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CHRDI Warns Parliament Against Bypassing Constitutional Safeguards

Professional man in a blue suit speaking into a microphone at a podium, with a green backdrop behind him.

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has called for strict compliance with Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment procedures, warning that the safeguards contained in the 1991 Constitution cannot be ignored, weakened or replaced by ordinary parliamentary rules.

The organisation made the call in a civic education briefing titled, “The Rules for Amending the Constitution: Why They Cannot Be Bent, Skipped or Repackaged.”

The briefing explains the constitutional amendment process under Sierra Leonean law and highlights relevant court decisions from Kenya and South Africa. It was intended to help lawmakers, voters, journalists, Civil Society Organisations and other citizens understand the legal requirements governing amendments to the country’s supreme law.

CHRDI stated that the Constitution is not an ordinary law and cannot be amended through the same procedures used to pass regular legislation. It cited Section 171(15), which provides that any law inconsistent with the Constitution is void to the extent of that inconsistency.

According to the organisation, Section 108(2) establishes two mandatory requirements that Parliament must satisfy before the Constitution can be lawfully amended.

The first requires the full text of a constitutional amendment Bill to be published in the Government Gazette on at least two occasions before its first reading in Parliament. A minimum of nine days must pass between the first and second publications.

CHRDI said the publication requirement is intended to give citizens adequate time to read the proposed amendments, participate in public discussions and communicate their views to their parliamentary representatives.

The second requirement is that the Bill must receive the support of not less than two-thirds of all Members of Parliament during its Second and Third Readings.

With Sierra Leone’s Parliament comprising 149 members, CHRDI calculates that the required two-thirds threshold is 100 votes. The organisation maintains that the threshold does not change because some lawmakers are absent, abstain or stage a walkout.

It stressed that Section 108(2) refers to two-thirds of all Members of Parliament and not merely two-thirds of members present and voting.

CHRDI also rejected suggestions that Parliament’s Standing Orders could permit clauses in a constitutional amendment Bill to be approved by a simple majority during the Committee of the Whole House stage.

Although Standing Order 44(1) provides a general rule for deciding questions by a simple majority, the organisation cited Section 94(1), which allows Parliament to formulate its Standing Orders only subject to the provisions of the Constitution.

On that basis, CHRDI argued that parliamentary rules remain subordinate to the Constitution and cannot override the special voting requirement governing constitutional amendments.

The civic education briefing further explains that Parliament cannot independently amend every provision of the Constitution.

According to CHRDI, Section 108(3) protects certain entrenched provisions and requires amendments affecting them to be approved through a national referendum after securing the necessary parliamentary support.

Such provisions include Section 108 itself, Chapter III on fundamental human rights and freedoms and sections covering presidential tenure, the composition and life of Parliament, elections, public finance, the Judiciary and certain constitutional commissions and councils.

For amendments affecting entrenched provisions to receive referendum approval, CHRDI said at least half of eligible voters must participate, while at least two-thirds of the valid votes cast must support the proposed changes.

The organisation urged lawmakers and citizens to carefully compare every clause of any proposed amendment Bill with the official text of the 1991 Constitution to determine whether it affects an entrenched provision.

To reinforce its position, CHRDI referred to constitutional decisions from Kenya and South Africa where courts examined compliance with mandatory law-making and constitutional amendment procedures.

The briefing cited the 1995 South African case, Executive Council of the Western Cape Legislature v President of the Republic of South Africa, as demonstrating that Parliament must comply with constitutionally prescribed procedures when making laws.

It also referenced Kenya’s Building Bridges Initiative litigation, which was decided by the country’s Supreme Court in 2022. CHRDI said the case underscored the importance of observing constitutional procedures, including public participation and applicable approval requirements.

The organisation argued that constitutional procedures should not be dismissed as mere technicalities because they form part of the protections established to prevent unlawful or politically convenient changes to the supreme law.

CHRDI consequently called for disputed questions surrounding the interpretation and application of Section 108 to be placed before the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone.

It cited Section 124(1), which gives the Supreme Court original and exclusive jurisdiction over matters relating to the interpretation and enforcement of the Constitution.

According to the briefing, an aggrieved Member of Parliament or a citizen with the necessary legal standing may seek a binding interpretation from the Court where compliance with the constitutional amendment process is in doubt.

CHRDI said obtaining judicial clarification at an early stage could help prevent a constitutional crisis or a situation in which a disputed amendment is passed, assented to and implemented before subsequently being challenged in court.

The organisation concluded by urging Members of Parliament, journalists, civil-society organisations and citizens to verify whether every constitutional requirement has been satisfied.

It maintained that the Gazette publication rule, the two-thirds parliamentary threshold and the referendum requirement for entrenched provisions are safeguards designed to protect Sierra Leoneans from having the country’s permanent democratic rules changed by a temporary political majority.

“The Constitution belongs to the people of Sierra Leone. It is not the property of any Parliament,” CHRDI stated, calling for constitutional reform to be conducted transparently, lawfully and in full compliance with Section 108.

