Report on Independent Review of ECSL and Election Institutions Presented to President Bio

June 9, 2025

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially received the much-anticipated report on the Independent Management and Functional Review of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and other Election Management Bodies (EMBs), a milestone in the country’s ongoing effort to strengthen democratic institutions and electoral credibility.

The comprehensive review, conducted by the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), examined the institutional operations of the ECSL and related bodies. It highlighted critical operational challenges and produced 85 actionable recommendations aimed at improving electoral transparency, efficiency, and public trust.

Receiving the report at State House, President Bio extended appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the nationwide assessment process, including civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups, the media, traditional authorities, religious leaders and political actors. He described the review as a necessary and inclusive national undertaking that reflects his Government’s long-standing commitment to democratic deepening and institutional accountability.

President Bio recalled his personal history in Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding efforts and emphasized his belief in collective responsibility when addressing national challenges. He noted that his administration’s broader reform agenda, including the abolition of the death penalty, enhancement of gender equality, strengthening of the judiciary and repeal of repressive laws, stemmed from lessons learned through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and from his own experiences contesting national elections.

Highlighting the origins of the review process, the President pointed to his 3 August 2023 address during the State Opening of the Sixth Parliament, where he publicly proposed an independent mechanism to evaluate the performance and integrity of the ECSL. He reiterated his conviction that leadership must go beyond governance to address entrenched obstacles to peace and national cohesion.

“As President, I am not here to merely govern,” he declared. “I am here to resolve the deep-rooted challenges to our peace, democracy and national unity. That is why I made sure this process was inclusive, with participation from all stakeholders including the opposition APC. I thank everyone, especially the APC, for their candor, time and commitment.”

President Bio acknowledged the challenging environment under which the ECSL has operated, commending the Commission for its service despite constraints. He expressed gratitude to Sierra Leone’s international partners, including the European Union and the United Nations and appealed for their continued support in ensuring the full and timely implementation of the review’s recommendations.

Director of the Public Sector Reform Unit, Sulaiman Phoray Musa, praised President Bio’s leadership and noted that the review aligns with one of the flagship priorities of the Government’s “Big Five Game Changers” particularly the revamping of public sector institutions. He explained that the participatory process had unveiled significant institutional gaps within the ECSL and proposed reforms such as improved staff training, review of employment and promotion protocols, enhanced communication strategies and timely handling of observer reports and public outreach.

Additional expressions of support were delivered by the Chairperson of ECSL, the European Union Ambassador to Sierra Leone, the UN Resident Coordinator, and representatives from National Elections Watch (NEW). All commended the President for initiating and sustaining a credible, nationally mediated review process that ultimately led to the historic Agreement for National Unity between the Government and the APC.

The report was formally presented to President Bio by Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, who also chairs the Steering Committee overseeing the implementation of the Tripartite Committee Report. It marks a significant step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s electoral architecture and upholding the rule of law as the foundation for free, fair and credible elections.

CRSG Empowers Employees with Mpox Prevention and Emergency First Aid Training

June 9, 2025

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Demonstrating its deep-rooted commitment to employee welfare and community care, China Railway Seventh Group (SL) Ltd. (CRSG) hosted the 26th Chinese (Hunan) Medical Team for a comprehensive lecture and training session on Monkeypox and Malaria prevention, along with essential first aid and CPR instruction for its staff. The event took place on 6th June 2025 at CRSG’s headquarters in Mongeba, Grafton.

The event marked a significant moment in CRSG’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility, employee welfare and cross-cultural collaboration. It aimed to strengthen disease prevention capacity among local employees and promote public health awareness in the face of rising health threats such as Monkeypox and seasonal Malaria outbreaks.

The training session, attended by dozens of CRSG staff, featured a three-part program: a lecture on Monkeypox awareness and prevention, Malaria prevention and treatment, hands-on CPR training and emergency response techniques. Those efforts are intended to empower employees with practical knowledge for both personal and community benefit.

