Home Blog Page 2

Baptist Convention Bids Farewell to Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Fornah After 10 Years of Service

Group of eight people in matching purple outfits posing for a farewell event in front of a banner that reads 'Farewell'.

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Baptist Convention of Sierra Leone (BCSL) has officially bid farewell to its outgoing Executive President and Head of Missions, Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah and his wife, Mariama Khai Fornah, in recognition of their decade of dedicated service, visionary leadership and contributions to the growth and development of the Convention.

The thanksgiving and farewell ceremony was held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, drawing clergy, church members, development partners and invited guests from across Sierra Leone who gathered to celebrate ten years of leadership marked by spiritual growth, institutional development and humanitarian service.

Speakers at the event described Rev Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah’s tenure as one characterized by stability, discipline, compassion and a strong commitment to strengthening the Baptist Convention and expanding its impact across communities nationwide. Many paid tribute to his efforts in promoting leadership development, community transformation and institutional sustainability.

During his time in office, Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah was credited with supporting a range of social and educational initiatives, including scholarship opportunities for pastors, teachers and theological students as well as humanitarian interventions that provided food and non-food assistance to vulnerable communities during emergencies and periods of hardship.

One of the landmark achievements highlighted during the ceremony was the construction of the BCSL Multipurpose Building in Lunsar, which has since been named the Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah Multipurpose Building in recognition of his contributions. The facility has hosted the Convention’s annual conferences since 2024 and is regarded as a major step toward institutional self-reliance and sustainability.

Church leaders noted that the facility has significantly reduced the Convention’s expenditure on rented conference venues, allowing more resources to be directed toward missions, evangelism and community outreach programmes.

Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah’s administration was also commended for overseeing the rehabilitation of the Lunsar Eye Clinic, improving access to healthcare services for residents in the region and surrounding communities. In the education sector, his leadership supported the distribution of learning materials to pupils in Baptist schools across Sierra Leone while also extending assistance to selected non-Baptist schools.

Delivering the sermon, Prof. Dr. Momolu Massaquoi of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary preached on the theme: “Service and Legacy,” drawing lessons from Acts 20:17–35. He emphasized the importance of servant leadership, humility, sacrifice and leaving a lasting impact through service to God and humanity.

In his farewell address, Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah expressed gratitude to God, mission partners, donors and members of the Baptist Convention for the opportunity to serve over the past ten years. He described his tenure as both a privilege and a profound responsibility, attributing the achievements recorded during his administration to divine grace and collective effort.

He also encouraged the incoming Executive President, Rev. Dr. Samuel G. A. Kargbo and the Convention’s leadership to continue building on the foundation that has been laid to ensure sustained growth and impact across Sierra Leone.

The ceremony featured musical performances and tributes from various Baptist congregations and church groups. A special presentation by members of the Baptist Mission in Kenema drew emotional responses from attendees as they celebrated the outgoing president’s years of service and dedication.

The Convention announced that Rev. Dr. Samuel G. A. Kargbo is expected to continue advancing the institution’s development agenda by strengthening governance structures, expanding outreach programmes and promoting sustainable growth within the Baptist community.

The event attracted more than a thousand participants from religious, professional and social backgrounds, reflecting the widespread respect and admiration Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah has earned throughout his ministry.

The transition to new leadership marks the beginning of another important chapter for the Baptist Convention of Sierra Leone, while the contributions of Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah are expected to remain a lasting testament to visionary leadership, institutional growth and dedicated Christian service. Members and stakeholders believe his legacy will continue to inspire the Convention’s mission and future generations of faith leaders across Sierra Leone.

International Press Institute Digitises 18,000 Pages of Journalism History, Welcomes New Global Members

By Amin Kef Sesay

The International Press Institute (IPI) has unveiled a major initiative aimed at preserving the history of global journalism and strengthening international cooperation among media professionals, with the launch of a fully digitised archive of its flagship publication, the IPI Report, alongside a series of new training programmes, awards and opportunities for journalists across the world.