Afrimoney Launches ‘Next of Kin’ Service to Safeguard Customers’ Wallets

Eleven diverse professionals posing indoors in front of a teal banner that says 'NEXT OF KIN' and 'Secure Today, Safe Tomorrow'.

Afrimoney has launched a Next of Kin Service aimed at helping customers protect funds held in their mobile money wallets and enabling their families to obtain essential account information in the event of death or incapacity.

The service was unveiled on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, at Africell’s headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown. Afrimoney Chief Executive Officer Martison Obeng Agyei said the initiative establishes a formal procedure for handling customers’ wallets when account holders are no longer able to manage them.

According to him, requesting next of kin information is consistent with practices across regulated institutions, where individuals are commonly required to nominate a trusted person when opening bank accounts, completing employment documents or accessing other formal services.

He explained that an Afrimoney wallet functions similarly to a bank account and may contain significant funds. The company therefore considered it necessary to introduce a reliable mechanism through which a designated person could receive relevant information about a customer’s wallet if the account holder dies or becomes incapacitated.

“The Next of Kin feature allows customers to nominate a person who can be contacted and provided with information about their Afrimoney wallet in circumstances where the account holder is no longer available,” Martison Obeng Agyei explained.

The CEO, however, clarified that registration as a next of kin does not automatically authorise the nominated individual to withdraw or receive money from another person’s wallet.

He said that when a wallet holder dies, Afrimoney will require appropriate legal documentation confirming an individual’s authority to administer the deceased customer’s estate before any funds can be released.

The nominated next of kin may assist the family by obtaining relevant financial information and facilitating the legal process required to access funds held in the deceased person’s wallet.

Martison Obeng Agyei urged customers to ensure that the personal information attached to their accounts is accurate and regularly updated. He advised customers to provide their full names, correctly spelt details and current addresses to help Afrimoney verify account ownership and ensure that wallet-related transactions are handled with the appropriate individual.

Customers were also encouraged to review their next of kin information periodically and update it whenever their personal or family circumstances change.

The Afrimoney CEO cautioned customers against nominating children or people who may lack the legal capacity to participate in the administration of an estate. He recommended choosing a trusted person who is at least 18 years old and capable of taking part in the necessary legal procedures.

He further advised customers not to ignore the service simply because they currently have little or no money in their wallets. Financial circumstances, he noted, can change over time, making it important for every customer to nominate someone who could assist their family in the future.

Martison Obeng Agyei also reminded customers that funds left unclaimed for a specified period may be subject to regulatory procedures governing their transfer. He therefore encouraged account holders to make proper arrangements that would enable their families to establish their entitlement and follow the required process when necessary.

The launch forms part of Afrimoney’s broader efforts to strengthen customer protection and establish a transparent process for managing wallets when account holders become unavailable.

Martison Obeng Agyei called on the media to support public education about the initiative. He also encouraged Afrimoney customers to access their wallet settings and complete their next of kin details.

He said the service is ultimately intended to assure customers that, in the event of death or incapacity, their families will be able to obtain necessary information and pursue the appropriate legal process to access any funds held in their wallets.

APC Rejects Passage of Constitutional Amendment Bill, Questions Voting Threshold

Man in a white traditional outfit and red cap speaks into a microphone at a table, with onlookers behind him.

The main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) has rejected and distanced itself from what it described as the “purported passage” of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following its consideration by Parliament on Monday, 10 August 2026.

In a Press Release dated Tuesday, 11 August 2026 and signed by APC National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya Esq., the party strongly condemned the procedure adopted in passing the Bill, arguing that the required constitutional voting threshold was not met.

According to the APC, the Speaker of Parliament ruled that the Bill had been passed by a simple majority while acknowledging that his decision remained subject to the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the relevant constitutional provisions.

The party maintained that the ruling was inconsistent with Section 108(2)(b) of the 1991 Constitution, Standing Order 44(3) and the Speaker’s previously stated position on the voting threshold required for constitutional amendments.

“If the Speaker considered the constitutional position uncertain and requiring interpretation by the Supreme Court, the prudent and constitutionally responsible course would have been to obtain that interpretation before ruling on the threshold and allowing the Bill to proceed,” the APC stated.

The opposition party argued that Parliament should not alter the Constitution and leave questions surrounding the legality of the procedure to be determined afterwards.

Citing Section 108(2)(b), the APC said a Bill seeking to amend the Constitution should not be passed at its second and third readings unless it receives the support of at least two-thirds of all Members of Parliament.

The party calculated that, with 149 Members of Parliament, at least 100 affirmative votes were required. It claimed that only 96 Members supported the Bill and therefore insisted that the constitutional threshold had not been satisfied.

The APC further argued that the Speaker had previously recognized the applicability of the two-thirds requirement before reversing his position and declaring the Bill passed by a simple majority.

According to the party, that decision created what it described as a serious constitutional and procedural inconsistency. It maintained that a mandatory constitutional safeguard could not be displaced by a ruling from the Chair, particularly when the ruling itself was awaiting judicial interpretation.

Addressing the application of Section 91(1) of the Constitution, which generally permits questions before Parliament to be determined by a majority of members present and voting, the APC argued that the provision contains the qualification: “Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution.”

