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Speaker Urged to Summon Police Cybercrime Unit Over Rising Online Fraud

Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable Segepoh Solomon Thomas
Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable Segepoh Solomon Thomas

 

Growing concern over online fraud and cyber-enabled scams has prompted calls for the Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to facilitate the summoning of the Sierra Leone Police Cyber Crime Investigations Unit before the appropriate parliamentary committee.

The proposed hearing should examine the Unit’s response to the increasing reports of phishing, identity theft, hacked social-media accounts, mobile-money fraud, digital extortion, fake investment schemes and other forms of online deception targeting Sierra Leoneans.

The Sierra Leone Police operates a specialized cybercrime unit within the Criminal Investigations Department to investigate digital offences and other technology-assisted crimes. Those offences are addressed under the Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021, which criminalizes conduct including computer fraud, identity theft, unauthorized access and interference with computer systems.

Despite the existence of the Unit and the relevant legislation, victims continue to complain about inadequate investigation, limited feedback and the apparent absence of robust enforcement against suspected online fraudsters.

The lack of visible and sustained action has created a public perception that the Cyber Crime Investigations Unit is failing Sierra Leone. Parliament must now use its oversight authority to determine whether the Unit has sufficient personnel, training, digital forensic equipment, financial resources and institutional support to perform its mandate effectively.

The parliamentary hearing should require the Unit to present detailed information on the number of complaints received, investigations conducted, suspects arrested, cases forwarded for prosecution and funds recovered for victims. It should also explain the major operational challenges preventing the timely investigation of cybercrime cases.

Such scrutiny should not be treated as an attack on the Sierra Leone Police. It would provide an opportunity for the Unit to explain its constraints and help Parliament identify the legislative, financial and technical support required to strengthen its operations.

The Right Honourable Segepoh Solomon Thomas leadership could help place online fraud firmly on the national accountability agenda and ensure that the institutions responsible for protecting citizens provide clear answers.

Telecommunications companies, including Orange Sierra Leone, should not be automatically blamed whenever fraudsters use their networks to commit crimes. Online scams occur across the world, including in highly developed countries with sophisticated telecommunications and cybersecurity systems.

The use of an Orange telephone number, mobile-money account or communications platform to commit fraud does not, by itself, prove that the company caused or supported the crime. Criminal investigation remains primarily the responsibility of the Sierra Leone Police.

Orange and other telecommunications operators must, however, continue to protect their systems, enforce customer-registration requirements, preserve relevant digital evidence and cooperate fully with investigators. Any evidence of negligence, security failure or non-compliance should be independently investigated, but operators must not become convenient scapegoats for failures in criminal enforcement.

The National Communications Authority deserves commendation for its nationwide consumer education and public-awareness campaigns against online fraud, phishing, mobile-money scams and other digital threats.

NatCA’s cybersecurity programme promotes safe online practices, stronger passwords, responsible use of mobile-money services, data protection and the reporting of suspicious activity. This preventive work is essential because many online scams succeed through social engineering, deception and the careless disclosure of personal information.

Consumer education, however, must be supported by effective investigation and prosecution. Awareness campaigns can help citizens recognize scams, but they cannot replace the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators. NatCA, the Police, telecommunications companies, financial institutions and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre must therefore work together under a clear and coordinated national response.

The Office of National Security also has an important strategic role in coordinating institutions when cyber-enabled fraud threatens national or economic security. Its mandate includes coordinating responses to organized crime and other national threats.

Citizens must be encouraged to report suspected fraud immediately, preserve messages and transaction records, and avoid deleting potential evidence. They should never disclose mobile-money PINs, passwords, verification codes or one-time passwords to callers claiming to represent telecommunications companies, banks or Government institutions.

The Sierra Leone Police lists 900 as its national emergency hotline, while the Office of National Security operates the national emergency line 119. Victims may also report incidents at the nearest police station or the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters in Freetown.

The central issue is not whether online scams can be eliminated completely. No country has achieved that. The real test is whether Sierra Leone possesses a responsive system that educates consumers, investigates complaints, traces digital evidence, arrests offenders and successfully prosecutes those responsible.

Parliament should demand measurable results. The Cyber Crime Investigations Unit must become more visible, accessible and proactive in protecting the public. Sierra Leoneans deserve more than warnings about online fraud; they deserve effective investigation, enforcement and justice.

From UBA Essay Competition to Imperial College: Sherilyn Kamara Takes Sierra Leone to Global Stage

Female speaker at a podium addressing an audience, with international flags behind and a red London International Youth Science Forum banner on stage.

 

Sherilyn A. N. Kamara, an outstanding young Sierra Leonean, has become the country’s first participant at the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF), marking a major step in an academic journey that began with the UBA National Essay Competition.

Sherilyn A. N. Kamara represented Sierra Leone at the 2026 forum, held at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom, alongside 419 young scientists from different parts of the world.

Her participation followed her emergence as first runner-up in the fourth UBA National Essay Competition in 2024. The achievement earned her recognition and opened opportunities for international exposure, scientific engagement and leadership development.