The Team Leader, Liu Longfei, Head of the 26th Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone, in his statement, expressed appreciation to CRSG for facilitating the session and emphasized the significance of such educational outreach. “This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to public health. We encourage participants to make full use of the knowledge gained here today, it can save lives,” Liu Longfei stated.

Since arriving in Sierra Leone in March 2025, the 26th Medical Team has treated over 500 patients and promoted traditional Chinese medical techniques such as acupuncture. Comprising 23 members, including 19 specialists in fields ranging from general medicine to obstetrics and public health, the team operates out of the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital.

Du Xinguo, the General Manager of China Railway Seventh Group (SL) Ltd., underscored the company’s long-standing dedication to Sierra Leone’s development. He highlighted the company’s involvement in numerous infrastructure projects over its 18 years in the country, including the construction of the China-aid Youyi Road, Juba Bridge, Savage Bridge and the Wellington-Masiaka Highway.

“This seminar is a practical embodiment of our corporate ‘family culture’ and our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of every employee, especially our Sierra Leonean staff,” Du Xinguo remarked. “We view Sierra Leone as our second home and we remain steadfast in pursuing both economic and social value for all stakeholders.”

Du Xinguo also announced the forthcoming release of CRSG’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report later this year, which will be accompanied by a series of activities to deepen cooperation between Chinese and Sierra Leonean enterprises and promote sustainable development goals.

Delivering the keynote address, Wang Peng, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, commended the initiative and its timely focus on Monkeypox prevention amid the current public health concern in the country.

“This lecture is not only important but urgent,” Wang Peng said. “It empowers individuals with lifesaving knowledge that they can pass on to their communities. China remains ready to provide additional aid and support in partnership with the Sierra Leonean Government.”

Wang Peng praised CRSG and the Medical Team for their proactive roles and encouraged other Chinese enterprises to follow suit in supporting Sierra Leone’s health sector. He also reaffirmed the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations, pointing to recent high-level state visits and joint initiatives under the Belt and Road framework.

This latest health education campaign by CRSG reflects a deepening of people-centered values in corporate operations and bilateral cooperation. Employees who participated in the training walked away with not just vital knowledge about disease prevention but also practical emergency response skills that can make a difference in critical situations.

With Sierra Leone facing evolving public health challenges, partnerships like this one exemplify integrated development where infrastructure, health and human capital progress together.

NTB Marks World Environment Day with Tree Planting Along Lumley-Aberdeen Beach

June 9, 2025

By Ibrahim Sesay

To promote ecotourism and environmental sustainability, the National Tourist Board, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, on Thursday June 5, 2025 commemorated World Environment Day with a symbolic tree planting exercise along the Lumley and Aberdeen beach aimed at restoring ecological balance and conserving biodiversity. The initiative, which began on Thursday, will involve planting 300 diverse species including almond trees, royal palms and coconut trees along the coastline.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Khadija Kamara, underscored the collaborative nature of the exercise, describing it as both symbolic and instructive.
“We are here to plant trees not only to beautify the beach but to raise awareness about the need to keep our beaches clean and protect our environment,” she said. “Building Sierra Leone is not the job of Ministries alone. It requires collective and collaborative effort.”

In her remark, NTB’s General Manager, Fatmata Mida Carew, said Thursday’s activity was a continuation of a broader plan to transform the Lumley-Aberdeen beach into an “eco-friendly, tourist-friendly” area.

“We started this process last year when we demolished unregulated beach bars,” she noted. “This tree planting exercise is part of the beautification and restructuring of this iconic beach. So far, we’ve planted over 20 trees today and we plan to cover selected areas stretching from the Atlantic Golf Club up to Aberdeen.”

She revealed ongoing partnerships with a private sector partner to establish public recreational facilities, including a beach garden and an outdoor gym, all of which will contribute to making the beach a more attractive destination.
“This year has been declared the Year of Ecotourism by the Ministry,” she added. “That means preserving both our culture and our environment.”

Fatmata Mida Carew also made a strong call to action for citizens and visitors to properly dispose of waste and use garbage bins provided along the beach.