The announcement was made in the June 2026 edition of IPI’s monthly membership newsletter, Inside the Network, which highlighted a range of developments designed to support independent journalism and reinforce global press freedom efforts.

At the centre of the announcement is the successful digitisation of the IPI Report, the organisation’s principal publication produced between 1952 and 2005. The project has made approximately 18,000 pages of historical material fully searchable online for the first time, creating what the organisation describes as one of the most significant archives documenting the evolution of global media freedom.

For more than five decades, the IPI Report served as a platform for discussions and documentation relating to journalism, media development and the defence of press freedom. The publication chronicled major global events including the post-war human rights movement, the Cold War, the era of decolonisation and the emergence of the internet. It also featured debates, book reviews, General Assembly reports and profiles of influential journalists while examining recurring issues such as technological change, the growing participation of women in journalism and changing perceptions of objectivity and media power.

According to IPI, the archive also captures the rich history of its worldwide membership network and the contributions of editors, journalists and media leaders who have dedicated their careers to defending independent journalism and democratic values.

The archive has been made available through Arcanum, a Budapest-based digitisation platform with more than three decades of experience preserving historical records. The collection can be searched in English, German, French, Japanese and Spanish. While access is available through paid subscriptions and more than 200 partner institutions around the world, a free preview mode has also been introduced. IPI further announced that digital copies of the archive will eventually become publicly accessible through a partnership with the Blinken OSA Archivum.

The organisation has encouraged members to explore the archive and contribute memories, historical information and ideas that could support the next phase of the digitisation project.

In addition to preserving journalism’s past, IPI is also investing in the future of the profession. The organisation announced a members-only virtual training programme scheduled for June 16, focusing on interviewing trauma-affected sources.

The training will be conducted by Dr. Kate Porterfield, a senior trainer with the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma, consulting psychologist at the Bellevue Program for Survivors of Torture and Adjunct Professor in Psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience working with survivors of war, torture and displacement, Dr. Kate Porterfield will guide participants through ethical interviewing techniques, strategies for working with vulnerable communities and methods for protecting journalists from secondary traumatic stress.

The programme will also introduce self-assessment tools aimed at promoting the mental wellbeing of reporters, producers and editors who regularly cover traumatic events.

The newsletter also shines a spotlight on the Somali Journalists Syndicate, one of IPI’s member organisations, following what the organisation described as a disturbing increase in attacks against journalists in Somalia.

IPI reported that throughout May it documented numerous incidents involving arrests, physical assaults and intimidation of journalists. Among those affected was Mohamed Ibrahim Osman, popularly known as Bulbul, the Secretary for Information and Human Rights of the Somali Journalists Syndicate, who was reportedly arrested along with two other journalists during a security operation. According to the organisation, the journalists were allegedly beaten, blindfolded and interrogated over their reporting activities.

IPI has called on the international community to increase pressure on Somali authorities to ensure accountability and protect journalists from further attacks, while expressing its full support for the efforts of the Somali Journalists Syndicate.

Another major highlight in the newsletter is the announcement of the shortlist for the 2026 IPI-IMS Free Media Pioneer Award. Eleven organisations from across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America have been nominated in recognition of their innovative and courageous contributions to independent journalism, many of them operating under difficult political conditions or in exile.

The winners will be announced in the coming weeks and formally recognised during the Gabo Festival in Bogotá, Colombia, scheduled for July 24 to 26, where IPI representatives will also meet members and partners.

The organisation also welcomed a large number of new members into its global network, including journalists, editors and media leaders from Africa, Europe and the Americas who joined the IPI network this past month.

The new members come from different parts of the world and represent a wide range of media organisations and journalism specialties.

