PIN and if lost or stolen, can be immediately deactivated, with the remaining balance safely transferred to a replacement card. This feature provides peace of mind to both individual users and organizations.

The card’s use is currently exclusive to NP Filling Stations, a deliberate move that ensures quality control, product integrity and reliable customer service at every touchpoint; whether in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni, or beyond.

For institutions, cards can be assigned to individual vehicles or personnel, with customizable spending limits and digital reporting. Fatmata Jalloh, a logistics coordinator for an agricultural project, highlighted its impact: “We don’t have to chase drivers for receipts anymore. The card helps us track usage and maintain accountability. It has simplified reporting and cut down on wastage.”

Acquiring the Energy Pass Card is simple. Individuals need only a valid ID to register at NP’s Head Office or designated centers, while businesses are required to provide registration documents and authorized user lists. Once issued, the card can be topped up at any NP outlet or through partner banks.

NP (SL) Ltd. also provides dedicated customer support to assist users with registration, troubleshooting and card management, ensuring an inclusive digital experience for all users, regardless of location or technical proficiency.

The Energy Pass Card is more than just a digital payment tool; it represents a transformative shift in how Sierra Leone manages fuel procurement. By promoting transparency, reducing cash handling risks and improving operational efficiency, NP (SL) Ltd. is setting a new benchmark for service delivery and technological innovation in the country’s petroleum industry.

A public procurement analyst summed it up aptly: “The NP Energy Pass Card shows how technology can solve old problems. It helps close loopholes, protects public and private resources and gives users real control over fuel spending.”

NP (SL) Limited is leading the way with its pioneering campaign, making one thing clear; the future of fuel in Sierra Leone is digital, secure and centered on the customer and that future has already begun.

SLURC Launches Landmark Book Highlighting a Decade of Urban Research and Community Engagement

June 4, 2025

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC) has unveiled a major new publication that captures a decade of pioneering urban research and advocacy. The book, “Urban Transformations in Sierra Leone: Knowledge Co-production and Partnerships for a Just City”, presents a powerful narrative of collaborative research, community engagement and policy innovation aimed at building more inclusive and sustainable cities. This event was held on Monday 2^nd June, 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.

The launch event provided a platform for authors and contributors to reflect on the motivations, challenges and impacts of their work over the past ten years.

The publication traces SLURC’s evolution from a small local initiative into an internationally recognized research hub. At its core is the principle of knowledge co-production; a collaborative approach in which researchers, communities, Government actors and civil society organizations jointly shape the research agenda, process and outcomes.

SLURC’s Executive Director, Dr. Joseph Macarthy, emphasized the importance of local ownership in knowledge creation, noting that genuine partnerships empower local researchers to address global urban challenges. He added that urban knowledge must be grounded in local realities and must challenge power imbalances; particularly the lingering structural legacies of colonial urban planning.

Dr. Andrea Rigon, Associate Professor at Politecnico di Milano and one of the contributors, underscored the urgency of such a work in the context of Africa’s rapidly expanding cities. He emphasized that Freetown, like many African cities, is undergoing complex and swift urban transformation, which demands locally relevant, evidence-based policy responses.

The Associate Professor highlighted the importance of building interdisciplinary partnerships; bringing together academics, NGOs, community members and policymakers to co-create research goals and methodologies. This inclusive approach, he argued, is vital for sustainable urban development.

SLURC has led several influential studies, including a landmark investigation into low-income settlements in Freetown. This research revealed the economic interdependence between formal and informal sectors; what SLURC terms “hybrid value chains” and called for policies that support rather than threaten these essential livelihoods.

Dr. Andrea Rigon also emphasized that urban governance must go beyond state institutions, embracing community norms and informal regulatory mechanisms. These insights, he explained, can inform trade laws and enable more inclusive city planning.

Braima Koroma, SLURC’s Director of Research and Training, highlighted the practical challenges of integrating research into policymaking within Government systems. He introduced the concept of Area Action Plans, a planning model developed to coordinate development efforts at the community level.