“Plastic pollution and waste from upstream drainage are major challenges. The cost of cleaning the beach is high and we need everyone, especially philanthropists, to support the preservation and maintenance of our beaches.”

Marketing Manager of NTB, Lucinda Kargbo, described the tree planting as a strategic component of the Board’s ecotourism marketing plan.
“Tree planting is part of our strategy to market the beach through ecotourism,” she said. “It serves the dual purpose of providing shade and enhancing the beauty of the beach. When you look at our mountains and hilltops, their green scenery is part of what makes Sierra Leone attractive to tourists.”
The Planning and Development Manager, Umaru Woody, used the occasion to reflect on the importance of World Environment Day and called for greater individual responsibility.

“Our environment is our land, our life and our future,” he said. “If we are to promote ecotourism, we must connect conservation, nature and culture, all of which depend on a healthy environment. Without protecting our beaches, wildlife and protected areas, there is no foundation for sustainable ecotourism.”

The exercise concluded with the planting of trees by the General Manager of NTB, Deputy Minister of Tourism together with workers of NTB.

OPEC Fund and WFP Expand Eco-Friendly Kitchens in 440 Sierra Leonean Schools

June 9, 2025

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Thursday 5 June 2025 welcomes a US$ 1.2 million contribution from The OPEC Fund for International Development, to support clean cooking solutions in WFP-supported schools across Sierra Leone.

The new funding will boost WFP’s climate-smart kitchens initiative in 440 schools across Pujehun, Kenema and Kambia districts, with the installation of two fuel-efficient stoves per school and the creation of 15 community woodlots in selected schools to combat deforestation.

The support will also enable the training of volunteer cooks on stove use and maintenance, promoting cleaner cooking and protecting the environment.

“This initiative supports multiple development goals, from improving health and learning conditions for children to protecting the environment and reducing emissions,” said Walid Mehalaine, Head of Grants at the OPEC Fund. “Through our partnership with the World Food Programme, we are delivering practical, community-based solutions that make a real difference”.

While there is a growing Government and international commitment to promoting clean cooking solutions, in Sierra Leone, access remains limited, with majority of the population relying on traditional biomass fuels.

The Government is working with partners to improve access to clean cooking, but more investment and support are needed to address the challenge.

“Clean cooking technologies and efficient fuel usage in schools, will substantially reduce our carbon footprint associated with traditional cooking methods” said Yvonne Forsen, WFP’s Country Director and Representative for Sierra Leone. “This contribution reflects the OPEC Fund’s integrated approach to development, where climate, education and community resilience are addressed together”

WFP’s school feeding programme provides school meals to 254,000 pupils in five districts, including 26,000 school children benefiting from home-grown school feeding programme. The Government of Sierra Leone has prioritized home-grown school feeding as a key component of its National School Feeding Policy,

WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At Innovation Summit 2025… President Bio Launches 5G Network, Champions Tech-Driven Development

June 9, 2025

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation and youth empowerment during the 2025 Digital Innovation Summit, held at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown on Wednesday, June 3.

Addressing a packed audience of innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers and development partners, President Bio emphasized the critical importance of investing in young people, whom he described as “the engine of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” He declared, “Sierra Leone must not just catch up; we must lead. You cannot participate meaningfully in the 21st century if you are not digitalized. Technology opens doors and we must make deliberate efforts to harness it.”

The summit, now in its second edition, brought together key players in the technology and innovation ecosystem to explore the nation’s digital progress and chart a path for future growth.

In her welcome address, Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, lauded the President’s bold leadership in opening up Sierra Leone’s digital space. “President Bio has challenged us to think big and we are rising to that challenge,” she said. Madam Salima Monorma Bah highlighted key achievements, including the creation of the “One Government Platform”; a centralized portal that provides easy access to public services and information. She encouraged young Sierra Leoneans to embrace the digital revolution as the cornerstone of sustainable development.