Among the new members is Sierra Leonean journalist Amin Kef Sesay, Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper, whose admission into the network further strengthens Sierra Leone’s representation within the international media community, Eyasu Zekarias Tadesse, reporter and fact-checker at Capitalethiopia and FM 97.7 in Ethiopia; Daniel Drepper, investigative journalist, and Lambertus Robben, Founder and CEO of EU Made Simple, both from Germany; Albert Oppong-Ansah, Desk Head for Environment, Science and Energy at the Ghana News Agency, and Ernestina Asante, multimedia journalist at GhanaWeb, from Ghana.

The new intake also includes Matteo Chiani, Davide Lemmi, Giorgio Michalopoulos and Elisabetta Tola from Italy; Miriam Angil from Kenya; Albina Kastrati from Kosovo; Ahmadou Atafa from Niger; Favour Ulebor-Emmanuel and Alhassan Bala from Nigeria; Dorian Hubati from Romania; Clement Manyathela and Erin Bates from South Africa; Karine Pfenniger from Switzerland; Doğu Eroğlu from Turkey; Steve Menary and Philippe Auclair from the United Kingdom; Natalia Guerrero from the United States/Colombia; and Farai Matiashe from Zimbabwe.

The International Press Institute (IPI) has also welcomed two new organisational members: OCCRP (Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project), one of the world’s largest investigative journalism organisations with staff across six continents, and IRPI (Investigative Reporting Project Italy), Italy’s only non-profit investigative journalism centre, which publishes transnational public interest investigations through IrpiMedia.

The newsletter concludes with an extensive list of grants, fellowships and professional development opportunities available to journalists worldwide. These include entrepreneurship grants for exiled media organisations, international journalism awards, reporting fellowships on climate change and artificial intelligence, investigative journalism grants and specialised workshops for media founders.

IPI also reminded members that they can request new membership cards or updated 2026 membership stickers as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement within the global network.

The latest developments reflect the International Press Institute’s continued commitment to defending media freedom, preserving journalism’s historical legacy and creating new opportunities for journalists to strengthen their skills and expand international collaboration.

Information Minister Debunks Alleged EU Parliament Letter on Sierra Leone

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah
By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has dismissed as “100 percent fake” a document circulating on social media claiming to be an official communication from the European Parliament concerning Sierra Leone’s alleged role as a cocaine transit hub and safe haven for convicted criminals from the European Union.
Responding to public concerns on Tuesday June 9, 2026, Chernor Bah said the issue should not have required clarification but that he considered it necessary in the interest of promoting informed civic debate.
He explained that the European Parliament is made up of 720 members and that any individual member has the right to write a letter or issue a statement. However, he stressed that such correspondence does not become the official position of the Parliament unless it is formally tabled, debated and adopted through the institution’s established procedures.
“The European Parliament has 720 members. Anyone can write a letter or issue a statement. Until it is tabled, debated and resolved, it is not the position of the Parliament. It remains that member’s individual opinion or desire,” the Minister stated.
According to him, the document that has been widely circulated and described as a position of the European Parliament does not represent any official resolution, letter or threat from the institution. He said he had consulted official channels to verify how the European Parliament communicates its positions and confirmed that no such action had been taken against Sierra Leone.
“So yes, the letter circulated, cited and I was asked about as from the European Parliament was and is 100 percent fake,” he said.
The Minister urged the public not to lose sight of the broader relationship between Sierra Leone and the European Union, noting that the Government had held a productive public-private partnership engagement with the EU in Sierra Leone aimed at promoting investment and strengthening bilateral ties.
He acknowledged that both Sierra Leone and its international partners face challenges and have areas where improvements can be made but maintained that there has been no official action by the European Parliament against the country.
“We certainly have challenges and areas both sides could do better on. But no, the EU Parliament has not issued any letter, resolution or threat against Sierra Leone,” he emphasized.
The social media document in question, dated 5 June 2026 and purportedly addressed to the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Sikela, alleges that Sierra Leone serves as a logistical hub for cocaine destined for Europe and harbours European Union citizens evading prosecution.
The document further calls on the European Commission to use development funding and potential sanctions as leverage to encourage the extradition of suspected drug traffickers to EU member states and to strengthen measures against transnational organised crime.
The controversy follows recent international reports concerning a record cocaine seizure linked to a vessel that allegedly departed from West Africa, as well as ongoing discussions between Sierra Leone and its international partners on combating drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.
The Government has, however, insisted that the purported European Parliament letter does not constitute an official position of the institution and has urged the public to rely on verified information from credible sources.
The Minister concluded his statement with the message: #SaloneBigPasWiAll.