The UBA National Essay Competition is one of the UBA Foundation’s flagship youth empowerment initiatives. It is designed to promote critical thinking, academic excellence and leadership among senior secondary school students.

Beyond recognizing outstanding essays, the competition provides young people with educational opportunities, exposure and encouragement to pursue their ambitions.

During the London forum, Sherilyn A. N. Kamara delivered a climate foresight presentation titled, “The Cost of Inaction: Imagine a World Without Climate Solutions by 2056.” Her presentation encouraged participants to reflect on the consequences of failing to address climate change and the need for urgent, sustainable solutions.

Her performance earned her further international recognition when she was selected as the only African representative and one of six speakers on the official LIYSF Closing Debate Panel.

The panel brought together some of the brightest young minds participating in the forum to discuss pressing scientific and global development issues.

Sherilyn A. N. Kamara also used the opportunity to establish international partnerships that secured air-quality monitoring equipment for the Urban Better Freetown Hub. The equipment is expected to support community-led environmental monitoring and contribute to efforts aimed at creating healthier and more sustainable communities in Sierra Leone.

Throughout the programme, she received practical exposure to advanced scientific research through academic visits to the University of Oxford, Cranfield University and several world-class laboratories.

She also developed her knowledge of climate foresight, science communication, policy discussions and international collaboration. Sherilyn A. N. Kamara said she intends to use the experience and knowledge gained to support meaningful change in Sierra Leone.

Reflecting on her participation, she expressed appreciation to United Bank for Africa Sierra Leone for sponsoring her journey to the global forum.

“To United Bank for Africa Sierra Leone, thank you for believing in my potential and sponsoring my journey to LIYSF 2026,” she said.

“As the first runner-up of the fourth UBA National Essay Competition, representing Sierra Leone on this global stage was an honour I carry with immense pride.”

Sherilyn A. N. Kamara said UBA’s support went beyond awarding prizes to students by providing them with platforms, opportunities and a voice to demonstrate their abilities.

“UBA does not merely award prizes to students; you give us a platform, a voice and a seat at the table to thrive,” she stated.

“You are an institution that truly embodies its commitment to empowering the next generation. Wherever my journey leads, I will always be a proud ambassador of UBA’s vision and excellence.”

Sherilyn A. N. Kamara returned to Sierra Leone with new international networks, practical ideas and a renewed commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, climate action and youth empowerment.

Her journey from the UBA National Essay Competition to one of the world’s prominent youth science forums demonstrates the impact educational opportunities can have on talented young people.

It also reflects the UBA Foundation’s continuing commitment to investing in Africa’s next generation of innovators, thinkers and leaders.

Sherilyn A. N.Kamara’s achievement sends a strong message to young Sierra Leoneans that a single opportunity, supported by determination and excellence, can open doors to the global stage.

Parliament Ratifies SLNSA–Zhejiang Xiehai Agreement for Ocean Shipping Company

Smiling man in white traditional clothing and a blue patterned cap, seated indoors with the Sierra Leone Ministry of Transport and Aviation seal in the corner.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay

 

Sierra Leone’s Parliament has ratified a joint venture agreement between the Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency (SLNSA) and Zhejiang Xiehai Group Co., Ltd. of the People’s Republic of China for the establishment of a national shipping carrier.

The agreement, approved on August 4, 2026, in the Well of Parliament in Freetown, will pave the way for the creation of the Sierra Leone Ocean Shipping Company, known as SLOSCo.

The approval marks a significant step in the Government’s efforts to revitalize the country’s maritime industry and strengthen Sierra Leone’s participation in regional and international shipping.

Once operational, SLOSCo is expected to create employment opportunities, attract foreign direct investment, improve maritime logistics and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry.

The joint venture also forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to maximize the economic benefits of Sierra Leone’s import and export trade while reducing the country’s dependence on foreign shipping operators.

Government officials believe that establishing a national carrier will expand the country’s shipping capacity, improve trade facilitation and enable Sierra Leone to retain a greater share of the revenue generated from goods transported to and from the country.

Speaking after Parliament ratified the agreement, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Colonel (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay, described the approval as a historic achievement for Sierra Leone’s maritime sector.

“This is a defining moment for our country’s maritime industry. The establishment of the Sierra Leone Ocean Shipping Company reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to restoring a national carrier that will strengthen international trade, create employment for our citizens, build local maritime capacity and contribute significantly to national economic growth,” he stated.

The Minister said the partnership between SLNSA and Zhejiang Xiehai Group demonstrates the Government’s determination to establish strategic international partnerships that support national development and deliver sustainable economic benefits.

According to him, the new company will help strengthen Sierra Leone’s maritime infrastructure, improve shipping services and facilitate the efficient movement of cargo.

He stressed that the initiative goes beyond the ownership and operation of ships, noting that it will also promote professional development and investment across the maritime sector.

