Sierra Leone News | The Calabash Newspaper

UNDP Lesotho Concludes Four-Day Peer-Learning Exchange on Sierra Leone’s Development Financing Model

August 7, 2026

Group of five people standing in a bright store hallway, chatting and listening to a man in a beige outfit who is speaking.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lesotho has concluded a four-day peer-learning exchange with UNDP Sierra Leone, focusing on Sierra Leone’s Government Development Financing model and its potential application in Lesotho.

The exchange ended on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, with a Mission Debrief and Reflection Session at the UNDP Sierra Leone Country Office on Main Motor Road, Wilberforce in Freetown.

The UNDP Lesotho delegation included representatives from the Government of Lesotho and the country’s Parliament. The mission provided an opportunity for the two UNDP country offices to exchange experiences on development financing, governance and the effective use of domestic resources.

The delegation travelled to Sierra Leone to study how the Government has been using public resources through UNDP’s technical expertise, procurement systems and implementation mechanisms to support national development programmes.

Under the Government Development Financing model, the Government provides the financial resources, while UNDP contributes technical expertise, procurement services, financial systems and other mechanisms required to support programme implementation.

Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of the Lesotho Parliament, Honourable Machaba Lemphane-Letsie, said the mission was important as Lesotho seeks to make better use of its limited domestic resources amid declining financial support from development partners.

“We need to localize and domesticate development financing and use our own resources to fund development in Lesotho,” Honourable Machaba Lemphane-Letsie said.

Honourable Machaba Lemphane-Letsie noted that Sierra Leone had made significant progress in using Government resources in partnership with UNDP. She said the delegation planned to take the lessons and best practices from the exchange back to Lesotho.

According to him, one of the most important lessons from Sierra Leone is that the Government remains responsible for determining its development priorities, while UNDP works alongside it to implement programmes in accordance with national development plans.

“The Government plans with UNDP in accordance with the national development plans and they implement the programmes together,” Honourable Machaba Lemphane-Letsie explained.

Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of the Lesotho Parliament added that adopting the model could help Lesotho reduce the cost of procuring goods and services while ensuring the prudent use of limited public resources.

UNDP Sierra Leone Resident Representative, Fredrick Ampiah, said the peer-learning exchange demonstrated the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences among UNDP country offices.

Fredrick Ampiah described UNDP as a development service organisation that works with Governments by providing global expertise, advisory services, financial systems and procurement mechanisms to advance national development priorities.

The Resident Representative said Sierra Leone was among the first UNDP country offices in the region to implement the Government Development Financing model. He added that the approach had attracted interest from other countries seeking to understand its operation and potential benefits.

“The feedback we have received so far indicates that they find the model extremely exciting, particularly because of its potential to reduce the cost of running the Government in Lesotho,” Fredrick Ampiah said.

He cited UNDP’s collaboration with Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority as an example of the model in practice further explaining that Government resources could be channelled through UNDP, allowing the organisation to use its global procurement agreements to obtain vehicles and motorcycles at lower prices.

According to Fredrick Ampiah, such arrangements could save the Government between six and eight percent compared with purchasing goods through the open market.

Sharing his experience from the exchange, UNDP Lesotho Deputy Resident Representative, Dr. Taye Amssalu, said the delegation was particularly interested in how Sierra Leone combines Government ownership with UNDP’s technical and operational support.

“What really caught our attention is that the Government is not merely a recipient of development support but also a funder of its own development,” Dr. Taye Amssalu said.

The UNDP Lesotho Deputy Resident Representative explained that UNDP’s role was not to replace Government institutions but to strengthen them through international experience, technical expertise and effective systems while helping to build national capacity.

Dr. Taye Amssalu expressed optimism that the lessons gained from Sierra Leone could be replicated in Lesotho. He said the delegation would present its findings and recommendations to the Government of Lesotho upon returning home.

“I am optimistic and confident that we will be able to replicate this innovative implementation model,” Dr. Taye Amssalu said.

The four-day exchange formed part of UNDP’s South-South learning approach, which enables country offices to share experiences, practical solutions and innovative development models that can be adapted to their respective national contexts.