VIP Trading Clears Long-Standing Police Rice Backlog, Delivers Six Bags to Every SLP Officer

Portrait of a man with short dark hair and a beard, wearing a black suit, standing outdoors near a stone wall and greenery.

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

VIP Trading Company has successfully concluded a nationwide rice distribution supply to personnel of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), bringing an end to a prolonged backlog of supplies and providing a significant welfare boost for officers across the country.

Information released by the company indicates that every eligible police officer received six bags of rice under the exercise. The distribution reportedly covers outstanding allocations that had accumulated over time, while also including an additional month’s entitlement.

The initiative has been widely regarded as a major intervention aimed at improving the welfare of law enforcement personnel, many of whom have been affected by the increasing cost of living and other economic pressures. Beneficiaries and stakeholders believe the programme will provide much-needed relief to officers and their families.

The nationwide exercise was coordinated under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer of VIP Trading Company, Ahmed H. Hashim. His Management team was credited with ensuring that the distribution was carried out efficiently and that the outstanding commitments were fully addressed.

According to sources familiar with the programme, the successful completion of the exercise reflects the company’s determination to honour its obligations and maintain confidence among beneficiaries. The clearance of the backlog is also expected to prevent future disruptions in the supply chain and improve the implementation of similar welfare initiatives.

Police officers who received the supplies reportedly expressed appreciation for the intervention, noting that the timely delivery would help reduce some of the financial burden faced by their households. Many described the exercise as a positive step that demonstrates concern for the wellbeing of those serving in the country’s security sector.

The distrubition exercise also attracted commendation from various observers, who highlighted the level of organisation and coordination displayed during the nationwide distribution. They noted that the exercise was conducted in a manner that promoted accountability and transparency, qualities they believe are essential in the management of large-scale welfare schemes.

Some stakeholders further observed that the successful delivery reinforces VIP Trading Company’s standing as a dependable service provider capable of executing major logistical operations across the country. They argued that the completion of the exercise could strengthen trust between the company and the institutions it serves.

The development has also sparked broader discussions on the role of private sector organisations in supporting public institutions through welfare-oriented programmes. Analysts believe that partnerships of this nature can make a meaningful contribution to improving the living conditions of essential service personnel while complementing Government efforts.

Many have therefore described the rice distribution exercise as more than the settlement of an outstanding obligation, viewing it instead as an example of effective collaboration that places the welfare of frontline workers at the centre of national development efforts.

With the backlog now reportedly cleared, expectations are high that similar initiatives will continue to promote the wellbeing of police personnel and strengthen cooperation between the private sector and public institutions in Sierra Leone.

UNICEF Calls for Urgent Climate Action to Protect Sierra Leone’s Most Vulnerable Children

Children stand in a line behind colorful buckets on a dirt ground, raising their hands amid a tropical village setting with palm trees.

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

According to UNICEF Sierra Leone, the growing impact of climate change is placing millions of children across the country at increasing risk, with the most vulnerable communities facing severe threats to their health, education, safety and future livelihoods.

Marking World Environment Day 2026, UNICEF highlighted that climate-related disasters such as floods, extreme heat and unpredictable weather patterns are disrupting essential services that children depend on every day. The organization stressed that urgent and coordinated action are needed to protect children from the devastating effects of the climate crisis.