“The establishment of SLOSCo is not merely about owning ships; it is about creating opportunities for Sierra Leoneans, promoting skills development, increasing investment in the maritime sector and ensuring that our nation captures greater value from its international trade,” Ambassador Colonel (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay added.

The Minister commended Members of Parliament for supporting the agreement. He also expressed appreciation to the leadership of SLNSA, Zhejiang Xiehai Group and other stakeholders whose collaboration contributed to the successful conclusion of the agreement.

The establishment of SLOSCo is expected to support the Government’s Blue Economy agenda by expanding commercial shipping operations, improving trade connectivity and generating employment for Sierra Leonean maritime professionals.

The company is also expected to provide training and skills-development opportunities while strengthening Sierra Leone’s ambition to become an emerging maritime hub in West Africa.

Through the national carrier, Sierra Leone could play a greater role in transporting its imports and exports, including minerals, agricultural produce, construction materials and other commercial goods.

Following Parliament’s ratification, the Government, SLNSA and Zhejiang Xiehai Group are expected to proceed with the implementation of the joint venture agreement.

The development signals the beginning of a new phase in Sierra Leone’s maritime sector as the country seeks to build a resilient, competitive and internationally connected shipping industry.

Sierra Rutile Executive Director: Sembehun Project to Position Sierra Leone Among World’s Leading Rutile Producers

Smiling man in a navy suit with a pink striped tie, arms crossed, on a light gray background (professional portrait).
Sierra Rutile Holdings Limited Executive Director, Ibrahim Cole

 

Sierra Rutile Holdings Limited Executive Director, Ibrahim Cole, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transforming Sierra Leone into the world’s leading producer of natural rutile, describing the flagship Sembehun Project as a defining milestone for the country’s mining industry.

Speaking on the company’s ongoing transformation, Ibrahim Cole said the Sembehun Project represents far more than a conventional mining investment, calling it a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will unlock Sierra Leone’s vast mineral wealth while demonstrating the capacity of indigenous ownership to successfully manage and expand a world-class mining operation.

According to him, despite facing significant challenges, skepticism and resistance throughout the takeover of Sierra Rutile, the company has continued to record meaningful progress toward achieving its long-term objectives.

“Sembehun is more than a mining project; it is a defining moment for Sierra Leone,” Ibrahim Cole stated. “Despite the challenges and doubts, our team remains relentless. We are building a world-class, Sierra Leonean-owned operation that will unlock the full potential of our mineral resources and position Sierra Rutile among the world’s leading natural rutile producers.”

He added that the acquisition and expansion of Sierra Rutile demonstrate the resilience, ambition and determination of Sierra Leonean businesses to compete successfully on the global stage.

“Our takeover of Sierra Rutile has faced significant headwinds and doubts; even from some of those expected to support us. Yet, despite every obstacle, we continue to make meaningful progress,” he said.

Ibrahim Cole expressed appreciation to stakeholders, investors and supporters who have continued to back the company during what he described as a historic transformation.

“We are grateful for the continued support and growing interest in this once-in-a-generation undertaking, proving that indigenous Sierra Leonean ownership can successfully operate and grow a world-class, large-scale mine,” he noted.

The Executive Director emphasized that the company’s long-term vision is anchored on the successful development of the Sembehun Project, which he believes will position Sierra Rutile as the world’s largest natural rutile producer.

He described the project as central to Sierra Leone’s future leadership in the global supply of natural rutile, a mineral widely used in the production of titanium dioxide for paints, plastics, pigments, aerospace components and other industrial applications.

Ibrahim Cole also outlined the strategic priorities guiding Sierra Rutile’s operations under its parent company, Leonoil, highlighting corporate governance, operational excellence, sustainable mining and stakeholder engagement as key pillars of the company’s transformation agenda.

He explained that his responsibilities include providing strategic direction for the company’s long-term growth, overseeing operational performance across existing mining areas and expansion projects, strengthening relationships with Government and local communities, and positioning Sierra Rutile competitively in international markets.

According to Ibrahim Cole, Sierra Rutile is also focused on enhancing production efficiency, maintaining high environmental and safety standards, and securing long-term supply agreements with global consumers of titanium minerals.

He noted that corporate reforms are being implemented to improve governance, financial transparency and operational competitiveness as the company integrates fully into Leonoil’s investment portfolio.

Ibrahim Cole stressed that the company’s objective extends beyond commercial success, saying Sierra Rutile aims to remain a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s economy by creating employment opportunities, supporting local communities and contributing to national development through responsible mining practices.

Reflecting on the company’s recent acquisition, Ibrahim Cole said Sierra Rutile Holdings has successfully completed a significant off-market group acquisition that provides a foundation for expanding one of the world’s largest known natural rutile resources.

He attributed the progress to strategic planning, innovative leadership and strong collaboration between the private sector and Government institutions.

Looking ahead, Ibrahim Cole reaffirmed Sierra Rutile’s commitment to sustainable development, ethical business practices and environmental stewardship, maintaining that the company’s future growth will continue to prioritize the wellbeing of employees, host communities and the environment.