Pilot initiatives using a four-phase model, diagnosis, believing, developing and defining, have brought together policymakers, planners and communities to co-design development strategies. Community mapping exercises, Braima Koroma noted, uncovered aspirations such as access to solar power and skills training, which were then incorporated into planning dialogues. A City Advisory Committee was also established to ensure inclusivity and representation in decision-making.

Abu Conteh, SLURC Senior Researcher, presented a research exploring the intersection of health outcomes and urban inequality in Freetown. He focused on how informal settlements, which have expanded post-Ebola and COVID-19, are often misunderstood as temporary, when in fact they are long-term, complex communities.

The SLURC Senior Researcher emphasized the need for health systems that are inclusive, accountable and responsive to these communities. His work revealed how health risks in informal areas are shaped by gender, governance and entrenched inequalities. He also discussed the limitations of local governance structures and the unequal power dynamics between service providers and residents.

Calling for multi-sectoral collaboration, Abu Conteh stressed the role of platforms like the Freetown City Learning Platform in bridging gaps between sectors. His research advocates for policies that are not just data-driven, but also socially and politically informed.

The launch event celebrated not only the book, but a broader legacy of community-based urban development and locally grounded research. Authors shared insights on the challenges of publishing from the Global South and reflected on the importance of democratizing knowledge—ensuring it is accessible, inclusive and driven by those most affected by urban change.

The event was also interlude with discussion by four discussants, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Prof. Michael Walls, Dr. Percy Toriro, Yirah Conteh from reputable universities and organisations.

The event concluded with a shared call to action: to deepen partnerships, support local voices and work toward a just and sustainable urban future in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Sorie Sulaiman Sesay Engages APC Stakeholders in Bo with Message of Unity and Inclusion

June 4, 2025

By Alhaji Koroma

Momentum continues to build around Sorie Sulaiman Sesay’s bid for the All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearership, as the aspiring leader, over the weekend, engaged political stakeholders from across Bo District. The consultative meeting, held in Bo Town, brought together representatives from eleven constituencies, including community leaders, youth activists and key APC grassroots figures.

The gathering offered Sorie Sulaiman Sesay a chance to deepen his connection with the party’s base in the southern district, as he articulated his vision for a more inclusive, development-driven APC. Stakeholders hailed Sorie Sulaiman Sesay’s track record in agriculture and youth empowerment and lauded his people-centered approach to leadership.

Participants praised the interactive nature of the engagement, describing Sorie Sulaiman Sesay as a unifier with the temperament and experience needed to bridge generational divides within the party.

“He listens. He doesn’t come to impose ideas but to engage,” said one local youth leader. “That’s the kind of leadership we need now — someone who builds consensus from the ground up.”

While many attendees reiterated their neutrality in the ongoing internal contest, several noted that Sorie Sulaiman Sesay’s message of unity, economic revitalization and social equity resonated strongly with the party’s grassroots. His emphasis on prioritizing education, healthcare, youth employment and agricultural growth struck a chord with stakeholders seeking a fresh direction for the APC.

Addressing the gathering, Sorie Sulaiman Sesay expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed his commitment to a leadership style grounded in inclusion, service and national development.

“I am not just seeking to lead a party, but to serve a people,” Sorie Sulaiman Sesay said. “My goal is to give voice to every Sierra Leonean who feels left behind and to offer them a seat at the table of progress.”

As the APC’s internal race intensifies, Sorie Sulaiman Sesay’s reception in Bo signals growing grassroots momentum behind his campaign. The meeting is the latest stop in what his team describes as a national “listening tour” aimed at collecting ideas and priorities from party members and ordinary citizens.

A respected community elder summed up the mood at the close of the engagement: “If we want to turn the page, we must support leaders who are ready to write a new chapter.”

With the Bo visit now behind him, all eyes are on how Sorie Sulaiman Sesay’s message will continue to resonate across other regions as he seeks to position himself as a credible and unifying contender in the APC’s leadership race.