The party said Section 108 provides such an exception because it specifically governs constitutional amendments and should therefore take precedence over the general voting rule.

The APC also maintained that the two-thirds requirement applies to every substantive decision affecting the constitutional text, including the Committee Stage, where Parliament inserts, deletes, substitutes or amends provisions intended to become part of the Constitution.

It warned that allowing such clauses to be adopted by a simple majority could result in constitutional changes that had not independently secured the required level of parliamentary support.

The party also cited Section 171, which declares the Constitution the supreme law of Sierra Leone, arguing that neither ordinary parliamentary procedures nor a ruling by the Speaker could override or reduce an expressly prescribed constitutional voting threshold.

Explaining the opposition lawmakers’ decision to leave the Chamber, the APC said its Members of Parliament withdrew after the Speaker delivered a ruling that allegedly departed from Section 108 and his earlier position.

The party said its lawmakers chose not to legitimize the process, adding that they neither authorized nor participated in what it described as the purported passage of the Bill.

The APC called on the Government and Parliament to ensure strict compliance with the Constitution and insisted that no constitutional amendment should be treated as valid while the prescribed voting threshold remains disputed and subject to interpretation by the Supreme Court.

“No Government, political party, Speaker or Parliament stands above the Constitution,” the party declared.

SLAJ Welcomes Supreme Court Referral, Warns Against Heightening Political Tensions

SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has expressed concern over the controversy and uncertainty surrounding Parliament’s consideration of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, urging political parties and other stakeholders to exercise restraint while the matter proceeds through the appropriate legal process.

In a Press Release dated 12 August 2026 and signed by SLAJ Secretary General, Edward Farah Marrah, the Association welcomed the Speaker of Parliament’s decision to refer the relevant constitutional question to the Supreme Court for interpretation.

The parliamentary proceedings ended with Members of Parliament from the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) withdrawing from the Chamber before the Bill was put to a vote. Parliament subsequently announced that the proposed legislation had received the required number of votes to pass.

However, the outcome has generated widespread public debate, particularly over the interpretation and application of provisions in the 1991 Constitution relating to the voting threshold required for constitutional amendments.

SLAJ said that, as an organisation committed to democracy, constitutional governance and the rule of law, it supports the decision to seek the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the disputed constitutional question.

The Association urged political actors, state institutions and citizens to respect and abide by the Court’s eventual determination.

According to SLAJ, constitutional amendments of significant national importance should, as far as possible, attract broad public understanding, confidence and participation. It maintained that while political differences and disagreements are an essential feature of democratic governance, they must be managed through dialogue, lawful constitutional processes and respect for democratic institutions.

SLAJ therefore called on political parties and other stakeholders to refrain from actions or inflammatory rhetoric that could heighten political tensions or weaken public confidence in the country’s constitutional institutions.

The Association maintained that media houses across Sierra Leone provided extensive platforms for politicians, legal experts, political commentators and other stakeholders to debate, interrogate and scrutinize the proposed amendments.

It noted that engagements surrounding the process, including the dialogue held at Tokeh, had raised expectations that the constitutional reform process would promote broad-based consultation and produce an outcome capable of commanding public confidence and serving the country’s best interests.

SLAJ also commended media institutions and journalists for their extensive and sustained coverage of the parliamentary debates, proceedings and eventual vote. It said the coverage played an important role in keeping citizens informed throughout the process.

The Association described a free, independent and professional media as indispensable to the promotion of transparency, accountability and informed public participation in democratic governance.

It urged journalists and media houses to continue providing the public with accurate, balanced, fair and contextual information while the constitutional question proceeds through the relevant legal and democratic channels.

SLAJ further appealed to all political actors to place the national interest above partisan considerations and protect the peace, tolerance and national cohesion Sierra Leoneans have worked hard to build.

“Constitutional reform must ultimately be about more than winning or losing a political contest. It must strengthen the institutions, rights and democratic principles that every Sierra Leonean, regardless of political affiliation, will depend upon today and for generations to come,” SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said.

He added that Sierra Leone’s constitutional democracy belongs to all citizens and that every reform process must ultimately serve the interests of the people and the nation.

Speaker’s Final Ruling and Supreme Court Referral Ignite Constitutional Debate

Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas

A major constitutional debate has erupted in Sierra Leone following Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas’, ruling on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025, and his subsequent referral of a key legal question to the Supreme Court for an opinion.

The controversy centres on whether non-entrenched provisions of the 1991 Constitution can be amended through a simple majority under Section 91(1) or whether every constitutional amendment Bill must receive the support of at least two-thirds of all Members of Parliament under Section 108(2).

The Speaker declared the Bill passed following a parliamentary vote conducted after Members of Parliament representing the main opposition All People’s Congress walked out of the Chamber.

In the concluding paragraph of his ruling, the Speaker acknowledged the significant public interest surrounding the applicable voting threshold and referred the question to the Supreme Court.

“However, since the question whether or not a non-entrenched constitutional provision can be altered by recourse only to Section 91(1) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991, is of grave public interest, I refer this question to the Supreme Court for an opinion to be referred to this House not later than three months today to guide future discussions on this matter,” the Speaker stated.