UNDP Lesotho Deputy Resident Representative, Dr. Taye Amssalu

Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of the Lesotho Parliament, Honourable Machaba Lemphane-Letsie

UNDP Sierra Leone Resident Representative, Fredrick Ampiah

50/50 & Partners Advance Women’s Land Rights, Peace and Inclusive Governance

August 7, 2026

Woman in a white traditional outfit and glasses speaks into a microphone at a podium, with an equality banner in the background.

The 50/50 Group, in partnership with Green Scenery, the Women’s Network for Environmental Sustainability (WoNES) and the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD), on Wednesday 5 August 2026, convened a National Stakeholders’ Policy Dialogue on Women’s Land Rights, Peace and Inclusive Governance under the “Uman, Land En Kol At” Project, implemented with support from Christian Aid through the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF), bringing together women representatives from Kono, Kailahun, Port Loko and Tonkolili districts, policymakers, Government institutions, traditional authorities, development partners and Civil Society Organisations to chart a way forward for securing women’s land rights and strengthening inclusive land governance in Sierra Leone.

Held under the theme, “Securing Women’s Land Rights, Promoting Peace, Advancing Inclusive Governance,” the dialogue took place at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. Discussions centred on the persistent barriers preventing women from accessing, owning and controlling land despite a series of progressive legal reforms, with participants calling for stronger implementation of existing laws, greater institutional accountability and closer collaboration among key stakeholders.

Chairing the dialogue, governance expert and development practitioner, Aminata Samuella Ruth Kelly Lamin, said Sierra Leone has made notable progress in reforming its legal and policy framework on land governance but warned that many women continue to be denied the rights guaranteed under the law. She pointed to reforms including the Customary Land Rights Act 2022, the National Land Commission Act 2022, the National Land Policy 2015 and the Devolution of Estates Act 2007, describing them as important milestones in advancing gender equality.

She, however, observed that implementation remains the country’s greatest challenge, with many women still facing discrimination in accessing, owning and controlling land. Aminata Samuella Ruth Kelly Lamin urged stakeholders to examine why those legal protections have not translated into meaningful change and called for stronger enforcement, greater institutional commitment and practical solutions capable of improving women’s participation in land governance.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, a representative of the Ministry reaffirmed Government’s commitment to advancing women’s rights through legislative and policy reforms. The statement highlighted the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022, the Customary Land Rights Act 2022 and the National Land Commission Act 2022 as major achievements that have strengthened legal protection for women.

Despite those gains, it was underscored how the Minister acknowledged that many women continue to be denied inheritance, evicted from family land and excluded from ownership because of discriminatory customary practices. She stressed that passing laws alone is insufficient without effective implementation, stronger institutions and sustained public awareness.

The statement further described the ongoing constitutional review process as an opportunity to eliminate discriminatory provisions, particularly Section 27(4)(d) of the 1991 Constitution, which excludes matters relating to personal law from constitutional protection against discrimination. The Minister called for increased public education on land rights, stronger enforcement mechanisms and continued support for women, especially widows and women with disabilities, to claim the rights guaranteed under the law.

Representing the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Buawah Jobo Samba, Director of GIS and Remote Sensing, said the Ministry has prioritized reforms aimed at creating a fair, transparent and inclusive land administration system. He noted that while challenges affecting women’s access to land persist, Government has undertaken significant policy, legislative and institutional reforms to address them.

Buawah Jobo Samba highlighted the National Land Policy 2015, which promotes equal access to land regardless of gender and supports joint ownership and registration of family land by married couples. He said the subsequent enactment of the Customary Land Rights Act 2022 and the National Land Commission Act 2022 has further strengthened the legal framework governing land administration.

The Director disclosed how the Ministry is developing regulations and other supporting instruments required to fully implement the two Acts while expanding systematic land registration and other reforms aimed at improving land governance across the country. He encouraged participants to contribute practical recommendations that would strengthen ongoing reforms and improve women’s access to land.

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Prof. Aisha Fofana Ibrahim, Programmes Director of the 50/50 Group Sierra Leone, described the dialogue as a key component of the Uman, Land En Kol At Project, implemented with support from Christian Aid through the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. She said the initiative seeks to strengthen women’s participation in land governance, dismantle structural inequalities and promote peaceful conflict resolution through inclusive dialogue.

Prof. Aisha Fofana Ibrahim argued that sustainable peace and national development cannot be achieved while women remain excluded from land ownership and decision making. She said the project is empowering women with knowledge of their legal rights, increasing their participation in land administration and fostering collaboration among Government institutions, traditional authorities and Civil Society Organisations.