Echoing those sentiments Chief Minister and Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, reflected on the genesis and impact of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), established under President Bio’s vision, five years ago. “Today, we are seeing real results; digital governance is improving service delivery, digital identity systems are streamlining access to services and our digital economy is beginning to thrive,” Dr. Moinina David Sengeh stated.

Throughout the summit, a series of presentations and tech demonstrations showcased local innovations ranging from e-health systems to digital farming solutions. President Bio expressed profound satisfaction with what he described as “proof of our youth’s potential to transform Sierra Leone.”

“One of the legacies I want to be remembered for is being a champion of Human Capital Development,” President Bio told attendees. “We are here for the youth and we are preparing the future for our children. I am deeply inspired by what I’ve seen today.”

He cited specific success stories, including the 2024 Presidential Innovation Prize winner from Kono District, who launched a digital farming hub and David Ogoo, a young tech entrepreneur who returned home to deploy innovation for social impact. “This is the Sierra Leone I dreamt of,” the President said, “where young people use innovation to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”

In a powerful appeal to the private sector, President Bio called for stronger public-private partnerships to fuel innovation-driven development. “Innovation is one of my Five Big Game Changers and cuts across all national development pillars. My Government is ready to partner with businesses that share this vision,” he stated.

The summit concluded with a landmark announcement: the launch of Sierra Leone’s first open-access 5G network, a joint achievement through a strategic Government-Private Partnership with Zoodlab. The development marks a significant leap forward in the country’s digital infrastructure, promising faster, more reliable connectivity to support innovation and economic growth.

President Bio closed his address with a rousing call to action: “Now is the time. Let us innovate boldly, dream fearlessly and build a Sierra Leone that leads, not follows. The future belongs to the digital.”

India to Support Sierra Leone Police with Advanced Training and Security Reforms

June 9, 2025

As part of a strategic effort to enhance the capacity of the Sierra Leone Police and advance ongoing transition reforms, Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu has launched a high-level partnership initiative to secure advanced training opportunities for personnel.

The Inspector General of Police, on Wednesday, June 5, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Baisnab Charan Pradhan, the High Commissioner of India to Sierra Leone. The visit sought to further cement bilateral relations between the two nations while expanding training programmes that are critical to law enforcement development and national security.

During the meeting, IGP Fayia Sellu expressed profound gratitude to the Government of India for its continued support through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. He emphasized that the training already provided under that initiative has had a tangible impact on the force’s operations.

“The Sierra Leone Police has greatly benefited from the training programmes you provide, which are vital to us as we face increasingly dynamic crime environments,” IGP Fayia Sellu stated. “We need to continually develop the capacity of our personnel, particularly in areas like forensic science and cybercrime investigations, to ensure we are equipped with the modern tools necessary to combat emerging threats effectively.”

The police chief also cited the involvement of BlueCrest College, an Indian-owned institution in Sierra Leone, as an example of fruitful collaboration and expressed optimism for more opportunities in line with the SLP’s ongoing transformation agenda.

“If the personnel are better equipped, they will provide better service delivery. We look forward to long-term cooperation with India in achieving this shared goal,” he added.

In response, High Commissioner Baisnab Charan Pradhan warmly welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting the professional development of Sierra Leone’s law enforcement personnel.

“The Indian Government is committed to providing more training programmes as they become available,” he assured. “We understand the value of a strong and well-trained police force and will inform you promptly of upcoming opportunities, including those targeting senior officers.”

Both parties agreed that investing in human capacity development remains a cornerstone for maintaining national security and deepening bilateral ties. The engagement marks a significant milestone in fostering strategic international partnerships geared toward institutional strengthening of the Sierra Leone Police.

The meeting ended with mutual assurances of continued collaboration, setting the stage for more comprehensive and specialized training programmes in the months ahead.

Partial U.S. Travel Ban on Sierra Leone Prompts Calls for Diplomatic Engagement

June 9, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

U.S. President, Donald Trump, on Wednesday June 4, 2025 signed a new travel proclamation reinstating broad restrictions on entry into the United States from 19 countries, citing national security concerns. The latest move fully bans entry from 12 countries and imposes partial restrictions on seven others, including Sierra Leone.