Mayor of Freetown Opposes Cabinet Decision to Split Capital Without Consultation

June 4, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Mayor of Freetown, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has publicly voiced serious concerns over reports that Cabinet has approved plans to divide the capital city into two separate cities, each governed by its own local council. In an open letter addressed to the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba John Lamina, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr described the proposed move as alarming and detrimental to Freetown’s development.

According to the Mayor, no consultation was made with residents of the city, who will be most affected by such a significant administrative decision. “I am alarmed that this pronouncement has been made without any consultation whatsoever with the people for whom it will have the biggest impact- Freetonians,” the letter stated.

Highlighting the historical and economic importance of Freetown, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr underscored the city’s longstanding status as Sierra Leone’s capital, a cultural and economic hub and a symbol of national identity since its founding in 1792.

The Mayor warned that dividing Freetown would worsen already existing problems arising from the fragmentation of urban management responsibilities. She pointed out that key functions such as land use planning, road maintenance and water provision are currently controlled by separate Government entities rather than the Freetown City Council (FCC). These include the Ministry of Lands, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority and Guma Valley Water Company.

“This proposed plan… will instead create additional management and coordination challenges,” she cautioned, adding that “best practice in urban management… is to strengthen and not weaken comprehensive and integrated planning for service delivery.”

She emphasized the need for greater devolution of power and resources to the FCC to enable it to fulfill its mandate as outlined in Section 21(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 2022, which mandates local councils to promote development and the welfare of their localities.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr also warned that dividing the city would disrupt current citywide initiatives, particularly in waste management. She noted that FCC recently completed the legal and procurement groundwork for a citywide solid and liquid waste collection system under the “Operation Dorti Mus Go” campaign.

“The significant investment in introducing the legislation and building a system for citywide waste collection… would be negatively impacted by splitting the city into two local councils,” she said.

The Mayor also questioned the financial feasibility of creating a new local council, especially in light of ongoing funding challenges. She disclosed that the central Government has yet to disburse its 2025 tied grant allocations to FCC, which affects critical services such as schools and healthcare facilities.

Citing revenue collection data, the Mayor revealed significant disparities in compliance and revenue generation between the city’s eastern and western wards. Of the NLe22.8 million collected in property rates in 2024, only NLe4.6 million (20%) came from the east, which houses two-thirds of the population, while the west contributed NLe18.2 million (80%).

“This disparity suggests that residents living in the east… will be directly disadvantaged by a city split in respect of its own source revenue collection potential and thus service delivery,” she argued.

While acknowledging that the President has the legal authority to declare new localities under the Local Government Act, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized that such decisions must also consider population density, geography, topography and future urban growth as required by law.

She concluded by urging the Minister and other authorities to reconsider the decision and prioritize inclusive, coordinated and sustainable urban governance.

“The financial viability of running a new council should be a serious consideration,” she warned, noting the importance of existing systems and development plans like the FCC’s “Transform Freetown, Transforming Lives” agenda (2024–2028), which are already attracting significant external support.

The Government has yet to officially respond to the Mayor’s letter or provide further clarification on the reported Cabinet decision.

Odhav Multi Industries Powers Construction Sector with Locally Made, High-Grade Iron Rods & Roofing Sheets

June 4, 2025

Driving forward Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development and economic transformation, Odhav Multi Industries (SL) Limited stands prominently at the forefront of industrial innovation. As the nation’s first fully automated steel manufacturing plant, it represents a bold leap toward modernizing local production and reducing dependency on imported construction materials.

Located strategically in Koya Chiefdom near the Songo Toll Gate, the facility produces steel of international quality, proudly manufactured on Sierra Leonean soil. Its advanced technology and automation have revolutionized the local construction sector by ensuring consistent availability of high-grade materials essential for national development.

Odhav Multi Industries is not only meeting the growing demands of the construction industry but also contributing to job creation, skills development and broader economic empowerment. By merging global standards with local capacity, this industrial powerhouse is reshaping the way construction materials are produced and accessed across the country.

With its commitment to quality, affordability and durability, Odhav Multi Industries is producing high-strength TMT iron rods and PPGI roofing sheets, all made in Sierra Leone ; ensuring that builders and developers no longer need to rely on imported materials.