“The goal is to achieve what no one has ever seen,” he declared, adding that Sierra Rutile’s journey reflects the determination, resilience and ambition of Sierra Leoneans to build globally competitive industries while creating lasting economic value for the nation.

WFP Procures Over One Million Kilograms of Local Food for Sierra Leone’s School Feeding Programme

Group of people at a donation ceremony standing in front of stacked bags with a banner that says HOME-GROWN school Feeding, handing a large bag of supplies to a recipient man seated center.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has procured and collected more than one million kilograms of locally produced rice and pulses from smallholder farmers across Sierra Leone to support the country’s Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

The achievement was announced on August 4, 2026, during the launch of the 2026/2027 Home-Grown School Feeding year at WFP’s Kissy Warehouse in Freetown.

The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and other development partners.

According to WFP, the food collected in 2026 is equivalent to 21,158 bags weighing 50 kilograms each. The milestone represents a significant step in efforts to strengthen local food systems, create reliable markets for farmers and provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren.

WFP Country Director, Andrew Odero, described the initiative as an important national investment connecting agricultural production with children’s education, health and development.

“The 2026/2027 Home-Grown School Feeding Year is more than the opening of a school meals calendar; it is the opening of a national pathway that connects Sierra Leonean farmers to Sierra Leonean children, strengthens local food systems, keeps value within our communities, and invests in the health, learning and future of the next generation,” Andrew Odero said.

WFP disclosed that more than US$900,000 has so far been injected into the local economy through the 2026 purchases. The investment has created market opportunities for smallholder farmers, improved rural livelihoods and increased demand for locally produced agricultural commodities.

The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackie, said every bag of food purchased represents benefits for both farmers and schoolchildren.

“Every one of those bags purchased represents a farmer who chose to plant and harvest, and a child who will sit in a classroom with a full belly and a focused mind. Our ambition is to reach 2,500 metric tonnes this year,” he stated.

The latest achievement builds on the progress recorded in 2025, when WFP purchased more than 1.95 million kilograms of food from Sierra Leonean farmers. The quantity included over 1.9 million kilograms of rice and more than 50,000 kilograms of pulses.

Those purchases benefited approximately 22,500 farmers working through smallholder farmer aggregators and injected nearly US$2 million into the rural economy. The intervention also supported the Government’s Feed Salone Strategy, which seeks to increase agricultural production, reduce food imports and strengthen national food security.

United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, highlighted the importance of cooperation among UN agencies, Government institutions and development partners in building sustainable national systems.

“The value of the UN is not simply in what each agency does individually, but in how we combine our expertise to support stronger and more sustainable national systems. Home-Grown School Feeding provides a practical platform for that collaboration,” Seraphine Wakana said.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, described the programme as a practical demonstration of the Government’s Feed Salone vision.

“WFP is the clearest example of what Feed Salone is and can be. It is about multisector partnership and supporting farmers to do what they do best; feed our people,” he said.

Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka added that the Government has provided resources for WFP to connect farmers to reliable markets while supporting school meals for approximately 250,000 children across five districts.

The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme provides farmers with both economic opportunities and the confidence to increase investment in agricultural production. By creating an assured market, the programme encourages farmers to expand cultivation, improve productivity and participate more actively in the national food supply chain.

Isata Feika Sesay, Chairlady of the Takeleneh Farmers Association in Kambia and a major aggregator of rice and pulses, said WFP’s assistance has transformed opportunities for farmers in her community.

“The SATAKE milling machine and other support from WFP have given farmers in our community confidence to invest more in production because we know there is a market for what we grow,” she said.

“The income earned is helping families meet their needs, send children to school and improve their livelihoods.”

Isata Feika Sesay added that the school feeding programme has created dependable market opportunities and encouraged more women to participate in farming as a pathway to economic independence and empowerment.

Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President, Manty Tarawalli, thanked WFP and its partners for their continued support towards ensuring that children have access to safe, nutritious and locally produced school meals.

“Today’s event is more than the opening of another school feeding cycle. It is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to investing in our children, strengthening local food systems and creating sustainable opportunities for Sierra Leonean farmers,” she stated.

Manty Tarawalli also announced that the Government would launch the Nourish Salone initiative in December 2026. The initiative is expected to increase demand for locally produced food, reduce malnutrition and stimulate private-sector investment in agriculture.

Home-grown school feeding has continued to demonstrate the importance of connecting smallholder farmers to stable and reliable markets. Local food procurement helps to strengthen food security, improve pupils’ concentration and educational outcomes, and stimulate economic activity in farming communities.

The programme receives financial support from the Government of Sierra Leone, as well as the Governments of the Federal Republic of Germany, Iceland and Japan.

WFP and its partners said they remain committed to feeding schoolchildren, creating sustainable opportunities for farmers and building stronger and more resilient local food systems across Sierra Leone.

ACC Indicts NMSA Volunteer Over Alleged Misappropriation of US$38,000 Ultrasound Machine

Seal of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Sierra Leone, with an eagle on a waving green-white-blue flag inside a circular badge and the motto 'Integrity • Impartiality • Independence' around the edge.