He concluded: “I so rule.”

Although a Speaker’s ruling is generally treated as final for the conduct of proceedings in Parliament, the constitutional question raised by the decision has triggered widespread legal and political debate. Critics maintain that the Supreme Court’s interpretation should have been obtained before the Bill was declared passed.

The APC has rejected and distanced itself from what it described as the “purported passage” of the Bill.

In a Press Release dated 11 August 2026 and signed by APC National Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya Esq., the party argued that the voting procedure was inconsistent with Section 108(2)(b) of the Constitution.

According to the APC, the provision requires a constitutional amendment Bill to receive the support of not less than two-thirds of all Members of Parliament at its Second and Third Readings.

With Parliament comprising 149 members, the party calculated that at least 100 affirmative votes were required. It claimed that only 96 lawmakers supported the Bill and therefore maintained that the constitutional threshold was not satisfied.

The party also argued that Section 91(1), which permits decisions by a majority of members present and voting, begins with the qualification, “Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution.”

It said Section 108 provides such an exception and must consequently take precedence over the general parliamentary voting rule.

The APC explained that its lawmakers withdrew from the Chamber because they did not want to participate in or legitimize a process they considered constitutionally defective.

“No Government, political party, Speaker or Parliament stands above the Constitution,” the party declared.

Several legal and Civil Society Organisations have raised similar concerns.

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International said the Constitution cannot be amended through the procedures ordinarily used to enact regular legislation.

In a civic education briefing, CHRDI identified prior publication in the Government Gazette, approval by two-thirds of all Members of Parliament and, where entrenched provisions are involved, endorsement through a national referendum as essential constitutional safeguards.

The organisation argued that Parliament’s Standing Orders remain subordinate to the Constitution and cannot reduce or replace the voting requirements contained in Section 108.

The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice also questioned the decision to refer the matter to the Supreme Court only after the Bill had been declared passed.

ILRAJ maintained that obtaining judicial interpretation before the parliamentary vote would have provided clearer guidance and prevented uncertainty over the legality of the process.

The institute also demanded an explanation of reports that civil-society representatives and members of the public observing the proceedings were removed from Parliament because of an alleged security threat.

The Lawyers’ Society similarly argued that a simple majority could not satisfy a constitutional requirement expressly demanding the support of two-thirds of Parliament’s total membership.

It recalled the Speaker’s earlier distinction between “two-thirds of Parliament” and “two-thirds in Parliament” during proceedings concerning the removal of former Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce.

According to the Society, “two-thirds of Parliament” refers to the institution’s total membership, while “two-thirds in Parliament” may refer to the number of lawmakers present or participating in a particular vote.

Amid the growing controversy, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists has urged restraint, respect for democratic institutions and reliance on the appropriate legal processes.

In a statement signed by SLAJ Secretary General, Edward Farah Marrah, the Association welcomed the Speaker’s decision to seek the Supreme Court’s interpretation.

SLAJ called on political parties, public institutions, Civil Society Organisations and citizens to avoid inflammatory rhetoric or actions that could heighten political tension and undermine national cohesion.

The Association also urged media institutions to continue providing accurate, balanced, fair and contextualized reporting while the constitutional dispute proceeds through the relevant legal channels.

SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, said constitutional reform must go beyond winning or losing a political contest and should instead strengthen the institutions, rights and democratic principles on which every Sierra Leonean depends.

Public attention will now turn to the Supreme Court, which is expected to present its opinion to Parliament within three months. Its interpretation could provide important guidance on the relationship between Sections 91 and 108 and shape the procedure for future constitutional amendments in Sierra Leone.

FAWAZ RANDCEM High-Quality Cement Raises the Standard for Safer Construction

Sierra Leone’s expanding construction industry is placing greater emphasis on materials that can deliver lasting strength, safety and value. Responding to that demand, FAWAZ Building Materials is marketing premium RANDCEM Cement as a reliable solution for residential, commercial and public infrastructure projects.

The product is increasingly attracting the attention of contractors, engineers, masons, property developers and homeowners seeking consistent performance from the foundation to the finishing stages of construction.

FAWAZ Building Materials, an established name in Sierra Leone’s building-materials market, says RANDCEM Cement offers customers the quality required to undertake projects with greater confidence. The company maintains that dependable cement is essential to constructing buildings capable of withstanding pressure, changing weather conditions and the demands of long-term use.

Produced in Vietnam and packaged in 50-kilogram bags, RANDCEM Cement has a Strength Class 42.5R classification. Manufacturer information indicates that the cement is suitable for general concrete applications and can support the construction of houses, offices, schools, hospitals, business centres and public facilities.

Beyond its strength, RANDCEM Cement is promoted for its quick-setting capability. The product reportedly begins setting within approximately 30 minutes when properly prepared and applied.

This feature can help construction teams reduce unnecessary delays, organize their work more efficiently and maintain project timelines. However, contractors are encouraged to follow the correct mixing, placing and curing procedures to achieve the desired results.

Reports from dealers and users indicate growing satisfaction with the cement’s consistency and performance. Its expanding presence in the market demonstrates the importance customers now attach to selecting materials that offer durability and value rather than relying on price alone.