Odhav Multi Industries manufactures 12-meter-long TMT iron rods in various sizes, each designed to meet rigorous construction standards. Whether you’re working on residential, commercial or industrial projects, these rods offer unmatched strength and reliability.

Iron Rod Specifications (Per Metric Ton):

Diameter (mm)	Pieces per MT
06 mm crm	360 pcs
08 mm	211 pcs
10 mm	133 pcs
12 mm	93 pcs
14 mm	69 pcs
16 mm	53 pcs
18 mm	41 pcs
20 mm	34 pcs
22 mm	27 pcs
25 mm	22 pcs
28 mm	17 pcs
32 mm	13 pcs

As the leading steel plant in Sierra Leone, Odhav Multi Industries proudly assures customers of superior quality and competitive pricing.

In addition to iron rods, Odhav Multi Industries also offers Pre-Painted Galvanized Iron (PPGI) Roofing Sheets. These sheets are:

✅ Excellent in quality
✅ Highly durable
✅ Straight and easy to install

Available Sheet Sizes and Prices:

Thickness	Dimensions (mm)	Price (Le) per Packet (20 pcs)
0.14 mm	665 x 2400	Le 1,275,000
0.17 mm	665 x 2400	Le 1,550,000
0.21 mm	665 x 2400	Le 1,890,000

Bulk Order Discounts:

📦 250 packets – 5% off
📦 500 packets – 7.5% off
📦 1000 packets – 10% off

Color Options Available:
⚫ Black 🟥 Maroon 🟦 Blue 🟩 Green 🔘 GI (Galvanized)

Whether it’s for homes, offices, warehouses or public buildings, Odhav’s roofing sheets deliver on both performance and aesthetics.

To place your order or learn more, contact:
📞 Mr. Ritesh Mistry
📲 +232 90 111 090 | +232 90 111 140
🌐 Visit: www.omisau.com

Odhav Multi Industries (SL) Limited continues to champion local manufacturing, empower the construction industry and contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s development. From steel to roofing, quality starts here—Proudly Made in Sierra Leone.

At 2025 AFI Aviation Week… SLCAA DG Hails GEWE Act as Catalyst for Women’s Inclusion in Leadership

June 4, 2025

Ms. Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA)

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Sierra Leone’s aviation sector soared into the spotlight at the 2025 AFI Aviation Week, as Ms. Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), delivered a compelling dual message on competence-driven leadership and strategic sectoral reform.

Ms. Musayeroh Barrie, the first female Director General of the SLCAA and the first in West Africa, was a central figure at the prestigious event, which gathered aviation leaders from across the continent. She not only championed gender equality in a high-level all-female panel discussion but also led Sierra Leone into a new era of aviation governance through landmark international partnerships.

Speaking on the panel themed “Advancing Gender Equality in African Aviation,” Ms. Musayeroh Barrie stated, “I Am the Director General, Not the Female Director General,” calling for a shift from tokenism to meritocracy.

“We are not asking for favors. We are not saying give a job to a woman because she is a woman. What we’re demanding is a platform for competent women to thrive and when they do get those positions, let’s respect them as professionals,” she said.

Emphasizing that leadership should be based on ability not gender, she added:

“I am the Director General. I am not a female Director General. These are distinctions we must stop making if we want true equality.”

Ms. Musayeroh Barrie underscored the importance of mentorship and accessibility, encouraging women in leadership to open doors for the next generation of female professionals.

“Sometimes it’s not just about referring young women, it’s about inviting them in, having honest conversations and showing them what’s possible. That impact can be enormous,” she noted.

She praised Sierra Leone’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022, which mandates 30% female representation in Government roles and credited that legislation for her own historic appointment.

Beyond gender discourse, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie used the platform to showcase Sierra Leone’s strategic aviation reforms. A major highlight of the week was the signing of the Civil Aviation Master Plan with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); a milestone agreement that reinforces Sierra Leone’s commitment to global aviation standards, safety and sustainability.