 

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has indicted Francis Lavai, a volunteer attached to the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA), over the alleged misappropriation of a portable ultrasound machine valued at US$38,000.

The Commission announced the indictment in a Press Release issued on Tuesday, 4 August 2026.

Francis Lavai, who was attached to the NMSA warehouse at Fawaz Compound, Ferry Junction in Freetown, faces one count of misappropriation of public property. The alleged offence is contrary to Section 36(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008, as amended by the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act of 2019.

According to the particulars of the offence, the alleged misappropriation occurred between 1 December 2025 and 31 January 2026 at the Bo District Medical Stores in the Southern Province.

The ACC alleges that Francis Lavai misappropriated one portable black-and-white convex ultrasound machine belonging to the Ministry of Health.

The medical equipment formed part of a consignment donated under the Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme for distribution to public health units across Bo District.

The Commission said the indictment demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding public assets and ensuring that individuals entrusted with Government property are held accountable under the law.

“The Commission wishes to reassure the general public of its unwavering commitment to protecting public assets and ensuring that all persons entrusted with public property are held accountable in accordance with the law,” the ACC stated.

The indictment represents a formal criminal charge and does not constitute a conviction. Francis Lavai is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

Chinese Fishing Vessel Rescues Five Sierra Leonean Fishermen After Boat Sinks

Blue fishing boat moored at a pier, with large white registration numbers along the hull and several people on the deck against a water backdrop.

 

A Chinese fishing vessel, Yuan Yu 708, rescued five Sierra Leonean fishermen on August 4, 2026, after their boat sank amid heavy rain and rough seas.

The rescue operation has been praised as a demonstration of professionalism, humanitarian service and the social responsibility of Chinese fishing enterprises operating in Sierra Leone.

Captain Wang Pingchao reportedly spotted distress signals from the local fishing boat while conducting a routine watch at sea. Recognizing the danger, he immediately suspended fishing operations and directed the vessel to travel at full speed towards the distressed boat.

By the time Yuan Yu 708 arrived at the scene, the local fishing boat had completely sunk, leaving the five fishermen struggling in the water without adequate lifesaving equipment. They faced serious risks of drowning and hypothermia as the difficult weather conditions continued.

The Chinese vessel immediately activated its emergency rescue procedures and informed its company’s Management about the incident. The crew deployed lifesaving equipment and successfully pulled all five fishermen from the water.

Company Management also coordinated additional assistance by dispatching another vessel, Chang Rong-3, with medical personnel aboard.

Following their rescue, the fishermen were provided with dry clothing, food, drinking water, basic medical care and emotional support. All five were brought to safety.

The vessel later submitted the necessary reports to Sierra Leone’s maritime and fisheries authorities. Representatives of the Sierra Leone Navy and local media subsequently visited the vessel and commended the captain and crew for their swift response and professionalism.

The successful operation underscores the importance of maritime vigilance and emergency preparedness, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and dangerous sea conditions.

It also reflects the humanitarian role that fishing companies and other maritime operators can play in protecting lives at sea.

The rescue has been described as another example of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between China and Sierra Leone.

Mines Ministry, NMA Set Record Straight on JM Mining’s Large-Scale Licence Application

Man in a navy suit speaking into a handheld microphone at a podium or lectern.
Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai

The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency have clarified that JM Mining Kenema (SL) Limited never held a Large-Scale Mining Licence in Sierra Leone, contrary to claims that the Government withdrew the company’s licence.

In a detailed statement issued on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, the two institutions said JM Mining was offered a Large-Scale Mining Licence in January 2025, subject to the company formally accepting the offer and paying US$1.1 million in statutory licence and monitoring fees.

According to the Government, the company failed to meet both conditions despite receiving several extensions and more than one year to fulfil its financial obligations. The conditional offer consequently lapsed and the application file was closed.

The statement described as inaccurate any suggestion that a mining licence had been revoked, insisting that no licence was ever issued to JM Mining because the company did not complete the legally required payment process.

“This is the single most important point. What JM Mining received in January 2025 was an approval to grant a licence; a conditional offer,” the statement noted.

It explained that under Section 108(5) of the Mines and Minerals Development Act, a Large-Scale Mining Licence could only be issued after the applicant accepted the offer in writing and paid all prescribed fees.

The Government said JM Mining did neither within the legally stipulated period. Therefore, there was no valid licence that could have been withdrawn or taken away.

The statement further outlined several interventions reportedly made by the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency to support the company’s proposed investment.

JM Mining first wrote to the Minister on 17 December 2023, complaining that the Environment Protection Agency had halted its exploration activities.

On 16 April 2024, the Minister reportedly met the company’s Chief Executive Officer to discuss the dispute. The Minister later wrote formally on 20 May 2024, committing to engage the Minister of Environment in an effort to resolve the matter and allow JM Mining to continue its activities.