The proclamation, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, aims to “protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors,” according to the White House. Countries now facing a full travel ban include: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

The partially restricted countries are: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Specific details of the partial restrictions vary but include limitations on certain types of visas and enhanced vetting protocols.

“President Trump is delivering on his commitment to safeguard the American people from potentially dangerous foreign actors seeking entry into the United States,” said White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson. “These targeted, country-specific restrictions are based on clear security concerns including inadequate vetting procedures, high rates of visa overstays and failure to share critical identity and threat intelligence. President Trump remains firmly committed to acting in the best interest of the safety and security of all Americans.”

The decision follows an internal review by U.S. security agencies, which concluded that the banned countries either do not meet minimum standards for identity verification or fail to adequately share security-related information with the U.S. Government.

The White House emphasized that exceptions will be made in specific cases. These include lawful permanent residents, dual nationals traveling on a passport from an unrestricted country, foreign diplomats, athletes attending major international competitions and individuals granted Special Immigrant Visas. Humanitarian exceptions will also be considered, particularly for family reunification and vulnerable minorities.

The timing of the ban coincides with heightened security discussions following a recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, during a solidarity march for Israeli hostages held by Hamas. While no direct connection has been made between the attackers and the listed countries, officials said the incident underscored the need for stricter entry controls.

This new measure mirrors Trump’s controversial travel ban during his first term in office. That original ban, widely criticized for targeting predominantly Muslim countries, was challenged repeatedly in court. After undergoing several revisions, it was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018.

Erstwhile President Joe Biden repealed the first-term ban on his first day in office in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience.” However, with Trump’s return to office and his renewed emphasis on strong border and immigration policies, this 2025 proclamation marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign entry policy.

The full list of exceptions and specifics of enforcement will be released by the Department of Homeland Security in the coming days. Meanwhile, citizens and residents from affected countries are advised to seek guidance from U.S. embassies and consulates regarding their travel plans.

Health Alert & Partners Lead Launch of Immunization Financing Parliamentary Caucus

June 9, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Health Alert Sierra Leone took a significant step to strengthen the country’s health system by successfully convening the inaugural meeting of the newly established Country-Level Parliamentary Caucus for Sustainable Health Financing and Immunization. The event was held on Thursday, June 5, at the Council of Churches Sierra Leone (CCSL) Hall on Kingharman Road in Freetown.

The caucus comprises 10 Members of Parliament from various committees including Health, Finance, Gender and Children’s Affairs and Agriculture. The initiative, funded by GAVI through the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), aims to mobilize stronger domestic support for health and immunization financing in Sierra Leone.

During the meeting, participants reviewed and discussed the Terms of Reference (TOR) that will guide the operation and effectiveness of the caucus. The TOR outlines the caucus’s role as a dedicated platform for parliamentary advocacy, policy engagement and oversight to ensure increased and sustained public investment in the health sector; particularly in immunization.

Victor Lansana Koroma, Executive Director, Health Alert Sierra Leone, described the formation of a Country-Level Parliamentary Caucus for Sustainable Health Financing and Immunization as a significant step toward increasing domestic commitment to health and immunization financing in Sierra Leone.

He revealed that the initiative stemmed from a recent international engagement in Turkey, where Health Alert and a Sierra Leonean MP participated in the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) meeting, funded by GAVI. One of the key action points from that session was for participating countries to establish parliamentary caucuses to promote health and immunization.

“The main purpose of today’s meeting is to bring together Parliamentarians to agree on a Terms of Reference (ToR) that will guide the operations of the caucus,” Victor Lansana Koroma explained. “This platform will champion advocacy efforts to increase domestic financing, ensure the Government meets its budgetary health commitments and fulfill co-financing obligations to GAVI.”

He added that the caucus will also play a critical lobbying role engaging both Government Ministries and development partners to ensure funding for primary healthcare and immunization is prioritized.