UNICEF noted that when floods destroy water facilities, classrooms become unsafe due to extreme heat and health centres lose access to clean water during emergencies, children are often the first and hardest affected. These environmental shocks are increasingly damaging school infrastructure, interrupting learning and exposing children to greater health and protection risks.

The agency pointed out that climate change is not simply an environmental issue but a child rights issue, particularly in countries like Sierra Leone where children make up a significant portion of the population.

With an estimated 41 percent of Sierra Leone’s population under the age of 15, nearly half of the country’s citizens are vulnerable to climate-related challenges. UNICEF stated that many children are already experiencing disrupted access to safe drinking water, increased exposure to diseases and growing obstacles to education and overall well-being.

Sierra Leone remains one of the countries most susceptible to climate change, facing recurring floods, environmental degradation and increasingly unpredictable weather conditions. According to available projections cited by UNICEF, if effective adaptation measures are not implemented, climate impacts could reduce the country’s Gross Domestic Product by as much as 9 to 10 percent by 2050, while coastal flooding alone could place hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of assets at risk.

The organization also drew attention to the close relationship between climate change and poverty. Environmental shocks are making it more difficult for families to survive, particularly those already struggling with limited access to essential services.

Flooding, rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are placing additional pressure on the country’s already fragile water and sanitation systems. UNICEF revealed that only 17.8 percent of Sierra Leone’s population has access to basic sanitation services, while nearly 38 percent lack access to basic water services.

Economic vulnerability is another major concern. UNICEF reported that more than six out of every ten children in Sierra Leone live in poverty, limiting their opportunities and access to quality healthcare, education and other essential services. Without stronger social protection systems, those challenges are expected to worsen, directly affecting children’s growth and development.

The agency emphasized that climate-related shocks are increasing the risk of disease outbreaks when water supply systems fail. Floods and environmental disasters also continue to damage schools, forcing closures and increasing the likelihood of children dropping out of education. Interruptions to healthcare services further expose children to additional risks during critical stages of their development.

UNICEF believes that addressing those challenges requires strengthening the systems that support children every day. This includes ensuring that communities maintain access to clean water, schools remain operational and health facilities continue functioning even during emergencies.

The organization underscored the importance of building climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems, as well as strengthening health, education and child protection services. It also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve preparedness, maintain continuity in healthcare and learning during climate shocks, and expand climate education programmes to equip children with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to a changing environment.

UNICEF further linked this year’s World Environment Day to the upcoming Day of the African Child on 16 June, which focuses on achieving universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child across Africa. The agency said both observances provide an opportunity to strengthen the connection between climate action and investments in essential services for children.

To accelerate progress, UNICEF called on the Government of Sierra Leone, development partners, donors and the private sector to increase investments in climate-resilient infrastructure across schools, health facilities and communities. It also urged stakeholders to strengthen systems that ensure the continuity of water, health, education and child protection services during climate emergencies.

Other key recommendations include increasing financing for programmes that protect vulnerable children, expanding early warning systems, strengthening disaster preparedness in schools, training frontline workers on climate risk management and psychosocial support, and promoting climate change education and community awareness to empower young people as champions of resilience.

UNICEF concluded that climate action is about more than reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is fundamentally about protecting children from climate-related risks and safeguarding their future.

As Sierra Leone commemorates World Environment Day 2026, UNICEF’s message remains clear: placing children, especially the most vulnerable, at the heart of climate action is essential for building a resilient and equitable nation where every child has the opportunity to survive, learn and thrive. Achieving this vision, the agency stressed, will require sustained investment, stronger preparedness systems and collective action to protect children before, during and after climate-related disasters.

Chinese Medical Team Equips Njala University Nursing Students With Vital ENT Skills

Outdoor public lecture at Njala University School of Nursing and Midwifery; crowd gathered with a banner featuring a speaker’s portrait in the background.