In a series of bilateral meetings, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie also engaged with the Malaysian Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority to explore opportunities for direct air connectivity between Sierra Leone and Malaysia. These early discussions aim to enhance tourism, trade and people-to-people exchange between the two countries.

Ms. Musayeroh Barrie disclosed that women currently hold 40% of positions within the SLCAA, including technical roles such as airworthiness and personal licensing; a reflection of inclusive policies and leadership.
Yet she cautioned:

“It’s easy to write policies. The real challenge lies in implementation, which requires confronting cultural norms, outdated perceptions and deep-rooted social barriers.”

She called on women professionals to be visible, unapologetic and confident, saying:

“Wearing heels and lipstick does not take away our value or our expertise. Competence should always be the benchmark.”

She emphasized the need for scholarships and outreach initiatives to attract more women and girls into aviation.

“If we want more women in this field, we must open doors; not just metaphorically, but literally. Let them walk with us, see what we do and realize that this industry is theirs too,” she urged.

With six of the world’s ten female aviation Director Generals currently based in Africa, the 2025 AFI Aviation Week marked a historic moment of representation and progress. Ms. Musayeroh Barrie’s voice stood out not only for its authenticity but also for the substance and strategic direction it carried.

“Sierra Leone has been a fantastic example of driving gender-inclusive reforms. The GEWE Bill is not just a law; it is a vision for the future,” she concluded.

Through bold leadership, inclusive reforms and international collaboration, Sierra Leone is fast becoming a model for excellence and equity in African aviation and Ms. Musayeroh Barrie is at the helm of that transformation.

IMF Dispels Suspension Rumors as Sierra Leone’s Credit Program Stays on Track

June 4, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Recent claims published in several local newspapers and widely circulated on social media suggesting that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suspended Sierra Leone from its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) due to a $67 million payment to local contractor Pavi Fort have been officially debunked.

In an exclusive report by renowned journalist and political commentator Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden OOR, published in the Awareness Times Newspaper, the IMF has confirmed that Sierra Leone’s ECF program remains “current” and has not been suspended.

Dr. Sylvia Blyden, following a series of email and telephone engagements with the IMF Spokesman’s Office in Washington, DC, clarified that there is no suspension of Sierra Leone from IMF programs, contrary to claims initiated by a local tabloid on May 27, 2025.

The initial report alleged that the IMF had suspended Sierra Leone due to the disbursement of $67 million to contractor Alimu Barrie for “invisible roads” purportedly authorized by State House in November 2024. The story further claimed that this “suspension” had also impacted World Bank operations in the country.

However, Dr. Sylvia Blyden’s investigation reveals a different narrative. After reaching out to the IMF’s Africa Division Press Office and speaking with Senior Communications Officer, Wafa Amr, she received formal confirmation that the IMF is still actively engaging with Sierra Leone under the ECF.

In her article, Dr. Blyden quotes the IMF Spokesman’s Office as saying:

“IMF staff continues to engage with the Sierra Leone authorities on the current Extended Credit Facility program. The ECF aims to support Sierra Leone’s efforts to restore stability by bolstering debt sustainability, addressing fiscal dominance, bringing down inflation and rebuilding reserves; support inclusive growth through reforms and targeted social spending; confront corruption and strengthen governance, institutions and the rule of law.”

This statement directly contradicts the false claims circulating in some local media entities.

In a related development, the Minister of Information and Civic Education (MICE), Hon. Chernor Bah, has boldly refuted the social media rumor that Sierra Leone has been suspended from receiving IMF assistance.

Speaking at the MICE weekly press briefing held on June 3, 2025, the Minister reaffirmed that Sierra Leone remains in good standing with the IMF and explained that a routine review process is scheduled for the end of June to assess eligibility for future grants or loans.

He emphasized that such reviews are standard procedures within international financial cooperation and do not amount to suspension.

“I want to assure Sierra Leoneans that there is no suspension. The IMF has not cut ties with our country. A program review will be conducted later this month as part of normal procedures,” Chernor Bah said.