Looking ahead, the Executive Director said the next step will involve refining the Terms of Reference and developing a work plan to be shared with GHAI and GAVI. This plan will guide the caucus’s future activities.

He also used the platform to urge the Government of Sierra Leone to urgently meet its June deadline for co-financing payments to GAVI, warning that failure to do so could impact immunization efforts nationwide.

“We are hopeful that Parliament will effectively engage the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Health to fulfill this crucial obligation,” he concluded.

Simeon Tamba Johnny, MP from Kono and Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Health was part of the Sierra Leonean delegation in Istanbul. As chair of Thursday’s meeting, Hon. Simeon Tamba Johnny said that co-financing was a major issue discussed there.

“We all know that most of our immunization programmes are being sponsored by Gavi Sierra Leone being the recipient of Gavi supports, it was for such countries to appeal to Government to fulfil their commitment to co-financing,” he explained to the participants.

He pointed out that other African countries in attendance in Istanbul included Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory coast, Cameron and Kenya of which he furthered that Sierra Leone still owed a backlog of its con-financing commitment, which he said calls for concerted efforts to be addressed. “We are here to have a network of civil society and parliamentarians to lobby Government,” he said.

Dr. Gibril Njie, Health Economist & Health Financing Specialist, Ministry of Health, while presenting the draft of the TOR and plan of actions for the Caucus said the partnership between GHIA and its local partners Health Alert and Wash Net Sierra Leone, alongside lawmakers and Ministry of Health was for them to form a lobbying group to engage internally with different structures to ensure that Sierra Leone continues to meet its commitment to co-financing.

“Gavi supports with a lot of finances for vaccines. But normally for them to continue, a country has to provide a percentage contribution. That’s co-financing. Another objective is to have the countries increase their financing to immunization,” Dr. Gibril Njie explained.

“Domestic funding allocation is small and sometimes has a lot of challenges which affect procurement of vaccines. All of these lead to many zero dose children,” he stressed.

Dr. Gibril Njie added that the purpose of the coalition was to influence policy and the budget processes in favour of increased financing of health and immunization.

Momoh Bockarie, Member, Finance Committee in Parliament, spoke about the need for the caucus to engage in aggressive campaign to achieve its goal.

“Development requires a holistic approach. No one person can do it alone,” said Hon. Momoh Bockarie, citing Sierra Leone’s failure to meet the African Union health funding target, which stands at 9 percent in 2025.

“We still have some gaps to cover,” he noted. “When we talk about health issues, we are talking about the lives of every Sierra Leonean; it doesn’t matter which political party you belong to. We should prioritize our health.”

Bernadette Wuyatta Songa, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Health Committee, who also chairs the Caucus, said its establishment was timely, coming after Gavi recognized Sierra Leone’s lead role in immunization efforts.

“That is happening because we have hard working men and women in these institutions to ensure that we meet our targets,” Hon. Bernadette Wuyatta Songa said. “And if that is happening, as parliamentarians our role is very simple, we ensure we advocate for finance to be allocated for these activities because we have the man power, we have the expertise, we have the will power for people to ensure that we are meeting targets.”

Further stressing on the role of the coalition, Hon Bernadette Wuyatta Songa said: “We don’t just want to form the caucus and have it lying about. We want to ensure that we become the voice of what we want to achieve,” she stressed.

The formation of the caucus marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward universal health coverage, offering a coordinated platform to advocate for domestic resource mobilization in alignment with global health goals.

With Sierra Leone strengthening its public health infrastructure, the caucus is expected to play a key role in bridging the gap between policy commitments and budgetary action, ensuring that immunization and essential health services are adequately funded and accessible to all citizens.

Gento Group Refutes SLMMDC Claims and Affirms Legitimate Lease for Kasafoni Mining Operations

June 9, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Gento Group of Companies has strongly rejected a public notice issued by the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development Corporation (SLMMDC), describing it as “misleading” and “defamatory.” The SLMMDC notice questioned the company’s legal standing to engage in mining activities at the Tonkolili North Kasafoni Iron Ore Deposit.