The 27th batch of the Chinese Medical Team has taken another significant step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare system by providing specialized medical training to nursing students at the Bo Campus of Njala University.

The team delivered its first public academic lecture to nursing students on May 30, marking a new phase in the long-standing medical cooperation between China and Sierra Leone. The initiative is aimed at building local capacity and equipping future healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to improve patient care across the country.

The lecture was facilitated by Gao Kelei, an Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) specialist attached to the 27th batch of the Chinese Medical Team. Hundreds of nursing students attended the event, alongside senior university administrators and faculty members from the College of Medical Sciences.

Presenting on the topic: “Early Detection and Standardized Nursing Interventions for Common ENT Diseases,” Gao Kelei focused on practical clinical approaches that can be effectively applied within the realities of Sierra Leone’s primary healthcare system. Complex medical concepts were simplified into practical, step-by-step procedures designed to help students understand and manage common ear, nose and throat conditions.

Rather than delivering a conventional classroom lecture, the session was structured as an interactive academic exchange. Students actively participated in discussions and practical case study simulations, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in addressing real-life clinical situations.

The training covered important areas such as airway safety management, pediatric foreign body removal and infection prevention and control. Students were encouraged to answer questions, analyze clinical scenarios and propose practical treatment strategies, creating a highly engaging learning environment.

University officials commended the initiative, noting that such practical exposure is essential for preparing competent and confident nursing professionals capable of meeting the healthcare needs of local communities.

Following the lecture, Gao Kelei held discussions with the Acting Dean of the College of Medical Sciences, Angella M. George, on ways to strengthen the educational partnership between the Chinese Medical Team and Njala University.

Both sides reached a preliminary understanding to deepen collaboration through regular public medical lectures, joint free medical outreach programmes in communities and expanded clinical placement opportunities for Njala University nursing students at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital.

The proposed partnership is expected to provide nursing students with valuable practical experience while enhancing the quality of healthcare services available to the public.

For the 27th batch of the Chinese Medical Team, the initiative represents a broader approach to international medical assistance. While the provision of direct healthcare services remains a key priority, the team is increasingly focusing on knowledge transfer, clinical research and the professional development of future healthcare workers.

By investing in the education and training of Sierra Leonean nurses and other medical professionals, the Chinese Medical Team hopes to contribute to the long-term growth and resilience of the country’s healthcare system.

The latest engagement reflects the enduring friendship and cooperation between Sierra Leone and China and highlights the shared commitment of both nations to improving healthcare delivery through education, skills development and sustainable capacity building.

Gender Minister Champions Sierra Leone’s Child Protection Agenda at Global Summit in Italy

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect during the Global Meeting of the Pathfinding Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children held in Turin, Italy.

The high-level meeting, which took place at the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) from 4 to 5 June 2026, brought together Ministers, policymakers, representatives of United Nations agencies, development partners and child protection experts from across the world to review progress and strengthen international cooperation aimed at ending violence against children.

The Sierra Leone delegation was led by the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs and included the National Focal Point for Ending Violence Against Children. Their participation highlighted the Government’s continued efforts to place child welfare and protection at the centre of national development.

Addressing the global gathering, the Minister emphasized that safeguarding children is both a national responsibility and a fundamental priority for the Government of Sierra Leone.

“The protection of children is not only a policy priority but a national responsibility. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where their rights are respected and their potential can flourish,” the Minister stated.

She outlined the significant steps taken by the Government to strengthen child protection systems, combat gender-based violence, encourage child participation in decision-making processes, expand social welfare services and improve collaboration between Government institutions, Civil Society Organizations and development partners.

The Minister stressed that achieving lasting success in ending violence against children requires a united and coordinated approach involving all stakeholders.

“No single institution can end violence against children alone. Success depends on strong partnerships, adequate resources, community engagement and a shared commitment to putting children at the centre of national development,” she said.