Construction specialists have repeatedly stressed that a strong building begins with the right combination of quality materials, professional workmanship and compliance with approved structural designs. Even high-quality cement must be used correctly, with clean sand, suitable aggregate and the proper quantity of water.

For general concrete applications, the recommended proportion is one part cement, two parts sand, four parts aggregate and 0.8 parts water. Lean concrete requires one part cement, three parts sand, six parts aggregate and one part water.

Using excessive water or incorrect quantities of sand and aggregate can reduce concrete strength and affect the durability of a structure. Builders should therefore ensure that trained professionals supervise mixing and construction work, particularly on major projects.

Curing also plays a critical role in determining the final strength of concrete. The manufacturer recommends spraying newly cast concrete regularly with water during the first one to three days. This process supports strength development and reduces the likelihood of early cracking.

Customers are advised to protect the cement from moisture before use. Opened bags should be completely used within seven days or sealed securely to prevent deterioration. All bags should be kept under shade in a dry and properly ventilated storage area.

Safety precautions should also be observed when handling the product. Workers are advised to wear gloves and face masks, avoid unnecessary exposure to cement dust, carry bags carefully and store the product beyond the reach of children.

The growing need for certified and dependable construction materials has become more urgent following public concern about buildings collapsing during construction. Such incidents can result from weak materials, poor structural designs, unskilled workmanship or disregard for accepted engineering procedures.

Industry stakeholders have urged the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau to strengthen inspections throughout the cement supply chain. Regular monitoring of importers, distributors and dealers, supported by laboratory testing, would help protect customers and prevent inferior products from entering the market.

FAWAZ Building Materials says its supply of RANDCEM Cement forms part of its wider commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development with reliable construction products. The company continues to promote quality, customer satisfaction and value for money as essential parts of its operations.

RANDCEM Cement’s combination of 42.5R strength, quick-setting performance and durability makes it a competitive choice for builders who want dependable results. Its growing recognition among construction professionals and property owners highlights the confidence the brand continues to build in the local market.

With demand rising for modern homes, offices, schools, hospitals and public infrastructure, Sierra Leone needs materials that can support safe and sustainable development. Premium RANDCEM Cement from FAWAZ Building Materials is helping builders lay stronger foundations and construct durable structures for present and future generations.

For construction built on strength, reliability and lasting value, choose premium RANDCEM Cement from FAWAZ Building Materials.

Journalist Nafisatu Olayinka Deen Highlights Grim Reality of Kush Addiction Among Sierra Leone’s Youth

Portrait of an African woman wearing red-framed glasses and a bold blue, yellow, and orange patterned vest, against a warm brown studio background.

The devastating impact of kush addiction on young people in Sierra Leone continues to raise serious concerns, with some affected youths reportedly seeking refuge at dumpsites after becoming trapped between severe substance dependence and limited access to rehabilitation and social support.

Journalist and television broadcaster, Nafisatu Olayinka Deen, has drawn renewed attention to the plight of young people struggling with addiction, describing circumstances in which some survive by scavenging for scraps and carrying out poorly paid labour while living in extremely difficult conditions.

According to Nafisatu Olayinka Deen, kush, a synthetic drug that has become a major public concern, has severely affected sections of the country’s youth population, leaving some users physically weakened and increasingly disconnected from their families and communities.

She said addiction has robbed many young people of their ability to make responsible choices and maintain stable lives. Some, she explained, have resorted to scavenging at dumpsites, where they search for recyclable or valuable materials to earn enough money to survive and sustain their addiction.

Beyond the health and social consequences, Nafisatu Olayinka Deen highlighted allegations that vulnerable drug users are being exploited by people who take advantage of their circumstances. She said some are underpaid for labour, while others, particularly those in extremely vulnerable situations, face the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse.

One of the disturbing experiences highlighted involved a young person who reportedly attempted to seek treatment at a rehabilitation centre after hearing that people struggling with addiction could receive assistance there.

According to the account, the individual was unable to access rehabilitation services because of a festering wound, underscoring the complex health conditions confronting some drug users and the challenges they may encounter when seeking treatment.

Despite the grim situation, Nafisatu Olayinka Deen noted that some people battling addiction have successfully gained access to rehabilitation facilities and are receiving assistance.

She said she was given an opportunity through Truth Media to work on a short documentary alongside anti-drug activist Jaden Ken and members of the organization’s creative team. The documentary provided an opportunity to examine the experiences of people directly affected by kush addiction and the wider social consequences of the crisis.

Describing the production process as emotionally demanding, Nafisatu Olayinka Deen said it exposed the human suffering behind the statistics and public conversations surrounding drug abuse.

Her latest reflections also brought renewed attention to a piece she previously wrote titled “End Kush Campaign!”, in which she appealed for sustained action against the drug rather than temporary social-media attention whenever the issue becomes popular.

“Please do not post end kush because it trends. Post it because you want it to end,” she wrote.

Through the piece, Nafisatu Olayinka Deen contrasted the lives of young people before and after becoming trapped by addiction, portraying individuals who were once healthy and vibrant but subsequently became physically weak and socially vulnerable.