In a Press Release dated June 5, 2025 and signed by Public Relations Officer, Alex Bolton, Gento Group accused SLMMDC of attempting to damage its reputation and misinform the public, Government agencies and investors. The company stressed that the notice contradicted the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2022 and ignored the fundamental rights of indigenous landowners.

Gento Group’s involvement in Kasafoni is based on a valid lease agreement with the traditional landowning authorities of the Sambaia, Dansogoia and Diang Chiefdoms. The company explained that this lease is a legally required step under Sierra Leonean law to secure a large-scale mining license.

“The Gento Group is a 100% Sierra Leonean-owned Company fully compliant with national laws,” the release stated. “While we have not yet obtained a mining license, the law clearly mandates land lease agreements with local authorities before mining applications can proceed. We have rightfully secured such agreements.”

Supporting that claim, the three Paramount Chiefs of Sambaia, Dansogoia and Diang Chiefdoms sent a joint letter to the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources on June 5, 2025. The letter confirmed the unanimous signing of the land lease with Gento Group, emphasizing the broad community support including from youths and women.

The Chiefs highlighted that their choice reflects a preference for a trustworthy, indigenous partner who respects local customs and promotes community development. They criticized previous negative experiences with foreign mining firms and praised Gento Group’s transparent and collaborative approach.

“As custodians of the land, we will not recognize any other company attempting to mine Kasafoni without Gento Group’s approval,” the Chiefs warned. They urged the Ministry of Mines to honor their decision and directed any interested parties to engage solely with Gento Group.

Gento Group’s Press Release also condemned SLMMDC for issuing its notice without prior consultation, calling the move unprofessional and disruptive to private sector investment. The company demanded that SLMMDC retract the damaging statement and cease further actions that distort legal facts and undermine credible investors.

“We are committed to the rule of law and due process,” the statement declared. “Gento Group will defend its reputation, business and the rights of our host communities through all legal channels if necessary.”

The company reaffirmed its dedication to responsible, transparent and lawful investment. It thanked the local communities of Tonkolili North for their trust and assured Government agencies and partners of its commitment to Sierra Leone’s economic development.

This dispute underscores the vital role indigenous businesses play in building trust, empowering communities and fostering lawful resource development as Sierra Leone positions itself as a premier mining investment destination.

The backdrop to this controversy was the historic signing of the land lease on June 4, 2025, when residents of Tonkolili District, led by three Paramount Chiefs and Members of Parliament, formally granted Gento Group the rights to operate and invest in the mineral-rich Kasafoni Land.

The ceremony took place during the homecoming of newly sworn-in Paramount Chief Member of Parliament Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III in Bendugu Town, Sambaia Chiefdom, drawing thousands of local supporters.

Paramount Chief Alhaji Musa Bamba Jalloh III praised Gento Kamara and his company for their integrity and commitment to local empowerment. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the people for the timely surface rent payments made under the lease agreement; a stark contrast to previous dealings with other investors.

“When we signed with Kingho Mining, we received no jobs or community benefits,” the Chief said. “With Gento Group, we have already received surface rent and we believe this partnership will bring lasting benefits including jobs and infrastructure development.”

The Paramount Chief affirmed that Sambaia Chiefdom and wider Tonkolili have given their full endorsement to Gento Group as the sole rightful investor in Kasafoni Land. “We are not prepared to work with any other investor. We consulted our ancestors who gave a positive nod to Gento Kamara. He is one of us, a Sierra Leonean who understands our needs and will deliver.”

Honorable Jawa Sesay, who chaired the event, described the day as historic, not only for the lease signing but for uniting the region. “For the first time, a native of Koranko land represents Tonkolili in Parliament and our lands are entrusted to someone who respects local ownership, Gento Kamara,” he said.

He commended Gento for his notable national infrastructure contributions, especially in road construction, which has improved connectivity across Sierra Leone. “This is localization at work; empowering our own to bring lasting change.”

Kasafoni Land, long underutilized despite its mineral wealth, is now poised for responsible development under Gento Group. Local communities anticipate job creation and improvements in roads, schools and health facilities as part of the company’s community commitments.