Throughout the two-day meeting, Sierra Leone actively contributed to discussions on integrated child protection services, child-friendly justice systems, alternative care, violence prevention strategies, social protection, sustainable financing for child welfare programmes and stronger accountability mechanisms.

The international engagement also provided Sierra Leone with an opportunity to showcase its achievements in advancing child protection while learning from successful initiatives implemented by other countries. It further strengthened partnerships expected to support ongoing efforts to improve the well-being and safety of children across the nation.

As a proud member of the Pathfinding Global Alliance, Sierra Leone renewed its commitment to accelerating action towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals , particularly the target of ending all forms of violence against children by 2030.

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs reaffirmed that it remains steadfast in its mission to build a safer, more inclusive and protective society where every child is given the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Dr. Daniel B. Kaitibi Leads SLMA Push for Stronger Maritime Justice System

Portrait of a man wearing black attire and glasses, seated indoors to camera.

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) has intensified efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime legal and regulatory framework through strategic engagement with senior officials of the Fast Track Commercial and Admiralty Court (FTCC) as preparations continue for the implementation of the revised Merchant Shipping Act.

The high-level meeting, which took place on 4 June 2026 at Government Wharf in Freetown, focused on enhancing collaboration between the two institutions to support the effective administration and enforcement of maritime laws and regulations in Sierra Leone.

Ahead of the engagement with the FTCC, the SLMA delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda, where discussions centred on areas of mutual interest and the importance of strengthening cooperation with the Court in addressing matters relating to maritime commerce and admiralty law.

The visit also provided members of the delegation with the opportunity to tour the Court’s facilities and gain deeper insight into its operations and judicial processes.

The delegation was led by the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, Dr. Daniel B. Kaitibi and included officials from the institution’s Legal and Public Relations Departments, representatives from the Accounts Department and other senior staff.

Established by an Act of Parliament in 2000 and further reinforced by the Merchant Shipping Act of 2003, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration functions as an autonomous institution responsible for the registration of ships and other vessels. The agency also regulates and promotes best practices within the country’s shipping industry, including coastal and inland water transport, while advancing measures aimed at protecting the marine environment.

Given the close relationship between maritime activities, commercial transactions and admiralty matters, the Fast Track Commercial and Admiralty Court continues to play an important role in the adjudication of commercial and maritime disputes. The Court’s jurisdiction over admiralty matters was further strengthened through the Commercial Admiralty Court Rules of 2020, providing an important legal mechanism for resolving complex maritime cases.

During the engagement, discussions focused on deepening institutional cooperation as Sierra Leone prepares to operationalize the revised Merchant Shipping Act. Participants examined practical ways of strengthening the Court’s capacity to effectively handle matters arising from the proposed legislation and to ensure the proper enforcement of maritime laws and regulations.

The meeting also highlighted the need for greater alignment with international maritime standards and the effective domestication and implementation of key international maritime conventions within Sierra Leone’s legal system.

As part of the discussions, the SLMA legal team proposed the establishment of a dedicated judicial mechanism for maritime matters, similar to the specialized court structures that support institutions such as the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Officials observed that such an arrangement could help address the technical and complex nature of maritime disputes while facilitating the timely resolution of cases.

The engagement further enabled both institutions to identify legal and procedural challenges affecting the maritime sector and to explore practical solutions aimed at strengthening dispute resolution processes.

Stakeholders believe that a stronger legal and judicial framework for the maritime industry will enhance investor confidence, support international trade and reinforce Sierra Leone’s position as a modern, competitive and internationally compliant maritime nation.

The growing collaboration between the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration and the Fast Track Commercial and Admiralty Court is expected to contribute significantly to the effective implementation of the revised Merchant Shipping Act and to the advancement of the country’s broader maritime development agenda.

PCMH Records 22% Reduction in Maternal Deaths, Targets Near Zero Cases by 2026

Seven people in formal attire pose behind a long table, each holding a blue-and-white booklet at a ceremonial event.