The communication was copied to the Ministry of Environment, the Environment Protection Agency and the Paramount Chief of Nongowa Chiefdom. The National Minerals Agency was also instructed to provide guidance and support to the company throughout the licensing process.

The Minerals Advisory Board subsequently considered JM Mining’s application on 18 December 2024 and recommended that it be approved.

The approval of the licence offer was formally communicated to the company on 23 January 2025. Under the law, JM Mining was required to accept the offer in writing within 30 days and pay the prescribed statutory fees before the licence could be issued.

However, the Government said the National Minerals Agency deliberately withheld the payment demand for approximately six months to give the company sufficient time to secure financing for the proposed operation.

Orders to Pay were eventually issued on 24 July 2025, requiring JM Mining to pay US$1 million in licence fees and US$100,000 in monitoring fees within 30 days.

The payment deadline expired on 23 August 2025 without the company making the required payments.

On 28 October 2025, the National Revenue Authority issued a formal payment demand. JM Mining reportedly requested additional time until the end of December 2025 to settle the outstanding fees.

The company’s self-requested deadline of 31 December 2025 also passed without payment.

On 29 January 2026, JM Mining requested a new Order to Pay, which the Government said amounted to an acknowledgement that the original payment order had not been honoured.

The following day, 30 January 2026, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources formally confirmed that the licence offer had lapsed and was rescinded, bringing the application process to an end.

The Ministry and NMA said JM Mining had been given 372 days from the date the licence offer was approved and 190 days from the date the payment orders were issued.

Despite the extended period, the company had not paid the US$1.1 million statutory fees as of the date of the Government’s statement.

The authorities also cited correspondence in which JM Mining allegedly admitted that it had defaulted on its obligations.

In a letter to the Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority dated 31 October 2025, the company’s Chief Executive Officer reportedly acknowledged that JM Mining was overdue in paying the annual Large-Scale Mining Licence fee and the related monitoring fee.

The company made a similar admission in a letter to the Director of Mines dated 15 January 2026, stating that it had been overdue in paying the licence fees since 24 August 2025.

On 29 January 2026, the Chief Executive Officer again wrote to the Director of Mines requesting a new Order to Pay for the licence and monitoring fees.

The Government rejected claims that the company was not given sufficient time, arguing that the law provided only 30 days, while JM Mining was allowed more than 12 months to complete the process.

It also dismissed suggestions that the company was in good standing, maintaining that the statutory fees remained unpaid and that the company had acknowledged the default in writing on three separate occasions.

Responding to allegations that the decision was arbitrary, the Government said the matter was reviewed by the Minerals Advisory Board before the Minister made a final decision.

The company was also reportedly informed in writing about how and where to present its case, while the final decision was communicated through a formal letter explaining the reasons for closing the file.

The Ministry and NMA further rejected claims that the Government was hostile to foreign investors.

They maintained that the Minister personally intervened in the company’s dispute with the Environment Protection Agency, met its Chief Executive Officer and directed the National Minerals Agency to support the company during the application process.

The Government reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to attracting serious and compliant investment into the mining sector but stressed that all companies must meet the same legal and financial requirements.

According to the statement, waiving the statutory conditions for one company would be unfair to other mining operators that had fulfilled their obligations under the law.

“The mineral resources of Sierra Leone belong to the people of Sierra Leone. They will be entrusted to those who meet their obligations under the law,” the statement concluded.

The Ministry and the National Minerals Agency said every assertion contained in their clarification was supported by dated correspondence and official documents held in their records, adding that a fully referenced chronology of the matter is available.

Sierra Leone Must Build DPI on Legal Identity and Institutional Collaboration — NCRA DG

Man in a dark blue tunic speaks into a handheld microphone at a podium, with a Department of State banner behind him.
Director-General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi

 

Director-General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, has called for Sierra Leone’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) programme to be built on the country’s existing legal identity systems, institutional mandates and technological investments.

Speaking at the First National Digital Public Infrastructure Stakeholder Consultation Forum on August 5, 2026, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi said trusted legal digital identity must remain the foundation of Sierra Leone’s digital transformation.

He commended President Julius Maada Bio and the organizers of the forum for advancing discussions on how technology could support national development, improve public services and strengthen the country’s digital economy.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi said digital transformation was no longer limited to introducing new technologies, but involved establishing trusted public infrastructure that enables the Government to serve citizens efficiently, securely and inclusively.

He explained that DPI operates in the digital world in much the same way as roads, bridges, airports, electricity networks and water systems function in the physical world.

“Just as roads allow vehicles to reach their destinations, Digital Public Infrastructure allows digital services to reach every citizen quickly, securely and efficiently,” he stated.

According to him, DPI has three essential building blocks: legal digital identity, digital payments and secure data exchange. Those components, he said, must work together to enable Government institutions, financial service providers and private businesses to offer seamless and citizen-centred digital services.

However, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi stressed that none of those systems could function effectively without a reliable legal digital identity framework.