Also addressing the gathering, a representative of Christian Aid said Sierra Leone has made encouraging progress in establishing laws that protect women’s land rights but cautioned that legislation must be translated into practical action. The representative noted that secure access to land enables women to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen household incomes and contribute more effectively to national development.

The representative added that communities become more stable and prosperous when women participate meaningfully in land governance and decision making. Christian Aid reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote justice, equality and peaceful management of land resources while commending the collaboration among Government, Civil Society Organisations and development partners under the project.

Throughout the dialogue, participants repeatedly emphasized that the country’s legal reforms have laid a solid foundation for gender equality in land governance but warned that the benefits will remain limited without effective enforcement, stronger institutions and greater public awareness.

The forum concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen partnerships, amplify community voices and advance policy recommendations that will ensure women across Sierra Leone enjoy equal rights to access, own and control land as a foundation for inclusive governance, sustainable development and lasting peace.

Pastor JAL Melodies Set to Host ‘Intimate Worship 2026’ in Freetown

August 7, 2026

Poster for Intimate Worship: a man in a suit standing before a geometric backdrop with a cross icon; event date Sunday, Sept 6, at Faith Assembly Church, Brookfields.

Gospel music minister and worship leader Pastor JAL Melodies is set to host “Intimate Worship 2026,” a Christian worship gathering scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Faith Assembly Church in Brookfields, Freetown.

The event is being promoted as an evening dedicated to worship, praise and spiritual reflection, bringing together Christians and worshippers for what organizers describe as an opportunity to experience God’s presence through music and worship. Recent promotional announcements also describe the programme as featuring special guest ministers.

The event flyer indicates that the programme will begin at 5:00 p.m., with worshippers expected to gather for an evening of Christian music and spiritual fellowship.

Tickets have been categorized into five levels: Platinum at Le1,000, Gold at Le500, Silver at Le250, Bronze at Le100 and Children’s tickets at Le50.

Organisers are encouraging worshippers, families and lovers of gospel music to secure their tickets and attend the gathering.

The event is expected to provide a platform for worshippers to come together in faith, praise and thanksgiving, while creating an atmosphere for spiritual renewal and fellowship.

The organizers’ recent publicity describes Intimate Worship 2026 as a night set apart for passionate worship and a powerful encounter with God.

MobiCare Wins Orange Social Venture Prize 2026 as Orange Sierra Leone Champions the Next Generation of Innovators

August 7, 2026

Orange Sierra Leone Rewards MobiCare, MiFam at 2026 Social Venture Prize

Orange Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting youth innovation, entrepreneurship and technology by awarding MobiCare the grand prize at the seventh edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize in Sierra Leone.

The competition, held on 3 August 2026 at the Orange Digital Center in Freetown, brought together Government representatives, development partners, entrepreneurs, innovators, students and industry leaders to celebrate solutions designed to address social challenges and support sustainable economic growth.

Hosted by Monica Jackson, the 2024 Orange Social Venture Prize Tech Queen, the ceremony highlighted Orange Sierra Leone’s efforts to create opportunities for young innovators to transform promising ideas into practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.

The 2026 competition attracted 138 applications from across Sierra Leone. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 38 projects were shortlisted, with eight outstanding finalists advancing to compete for the Orange Innovation Awards.

Delivering the keynote address, Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Aïcha Touré reaffirmed the company’s belief that innovation and technology are powerful drivers of economic transformation.

“For seven consecutive years, Orange has invested in Sierra Leonean innovators, supporting ideas that have the potential to transform communities and improve lives,” Aïcha Touré said.

She added that, as one of Africa’s leading telecommunications companies, Orange considers innovation one of the strongest drivers of economic growth and remains committed to helping young people develop practical and scalable solutions that contribute to national development.

Aïcha Touré said the Orange Social Venture Prize has recorded significant progress since its introduction in Sierra Leone in 2019. According to her, the programme has attracted more than 1,000 applicants and provided financial and developmental support to several innovators.

She noted that successful innovation requires more than creativity, stressing that determination, resilience and a strong commitment to addressing real-life challenges are essential for transforming ideas into sustainable ventures.

Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education Sarjoh Aziz Kamara commended Orange Sierra Leone for complementing national efforts to promote entrepreneurship, digital innovation and youth empowerment.