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s largest maternal healthcare facility, the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH), has recorded a significant decline in maternal deaths, according to its newly launched Annual Report.

The report, unveiled few days ago at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, reveals that maternal deaths at the hospital dropped by 22 percent, decreasing from 84 cases in 2024 to 64 cases in 2025.

The report highlights the critical role played by the Ministry of Health and its development partners, particularly Doctors with Africa CUAMM, whose substantial investments and support have contributed immensely to strengthening maternal healthcare services at the facility.

A key achievement identified in the report is the improvement in the availability and capacity of specialist doctors at PCMH. Beyond providing life-saving medical care to patients, these specialists are also actively involved in the hands-on training and mentorship of other healthcare professionals, helping to build a stronger and more sustainable healthcare workforce.

The Ministry of Health and its partners have described those gains as an important step towards improving maternal and newborn health outcomes across the country.

As Sierra Leone continues to implement the 300 Days of Activism Campaign aimed at achieving zero preventable deaths among mothers and babies, the Ministry of Health is intensifying efforts at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital to eliminate preventable maternal deaths.

Health authorities have set an ambitious target of reducing maternal mortality at the facility to near zero by 2026, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns through sustained investments, improved healthcare delivery and stronger partnerships.

DortiMusGo Initiative Takes Effect as FCC, Police Sign Enforcement Pact

Diverse crowd at a rally, smiling and posing for the camera with raised fists in casual clothing, showing solidarity.

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Freetown City Council (FCC) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sierra Leone Police to strengthen the enforcement of the DortiMusGo Initiative and ensure full compliance with the Solid and Liquid Waste Collection Byelaws 2024.

According to a public notice issued on 4 June 2026 by the FCC, the partnership is aimed at promoting effective waste management across the capital city by compelling residents, businesses and institutions to comply with the new regulations governing waste collection and disposal.

The Council stated that all households, businesses and institutions are required to register with FCC-approved waste collection service providers operating within their respective wards or blocks. It emphasized that only approved service providers have the legal authority to collect waste within the city.

Under the new framework, payments for waste collection services must be made in advance through approved channels, including the Smart City Services App, the USSD code 715123#, Orange Money, Afrimoney and other licensed mobile money agents. Authorities warned that payments made to unapproved waste collectors are considered illegal.

The byelaws also require residents to use standardized FCC-approved bins and waste bags and to dispose of refuse according to established collection schedules. The notice strictly prohibits the dumping or burning of waste in drains, streets, waterways and open spaces, adding that all waste must be transported to approved dumpsites at Kingtom and Kissy.

The FCC further announced that septic tanks and other forms of liquid waste must only be handled by registered liquid waste service providers and transported to approved treatment facilities. Street trading activities that obstruct waste collection routes have also been prohibited.

As part of the DortiMusGo campaign, residents are being encouraged to report missed waste collections, illegal dumping, blocked drains and the activities of unauthorized waste collectors through the FCC’s toll-free hotline 8244 or via the Smart City Services App.

The Council disclosed that standardized and capped pricing has been introduced to make the service affordable and transparent. Under the approved rates, a 25-kilogram waste bag will cost NLe 15, a 50-kilogram bag or 50-litre bin will cost NLe 25, while a 120-litre bin has been fixed at NLe 50. Larger bins, including 1,000-litre containers, may cost up to NLe 500, with special arrangements available for industrial, medical and construction waste.

Authorities warned that failure to comply with the Waste Management Byelaws 2024 could attract severe penalties, including fines of up to NLe 5,000, imprisonment for up to six months or both.

The FCC noted that a Joint Enforcement Team made up of the FCC Metropolitan Police, the Sierra Leone Police and the Judiciary has already been established to ensure compliance across all wards in Freetown.

The Council described the DortiMusGo Initiative as an innovative citywide campaign designed to promote environmental sanitation, improve public health and build a cleaner and more resilient Freetown.

123...1,348Page 2 of 1,348