“Without trusted legal digital identity, Digital Public Infrastructure cannot achieve its full potential,” he said. “Identity is the foundation upon which trust, authentication, interoperability and digital service delivery are built.”

He described digital identity as a secure electronic representation of a person’s physical identity, which can be used to verify who the individual is when accessing services online.

The NCRA Director-General maintained that the Authority was legally mandated under the National Civil Registration Act of 2016 to manage Sierra Leone’s civil registration, vital statistics and national identity systems.

He said the NCRA’s role should not be treated as separate from the DPI agenda because the institution represents its foundational identity component.

According to Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, Sierra Leone has already made significant investments in building an integrated Civil Registration, Vital Statistics and Identity Management System that should be strengthened and connected to emerging digital platforms.

He disclosed that the NCRA had established a Tier III-compliant primary data centre to store and manage the country’s identity information within Sierra Leone, thereby supporting national data sovereignty and security.

He said the Authority had also developed a National Biometric Identity Management System and Data Register, with approximately 93 per cent of Sierra Leone’s population registered and assigned unique National Identification Numbers.

The NINs, he explained, are not duplicated, reassigned or reused and can therefore provide a reliable foundation for identity verification across Government and private-sector services.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi added that the NCRA issues multipurpose biometric identity cards to citizens, foreign nationals and ECOWAS citizens residing in Sierra Leone. He said the cards comply with International Civil Aviation Organization and ECOWAS standards.

The Authority also issues secure certificates and credentials for births, deaths, marriages, divorces and adoptions, while operating an electronic Know Your Customer identity verification platform.

According to him, the verification system has been integrated with several Government institutions and private service providers to support financial transactions, mobile communication, immigration services, governance and public accountability.

He disclosed that the NCRA had successfully piloted the Modular Open Source Identity Platform, commonly known as MOSIP and is seeking resources for its full implementation. He said the platform would help Sierra Leone transition from vendor-dependent systems to a secure, open-source foundational identity platform.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi also highlighted the NCRA’s nationwide presence, stating that it had established offices and access points in every district and many populated communities. The Authority, he said, employs nearly 700 permanent professional staff and recruits thousands of temporary workers for major national registration exercises.

He noted that the NCRA had worked with the World Bank, the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation and other stakeholders on Sierra Leone’s Digital Identity Country Diagnostic Assessment.

According to him, the assessment reviewed the country’s identity ecosystem against international standards and reaffirmed the NCRA’s systems as a credible foundation for Sierra Leone’s DPI programme.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi also recalled the NCRA’s 2019 collaboration with Kiva and the Bank of Sierra Leone under a United Nations Capital Development Fund financial inclusion project. He said the partnership developed and launched what was described as Africa’s first blockchain-based digital identity solution for electronic identity verification and eKYC services.

“These are not isolated investments. They are strategic national assets and clear evidence that the NCRA is not merely a participant in Sierra Leone’s Digital Public Infrastructure agenda, but its foundational identity hub,” he said.

He urged the Government and development partners, including the World Bank, to protect those investments by strengthening and connecting existing systems instead of replacing or duplicating them.

“Digital Public Infrastructure should serve as an enabling framework that connects institutions, not one that duplicates or weakens them,” Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi emphasized.

The NCRA Director-General maintained that successful digital infrastructure programmes must respect existing legal mandates and avoid creating overlapping institutional responsibilities. Clear mandates, he said, promote transparency, accountability and public trust.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi reaffirmed the NCRA’s support for Sierra Leone’s DPI agenda, provided that its implementation complements and reinforces the legal and institutional gains already achieved.

He cited the May 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between the NCRA and the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation for the development of a National Data Exchange Layer.

The agreement, he said, recognized an “Identity at the Centre” approach, under which the NCRA’s legal identity system would provide the trusted foundation for secure information sharing and digital public services.

He also noted that the Ministry of Finance was piloting a Data Exchange Layer based on Estonia’s globally recognized X-Road system, with the NCRA serving as a critical provider of legal identity through the NIN.

“Rather than creating entirely new structures, let us operationalize what has already been agreed and signed. Let us build on existing partnerships, connect existing investments and move forward together,” he urged.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi stressed that no single institution could independently build Sierra Leone’s DPI because it required a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.

He explained that the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation provides digital transformation policy direction, while the NCRA supplies legal identity and the NIN.

Institutions already using the NIN include the National Revenue Authority for tax administration, the Ministry of Finance for payroll verification, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority for driver’s licences and vehicle registration, NASSIT for social security services and the National Investment Board for business registration.

Educational institutions, banks, telecommunications companies and mobile money operators also use identity verification services for enrolment, eKYC, SIM card registration and fraud prevention.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi said the Bank of Sierra Leone provides the country’s payment infrastructure through the National Payment Switch, while the Ministry of Finance continues to modernize public financial management and digital interoperability systems.

“The success of DPI depends not on institutional competition but on institutional coordination,” he declared.

The NCRA Director-General further warned that technology alone could not build public trust. He said legislation, effective governance, transparency, cybersecurity, data protection and institutional accountability must remain central to Sierra Leone’s DPI implementation.