She described kush as a form of bondage that continues to cause widespread damage to individuals, families and communities, questioning whether society has taken sufficient action to achieve the change repeatedly demanded in public campaigns.

Her message also challenged those involved in the sale and distribution of kush, arguing that the pursuit of profit comes at an enormous human cost. Written partly in Krio, the piece questioned how individuals could continue selling a substance they know is destroying other people’s children, siblings and parents.

The renewed call comes amid continuing national concern about substance abuse and the need for stronger prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

The experiences highlighted by Nafisatu Olayinka Deen demonstrate that tackling kush requires more than public condemnation. Effective intervention will require accessible rehabilitation services, medical treatment, psychosocial support, protection against exploitation and sustainable opportunities for recovering users to rebuild their lives.

Her message ultimately calls for the End Kush Campaign to move beyond slogans and social-media trends towards sustained collective action aimed at preventing addiction, supporting affected young people and confronting those who profit from the vulnerability of others.

OFP Concludes Fundraising Strategy Workshop for Partners and Network Organisations

Group of around 25 people posing for a photo in a conference room, many wearing vests with logos, some seated in front and others standing at the back, thumbs up.

One Family People (OFP), with support from Liliane Fonds, has concluded a one-day fundraising strategic development workshop designed to strengthen the capacity of partner organisations and networks to mobilize sustainable resources for humanitarian, disability inclusion and empowerment programmes in Sierra Leone.

The workshop was held on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, at Saphyre Court on Kingharman Road in Freetown under the theme, “Strong Partnerships: A Fundraising Strategic Development Plan for Partners and the Network.” It brought together representatives of partner organisations working to promote disability rights, inclusion and community development.

Speaking during the training, Samuel P.O.V. Macauley, Operations Director at One Family People, said the initiative was organized in response to the continuing decline in global resources available for humanitarian and development work.

Samuel P.O.V. Macauley explained that OFP and its partners depend heavily on effective resource mobilization to sustain their programmes. He said the changing international funding environment therefore represents a serious challenge that requires organisations to review their traditional approaches and identify alternative, sustainable sources of support.

According to him, the training began with an assessment of the resource mobilization capacity of each participating organisation. Participants also examined the conditions prevailing in their respective districts and operational areas to understand the opportunities, limitations and risks affecting their fundraising activities.

He said the results of those assessments would guide the development of comprehensive resource mobilization strategies tailored to the capacity, priorities and circumstances of each organisation. The proposed strategies would also include realistic budget planning, giving partners clearer direction when identifying donors and submitting applications for financial support.

Samuel P.O.V. Macauley observed that some organisations had been applying for different funding opportunities without clearly defined plans. He noted that an effective strategy should help an organisation determine what it wants to finance, why a particular opportunity is relevant and which donor or funding source is most suitable for its objectives.

“Outside the traditional funding schemes, we need our partners to be able to address more long-term resource mobilization solutions,” Samuel P.O.V. Macauley stated.

He said OFP recognizes that every partner already uses some form of fundraising model. The workshop was therefore intended to help participants review, refine and strengthen their existing approaches rather than replace them entirely.

He pointed to reductions in international development assistance from major partners as evidence that local organisations must become more strategic and innovative.

At the end of the process, OFP expects every participating organisation to develop a practical resource mobilization strategy reflecting its institutional capacity, operational environment and available funding opportunities.

Amadu Amos Bangura, a staff member of the Disability Awareness Action Group (DAAG), described the workshop as a timely intervention that would strengthen disability-focused organisations and improve their ability to attract resources.

Amadu Amos Bangura said participants received practical knowledge that could help them design stronger fundraising plans, establish productive relationships with potential donors and seek assistance from a wider range of institutions.

He noted that securing funding for disability programmes remained difficult, particularly for organisations operating with limited resources. According to him, financial constraints continue to restrict their ability to undertake activities, expand essential services and advocate effectively for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

“This workshop will help build the capacity of our organisation and other partners working in the disability sector,” Amadu Amos Bangura said. “The knowledge gained will support us in developing better fundraising approaches and reaching out to different organisations for assistance.”

He maintained that strong partnerships are crucial to sustaining disability programmes and keeping inclusion at the centre of national development. He called for closer cooperation among local disability organisations, international partners, Government institutions and other stakeholders.

He pledged that DAAG would share the knowledge acquired with staff members who did not attend the workshop and incorporate the strategies into its programme planning and fundraising activities.

“We will ensure that whatever we have learnt from this training is shared at the organizational level, especially with other members of staff,” he stated.

Amadu Amos Bangura added that DAAG would pursue stronger relationships with institutions and development partners to support disability inclusion and empowerment. He stressed that persons with disabilities must participate meaningfully in national development and that inclusion should be reflected in policies, programmes and institutional practices.

Matthew Tholley, Executive Director of the Polio Persons Development Association (PoPDA), also welcomed the training, describing it as an important capacity-building initiative that would strengthen the association’s work.

Matthew Tholley said the workshop broadened his understanding of fundraising and provided practical guidance on identifying prospective donors, approaching funding institutions and presenting organizational programmes in ways capable of attracting support.