“The future of Sierra Leone depends on innovation and technology,” Sarjoh Aziz Kamara said. “Initiatives such as the Orange Social Venture Prize are helping to create jobs, nurture talent and support the Government’s development agenda.”

He encouraged young Sierra Leonean innovators to take advantage of available opportunities and develop solutions capable of making a positive contribution to society.

Chief Executive Officer of Coco Innovations Sierra Leone Hannah Campbell also praised Orange Sierra Leone for its longstanding partnership with the country’s innovation ecosystem.

Hannah Campbell described the Orange Social Venture Prize as more than a competition, saying it serves as a transformative platform that provides entrepreneurs with the confidence, visibility and resources required to expand their ventures and create meaningful change.

The climax of the ceremony was the announcement of the 2026 winners, whose projects demonstrated the creativity, talent and problem-solving abilities of young Sierra Leoneans.

Dr. Abdulai Osman Koroma, creator of MobiCare, emerged as the grand prize winner and received NLe 200,000 to further develop his digital healthcare solution.

MobiCare is a mobile application that allows users to locate pharmacies where prescribed medicines are available. The solution is designed to reduce the difficulties and delays patients often experience when searching for essential medication.

Speaking after receiving the award, Dr. Abdulai Osman Koroma said the idea was inspired by the challenges confronting many patients while searching for prescribed medicines.

“With MobiCare, users can easily search for medicines from home and identify where they are available, reducing delays and improving access to healthcare services,” Dr. Abdulai Osman Koroma explained.

Medical student and Founder of MiFam, Fatmata Mariama Koroma, was another major winner at the ceremony. She received NLe 120,000 to advance her agricultural innovation, which seeks to contribute to farming and food security in Sierra Leone.

Fatmata Mariama Koroma expressed appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone for providing a platform through which young entrepreneurs can transform their ambitions into impactful and sustainable businesses.

The conclusion of the seventh Orange Social Venture Prize reinforced the growing importance of young innovators in shaping Sierra Leone’s development. Through the programme, Orange Sierra Leone continues to support entrepreneurs using technology and creativity to address social challenges, create employment opportunities and promote sustainable economic growth.

The accomplishments of the 2026 finalists also reflected Orange Sierra Leone’s continued commitment to nurturing local talent and building an inclusive digital future in which young people are empowered to innovate, lead and transform their communities.

Orange Sierra Leone Rewards MobiCare, MiFam at 2026 Social Venture Prize Woman presenter in lavender lace dress speaking into a microphone at a lectern, with an Orange Digital Center banner in the background.

PR System Promotes Inclusive Representation, Says VP Juldeh Jalloh

August 5, 2026

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has described the Proportional Representation (PR) system as one of the world’s most widely used electoral models, saying it promotes inclusive representation and ensures that all segments of society have a voice in governance, saying it promotes inclusive representation and ensures that all segments of society have a voice in governance.

This assertion, made at the National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference on Security and Governance in Bo City on Friday, 31 July 2026, which also discussed electoral reforms, has reawakened the debate about what electoral system might work for Sierra Leone.

The occasion also examined Sierra Leone’s electoral future by exploring options including Proportional Representation and the First-Past-The-Post system, with participation from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), National Civil Registration Authority, international partners, civil society organisations and government institutions.

In February this year, the country’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., stated that the adoption of the PR electoral system has saved the country an estimated NLe20 million ($841,042) by eliminating the need for parliamentary by-elections.

Meanwhile, current data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the world’s oldest and largest international organization of national parliaments, shows that 76 countries use proportional representation for their lower house of parliament, compared with 62 using plurality or majority systems and 35 using mixed systems, making PR the single most common electoral system category globally.

Some observers have also maintained a cautious stance on the matter. While acknowledging the financial savings and reduction in by-election-related tensions and violence cited by the government, some opposition politicians have expressed reservations about the broader political implications of the PR system.

Addressing the question around the broader implications of the PR system, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh, with experience in researching electoral systems and election management in over 14 countries across the world, argued that the PR system was particularly effective in advancing women’s political participation by creating greater opportunities for them to secure elective positions.

“The proportional representation system is the best-suited electoral system for guaranteeing women’s representation and ensuring inclusive representation,” he said, stressing the importance of an electoral framework that promoted fairness, equality, and wider citizen participation.