Citizens, he added, must be confident that their personal information is collected lawfully, processed responsibly, shared appropriately and protected effectively.

Drawing lessons from Estonia, India, Brazil, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and European countries, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi said Sierra Leone should adapt international best practices to its own legal and institutional realities instead of copying foreign models wholesale.

He envisioned a system in which children are registered at birth and receive lifelong legal identities that support access to education, healthcare, financial services, employment, social protection and digital Government services.

He said such a system would allow businesses to verify customers instantly, enable banks to conduct secure eKYC procedures and allow Government institutions to exchange information electronically without repeatedly requesting the same documents from citizens.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi concluded by reaffirming the NCRA’s commitment to working with Government Ministries, the Bank of Sierra Leone, development partners, Civil Society Organisations and the private sector to build an inclusive, secure and citizen-centred digital economy.

He also urged policymakers to strengthen existing legislation and avoid introducing conflicting or duplicated mandates that could undermine the progress already made in managing legal identity.

While expressing support for responsible data sharing, he cautioned that sensitive information relating to national security, elections and other matters of national interest must receive appropriate protection.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi said the NCRA remain open to innovative technologies, including blockchain-based identity solutions, provided they complemented Sierra Leone’s legal, security and governance frameworks.

“Let us preserve the investments we have already made, strengthen the institutions and systems we have already built and implement Digital Public Infrastructure through partnership, sound governance and mutual respect for institutional mandates,” he said.

He maintained that a properly designed DPI would strengthen public trust, expand economic opportunities and ensure that every resident of Sierra Leone could access secure and inclusive digital services without being left behind.

President Bio Backs Gento’s Kent Port Project to Ease Freetown Port Congestion & Boost Economic Growth

Collage of three scenes: a man in a white hat giving a speech at a podium, a coastal construction site with a bridge, and a construction worker in a yellow safety vest beside heavy machinery.

 

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has commended progress on the Gento Group Seaport Project at Kent Village, describing the development as a major investment with the potential to strengthen Sierra Leone’s economy, create jobs and reduce congestion at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown.

The President made the statement during a discussion with journalists and civil society activists last Friday July 31, 2026  at Torma Bum Bonthe District, following an update from Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, who recently visited the project site.

Dr. David Moinina Sengeh told President Bio that significant work had been undertaken at the port and expressed confidence that the facility could help ease pressure on the country’s main seaport in Freetown once it becomes operational.

The Chief Minister also praised journalists and Civil Society Organisations for monitoring and reporting on Government development programmes.

Responding, President Bio said he had personally visited the Kent Seaport Project and was impressed by the level of progress achieved.

“I am also impressed with the development and I am happy that you, the journalists and civil society activists, have witnessed the progress,” President Bio said.

He encouraged the Gento Group of Companies to continue implementing the project, stressing that it could contribute significantly to Sierra Leone’s economic transformation.

“I encouraged Gento to keep up the project because I strongly believe it has the potential to transform the nation’s economy,” he said.

President Bio further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and national development, telling the gathering that his Government had nothing to hide.

“I am running an open and transparent Government and my goal is to make Sierra Leone a better place for us all,” he stated.

Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has also reportedly expressed support for the Kent Seaport Project. He described the development as an important investment capable of helping to address congestion at the Freetown port.

The project, estimated to cost more than US$70 million, has attracted interest from Government officials, opposition politicians, Civil Society groups and the media.

An agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Gento Group of Companies reportedly provides for US$20 million in Government counterpart funding. However, the company says the funding has not yet been provided.

Chief Executive Officer of the Gento Group of Companies, Mohamed Gento Kamara, recently disclosed that he had already invested more than US$30 million in the project. He acknowledged that the substantial financial demands associated with the development had become a major challenge.

“I am presently challenged because of the huge financial costs involved,” Mohamed Gento Kamara told journalists.

He said an additional US$40 million would enable the company to begin port operations by December, adding that the facility could support the Government’s economic agenda and create more than 1,000 employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.

“I strongly believe that with US$40 million, I will be able to start operations in December this year. This will greatly support the Government, add value to the economy and provide employment opportunities for over 1,000 Sierra Leoneans,” he stated.

Members of Parliament from the main opposition All People’s Congress and the governing Sierra Leone People’s Party also recently conducted an assessment visit to the project site. The lawmakers reportedly expressed satisfaction with the progress and pledged to support efforts aimed at ensuring the Government fulfils its obligations under the agreement.

Despite the broad support received from stakeholders, financing remains a significant obstacle to completing the project. Observers have argued that public-private infrastructure projects of this scale require timely Government counterpart funding to attract additional investment and accelerate implementation.

They maintained that completing the Kent Seaport Project could improve maritime operations, reduce pressure on the Freetown port, support trade and generate employment.

Stakeholders are therefore calling for stronger collaboration between the Government and the Gento Group of Companies to mobilize the funding required completing the project and making the facility operational.

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