He explained that organisations promoting the rights and welfare of people affected by polio often struggle to secure adequate resources. Before the training, he said, PoPDA had limited knowledge of the institutions it should approach and the most effective methods of engaging them.

“This training has impacted me greatly because it has added to my knowledge,” Matthew Tholley said. “We now understand better whom to approach, how to approach them and the techniques we can use to seek support.”

He said the newly acquired skills would enable PoPDA to mobilize resources and implement more activities for its members and communities. Three representatives from the association the Executive Director, Programme Manager and Finance Officer participated in the workshop and would transfer the lessons to other employees.

Matthew Tholley said sharing the knowledge internally would help PoPDA establish a coordinated strategy, expand community programmes, strengthen advocacy and raise awareness about issues affecting persons with disabilities.

He commended One Family People and Liliane Fonds for investing in the institutional development of their partners and expressed hope that similar capacity-building opportunities would continue.

Matthew Tholley pledged that PPDA would apply the techniques introduced during the training to improve fundraising, lobbying and advocacy while developing more sustainable programmes. He maintained that stronger collaboration among disability organisations, development partners and other stakeholders would increase their collective ability to defend rights, promote empowerment and achieve meaningful inclusion.

The workshop advanced efforts to sustain humanitarian, inclusion and empowerment programmes amid declining global funding.

Orange Sierra Leone Launches *505# Scam Alert Tool to Strengthen Customer Protection

Orange Sierra Leone on Thursday, 13 August 2026, officially launched its *505# Scam Alert Reporting Tool and dedicated online reporting platform http://www.orange.sl/en/scamlandingpage.html to strengthen customer protection, combat fraud and improve public trust in the country’s growing digital ecosystem. The ceremony, held at the Orange Digital Centre office at Hill Station in Freetown, brought together representatives of Government, regulatory institutions, law-enforcement agencies, financial organisations, civil society and the telecommunications sector.

Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Aisha Touré, said the initiative comes amid rising digital adoption and increasing threats from online and mobile money fraud. Customers, she noted, are being targeted through fake promotions, fraudulent calls, phishing, social media scams and impersonation intended to obtain personal information or Orange Money credentials.

Aisha Touré said parliamentary discussions in July 2026 had highlighted digital fraud’s effects on citizens and confidence in financial services, prompting calls for stronger protection, awareness, accountability and institutional cooperation.

“At Orange Sierra Leone, we share this sense of urgency,” she said, stressing that fraud affects not only individual victims but also families, businesses, financial inclusion and confidence in the wider digital economy.

She disclosed that fraudsters had falsely presented themselves as Orange representatives and requested customers’ PINs, verification codes and other confidential information. Some customers had also received messages directing them to transfer money before claiming supposed promotional prizes.

Aisha Touré warned that Orange would never ask customers to disclose their Orange Money PINs, passwords or secret credentials. She said the new platform provides a simple mechanism for checking, verifying and reporting suspicious numbers, messages, promotions and transactions.

Reports submitted through the tool would also help Orange identify emerging patterns, respond rapidly and cooperate with regulators and security agencies to disrupt criminal activity. Aisha Touré described the initiative as an effort to protect livelihoods and preserve the trust required for digital transformation and financial inclusion.

“No single institution can win this fight alone,” Aisha Touré stated, urging customers never to share confidential credentials, to pause and verify suspicious information and to report doubtful activity. “Check, verify, report. Together we can protect our communities, strengthen trust in digital services and ensure that technology remains a force for progress and opportunity.”

Earlier, Orange Sierra Leone Customer Experience Director, David Mansaray, said fraud had directly or indirectly affected a large proportion of the population. People may have lost money, experienced an unsuccessful attempt or know somebody who had been targeted, he explained.

David Mansaray described digital fraud as a global, evolving problem, noting that WhatsApp and other messaging platforms were increasingly used to approach unsuspecting consumers. The tool, he said, would help customers identify, expose and escalate suspected fraud.

During a live demonstration, David Mansaray explained that customers could dial *505# and follow the USSD instructions to verify whether a number was associated with Orange or report a number suspected of fraudulent activity. The service is accessible through ordinary mobile telephones without internet connectivity or visit http://www.orange.sl/en/scamlandingpage.html.

Customers with internet access may also file complaints through the Scam Alert section of Orange Sierra Leone’s web portal, while those preferring telephone assistance can call the customer service line on 111. Reports received through any channel would be recorded and forwarded for investigation.

David Mansaray stressed that Orange would not automatically block a number merely because it had been reported. Investigators would verify complaints by analyzing transactions, calling patterns, devices and other indicators before deciding what action is appropriate.

He said early reporting could sometimes help recover transferred funds. When a fraudulent transaction is reported before the money is withdrawn or moved, Orange may be able to block the suspected number, trace the transfer and reverse it after completing the required verification.

David Mansaray warned customers not to misuse the platform for personal disputes or malicious allegations. Background checks would distinguish genuine complaints from false reports, he assured.

Alvin D.T.E. Riddle, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing Analyst at the Cyber Coordination Centre, commended Orange for creating a channel through which cybersecurity incidents and intelligence could be reported.