This decision aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s directive that mining licenses require valid land lease agreements signed by host communities. Tonkolili has proactively entrusted a homegrown investor with a proven track record of delivering on promises.

“We’ve seen what happened with Koidu Limited and Kingho Mining; so many promises, so little return,” said another chief. “This time, we choose transparency, action and above all, Gento.”

The mood across Sambaia Chiefdom was one of hope and renewal, marking a new chapter where local resources benefit local people and trust is placed in homegrown solutions. At the heart stands Mohamed Gento Kamara, regarded not only as a businessman but as a brother and builder of communities.

Marampa Mines Showcases Strategic Vision to Vice President and Senegalese Prime Minister

June 9, 2025

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Marampa Mines Limited, a leading iron ore producer in Sierra Leone, showcased a major show of regional cooperation and industrial ambition on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, as it welcomed Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to its operational site in Lunsar, Northern Province.

The visit, which was part of a two-day working mission by the Senegalese leader , is being hailed as a major step toward industrial integration between West African nations, with a focus on leveraging shared resources to advance mutual development.

Marampa Mines Limited has emerged as a model of operational excellence since restarting its mining activities in 2021. With a focus on producing high-grade iron ore concentrate (65.3% Fe) and investing in modern mining infrastructure, the company stands at the center of Sierra Leone’s economic transformation.

The delegation, which included Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma and local Paramount Chiefs from Marampa and Maforki chiefdoms, was given a guided tour of the site’s core facilities, including a newly commissioned primary crusher with a capacity of 3,000 tons per hour and the final concentrate production plant.

Aminata Kamara, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Marampa Mines, emphasized the company’s commitment to working in harmony with host communities.

“We are proud to be a part of the Marampa and Maforki Chiefdoms. The progress we’ve made would not be possible without the consistent support of our local stakeholders,” she said.

Operations Director, Basudeb Datta, detailed the company’s advancements in mining technology, stressing its adherence to international best practices.

“It is an honor to showcase how we’ve built a responsible and productive mining operation. Our iron ore concentrate is internationally competitive and reflects Sierra Leone’s growing role in the global mineral market,” Basudeb Datta noted.

The Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh in addressing both delegations, emphasized the strategic purpose of intergovernmental cooperation.

“This is more than a diplomatic visit,” he said. “It is an opportunity to align the strengths of two nations. Sierra Leone has vast mineral resources, iron ore, bauxite, rutile while Senegal possesses natural gas and stronger energy infrastructure. Together, we can build a new African industrial pathway.”

He further noted that the goal was not simply to extract and export, but to process resources regionally for value addition, job creation and long-term growth.

“Instead of sending iron ore thousands of miles to Asia, we can process it right here in West Africa. That is what today’s visit symbolizes, a blueprint for how we transform raw potential into real prosperity,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh explained.

“We are entering a new era where our economies are no longer isolated. We are creating a shared space of opportunity and the Marampa Mines visit is a shining example of what this future can look like,” the Vice President concluded.

Jasmine Robert, Vice President and Head of Energy Solutions at Marampa Mines and a Board Executive, provided context for the Senegalese delegation’s interest in Sierra Leone’s mineral sector.

“Smelting iron ore into steel requires tremendous energy, more than what Sierra Leone currently generates. Senegal, with its abundant natural gas, is planning to develop a regional hub for iron and steel production. That makes them a natural partner,” she said.

Jasmine Robert stressed that hosting the Senegalese Prime Minister was a proud moment for Marampa Mines and a clear recognition of the company’s standing in Sierra Leone’s mining industry.

“We are honored to showcase the Marampa model to the wider West African region. This is how partnerships for development are built with shared vision and mutual benefit.”

The high-level visit not only showcased Marampa Mines’ achievements but also highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to transforming its mineral wealth into sustainable economic growth. The collaboration with Senegal could serve as a regional model for how natural resources, when managed responsibly and strategically, can fuel industrial development across Africa.

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