He called on citizens to rely on official Government channels for credible updates, warning against misinformation and politically motivated propaganda.

“Please count on us for official and accurate information on Government activities. Let’s not allow unverified stories to mislead the public,” he added.

Both the IMF’s direct clarification and the Government’s official position stress the importance of fact-based reporting. Dr. Sylvia Blyden further highlighted that while allegations of corruption or financial mismanagement should never be ignored, it is critical that journalists and citizens alike verify information before jumping to conclusions.

Thanks to her investigative work, Sierra Leoneans can now be assured that the country’s partnership with the IMF remains intact and that rumors of suspension are entirely false.

As Dr. Sylvia Blyden aptly puts it:

“The importance of responsible journalism cannot be overstated especially when national credibility and international financial relations are at stake.”

Orange Sierra Leone Marks Major Milestone With Launch of Employee Shareholder Program

June 4, 2025

CEO, Orange Sierra Leone Sekou Amadou Bah

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Marking a significant milestone in its commitment to employee empowerment and long-term sustainability, Orange Sierra Leone has officially launched an Employee Shareholder Program, offering staff the opportunity to become part-owners of the company. The announcement was made during a high-level Town Hall Meeting held at the company’s Hill Station headquarters on Monday, 26th May 2025, during a three-day working visit by Elisabeth Medou Badang, Chief Human Resource Officer for Orange Middle East and Africa (MEA).

This groundbreaking initiative reflects the company’s vision of fostering a more inclusive and participatory corporate culture, while reinforcing its dedication to building a motivated and invested workforce.

Agnes Songa, Human Resources Director of Orange Sierra Leone, welcomed the MEA HR Chief and described her presence as a profound demonstration of the Orange Group’s values of care, responsibility and bold leadership. She emphasized that while Sierra Leone is a small affiliate in terms of size, its performance, staff engagement and impact within the Orange network remain highly significant.

“We may be small in size, but we are strong in voice and performance,” said Agnes Songa. “We’re a top-performing affiliate and this visit is a testimony to that. Our CEO, Sekou Amadou Bah, has created an environment where staffs thrive and this new shareholder initiative takes it a step further.”

CEO, Sekou Amadou Bah, used the occasion to officially launch the Employee Shareholder Program, describing it as a historic milestone in the company’s journey. He acknowledged the critical role of Elisabeth Medou Badang in guiding the vision and execution of the program.

“This program reflects our strong belief that employees are at the heart of our success,” said Sekou Amadou Bah. “With this initiative, we are not only recognizing your hard work we are inviting you to share in the company’s future prosperity as shareholders.”

He explained that the initiative allows employees to acquire shares in Orange Sierra Leone, aligning their personal success with that of the company. The move is expected to boost employee morale, drive accountability and deepen staff loyalty.

In her keynote address, Elisabeth Medou Badang hailed the program as a “bold and visionary step,” reinforcing Orange Sierra Leone’s role as a pacesetter in the MEA region. She congratulated the team for their exceptional performance in employee engagement, innovation and financial growth.

“I’m incredibly proud of what you have achieved in Sierra Leone,” she said. “You consistently rank at the top in engagement and satisfaction across the MEA region and now you are leading again with this employee ownership program. This is your company. As Orange grows, so will your wealth not just through salaries, but through dividends and shared success.”

She described the launch of the Employee Shareholding Program as a symbol of trust, empowering staff to become co-creators of value in a company that belongs to them not just in spirit, but now in tangible ownership.

Medou Badang also took time to commend the warm hospitality of Sierra Leoneans, sharing how the country left a remarkable impression on her from the moment she arrived. She encouraged staff to maintain the culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration that has made Orange Sierra Leone a model affiliate.

“This is your company, your home and your legacy,” she said. “Continue to build it with pride, commitment and unity. The sky is not the limit the sky is your next starting point.”

The launch of the Employee Shareholder Program is expected to inspire similar models across the Orange Group’s operations in Africa and the Middle East, signaling a new chapter in employee-centered corporate leadership.