He said reports generated through the platform could help specialists identify threats and determine appropriate action. Alvin D.T.E. Riddle nevertheless urged Orange to examine complaints carefully to prevent false reports from unfairly targeting individuals.

Accountability Now Executive Director, William Sao Lamin, called for a whole-of-society response involving telecommunications companies, regulators, financial institutions, law enforcement, civil society, the media and consumers.

He said civil society could promote digital literacy, education, advocacy and accountability, while public awareness should extend beyond urban centres through radio, schools, community engagements and social media.

William Sao Lamin said the launch should begin a sustained national campaign involving awareness programmes, information on emerging scams and opportunities for consumer feedback.

Bernadette Ballay Fullah, Consumer Relations Manager at the National Consumer Protection Commission, welcomed the tool as an important step towards protecting consumers from fake promotions, impersonation, phishing and unauthorized transactions.

She warned customers never to disclose PINs, passwords, one-time passwords or other security information. Suspicious requests, she advised, should always be checked through official channels.

Gerald C.D. Cole, Head of Legal, Regulatory and Compliance at Orange Money, said reported incidents represented only a fraction of attempted and successful scams because many victims remained silent through embarrassment, uncertainty or the belief that their losses were too small.

“Silence is not merely convenient for fraudsters; silence is part of their business model,” Gerald C.D. Cole said. He explained that criminals also exploited gaps among service providers, financial institutions, regulators and investigators, expecting separate pieces of information never to be connected.

Gerald C.D. Cole said telephone numbers, accounts, devices and transactions created digital trails which could expose wider criminal networks when reports were combined. The platform would reduce reporting difficulties, connect information and make fraud harder to sustain and more likely to attract consequences.

“Distance is not invisibility and anonymity is not immunity,” he warned, declaring that customers, operators, regulators and law-enforcement agencies formed one protective community. “This is our house and the house always wins.”

The initiative reflects Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to reporting, investigation, collaboration and a safer digital environment for all customers.

International Youth Day: 12-Year-Old Amy Kargbo Urges Young Sierra Leoneans to Embrace Education and STEM

Poster for International Youth Day featuring a smiling girl in a pink dress on the left and bold pink/ purple text about Youth Day on the right.

Twelve-year-old African American author of Sierra Leonean parentage, Amy Kargbo, has encouraged young Sierra Leoneans to pursue their dreams, embrace education and use science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to help build a brighter future.

Amy Kargbo delivered the message on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, in commemoration of International Youth Day, which is observed annually on 12 August to celebrate young people and highlight their contributions, aspirations and challenges.

The young author, who specializes in STEM-related subjects, views the field not merely as an academic interest or hobby but as an empowerment tool for her generation and future generations.

In her message, Amy Kargbo reminded young people across Sierra Leone that their backgrounds should never prevent them from pursuing their ambitions or achieving success.

“To all the young people of Sierra Leone, I want you to know that your dreams matter,” Amy Kargbo stated.

She encouraged young Sierra Leoneans to explore different professions and believe in their ability to become scientists, engineers, doctors, programmers, inventors, astronauts, farmers or anything else they choose.

Amy Kargbo stressed the importance of continuous learning and curiosity, urging young people to ask questions, acquire knowledge and resist the belief that their place of birth or social circumstances determine how far they can progress.

“Keep learning, keep asking questions, and never think that where you come from limits where you can go,” Amy Kargbo said.

According to the young author, education provides children and young people with the ability to discover possibilities that they may not previously have recognized. She said access to knowledge could broaden their understanding of the world and equip them to develop solutions to challenges confronting their communities.

Amy Kargbo identified STEM education as a powerful instrument for solving problems, creating opportunities and supporting Sierra Leone’s long-term development.

She maintained that science and technology could enable young people to design practical solutions, promote innovation and contribute meaningfully to national progress.

Amy Kargbo, however, emphasized that every child must be given an opportunity to learn, explore, create and discover, including those who do not have access to the same resources and educational opportunities as others.

Her appeal highlighted the need for inclusive education and greater investment in learning opportunities that reach children from different social and economic backgrounds.

She expressed hope that her generation would develop the courage to pursue ambitious goals, remain curious enough to continue learning and demonstrate compassion by helping others along their journeys.

“I hope my generation will be brave enough to dream big, curious enough to keep learning, and caring enough to help someone else along the way,” Amy Kargbo stated.

She also called on young people to recognize that Sierra Leone’s future is a shared responsibility which requires cooperation, creativity and determination.

“The future of Sierra Leone belongs to all of us, and I believe we can make it brighter together,” she said.

Amy Kargbo’s International Youth Day message reflected the growing importance of youth participation in education, innovation, technology and national development.

Her remarks also underscored the potential of young people in the diaspora to remain connected to Sierra Leone and contribute ideas capable of inspiring their peers at home.

Through her writing and interest in STEM, Amy Kargbo seeks to encourage other children to see education as a pathway to empowerment, innovation and service.

She concluded her message by wishing young people across Sierra Leone a happy International Youth Day and reaffirming her belief in their ability to create positive change.

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