The political scientist and governance expert also noted that countries adopted electoral systems that best suited their democratic needs, adding that proportional representation remained a preferred model for Sierra Leone because it broadened political participation and reflected the diversity of the electorate.

Back in the conference hall in Bo, which represented a significant opportunity for traditional leaders from across the country to interact, share experiences, and strengthen national cohesion, the Vice President commended ECSL and other stakeholders for their commitment to strengthening the country’s democratic processes, reaffirming the government’s commitment under President Dr Julius Maada Bio to promoting democratic governance, inclusion, and equal participation.

Pew Survey Highlights China’s Growing Diplomatic Influence Across Africa, Asia and Latin America

August 5, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald J. Trump

China is now viewed more favourably than the United States in most countries surveyed by the Pew Research Center, marking a significant shift in global public opinion as Beijing’s international image improves and confidence in Washington continues to decline.

Two reports released by the Pew Research Center on July 15, 2026, showed that public attitudes towards China have recovered considerably from the historic lows recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The improvement has been particularly strong in middle-income countries across Africa, Latin America, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The first report, titled “People in Many Countries Now View China More Positively Than the U.S.,” compared international perceptions of the two global powers, their leaders, respect for personal freedoms and foreign-policy roles.

The study surveyed 42,151 adults in 36 countries between February 8 and May 13, 2026. It found that China was viewed more favourably than the United States in 25 countries, while the US received stronger ratings in only six. Public opinion of the two countries was statistically similar in the remaining nations.

A second report, “Views of China and Xi Are Improving Globally,” examined China’s international image and public confidence in President Xi Jinping. That survey covered 45,658 respondents in 37 countries, including the United States, during the same period.

The findings point to a major reversal in international opinion between 2023 and 2026. Across 20 countries surveyed annually during that period, the median favourable rating of the United States fell from 58 per cent in 2023 to 36 per cent in 2026. China’s rating, by contrast, increased from 32 per cent to 46 per cent.

Pew Research Center said the shift reflected both improving views of China and increasingly negative perceptions of the United States. The decline in America’s international standing became particularly noticeable during the first two years of President Donald Trump’s second term.

The changing attitudes were evident even among America’s closest neighbours. In Canada, 57 per cent of respondents viewed the United States favourably in 2023, compared with only 14 per cent who held a positive opinion of China. By 2025, ratings of the two countries were similar. In 2026, China moved ahead, with 44 per cent of Canadians expressing a favourable view of Beijing, compared with 33 per cent for Washington.

China recorded some of its strongest ratings in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In Pakistan, 90 per cent of respondents expressed a favourable opinion of China, while only 15 per cent viewed the United States positively.

China was also viewed favourably by 75 per cent of respondents in Malaysia, 73 per cent in Singapore, 72 per cent in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, 69 per cent in Thailand and 56 per cent in Bangladesh.

The findings showed similarly strong support for China in the four African countries included in the surveys. In Nigeria, 78 per cent held a favourable view of China, compared with 63 per cent who viewed the United States positively.

China also led in Kenya, receiving a 76 per cent favourable rating against 63 per cent for the United States. In South Africa, China recorded 52 per cent, compared with 35 per cent for the US.

Ghana was the exception among the African countries surveyed. Sixty-eight per cent of Ghanaians viewed the United States favourably, while 64 per cent expressed a positive opinion of China.

China’s image was generally stronger in middle-income countries than in wealthier nations. Across all 37 countries covered by the second report, a median of 51 per cent held a favourable opinion of China, while 39 per cent viewed the country negatively.

Negative perceptions of China, however, remained high in several developed countries and nations with longstanding security or territorial concerns involving Beijing. Only 11 per cent of Japanese respondents viewed China favourably, compared with 27 per cent in the United States and Sweden, 28 per cent in South Korea and 31 per cent in Australia.

The surveys found a similar divide in confidence in President Xi. Confidence in his ability to do the right thing in world affairs was highest in Pakistan at 83 per cent, followed by Kenya at 73 per cent, Singapore at 67 per cent and Malaysia at 66 per cent.

Xi also received confidence ratings of 62 per cent in Nigeria and Indonesia, and 61 per cent in Bangladesh.

Across the 36 countries where the two leaders were compared, respondents in 22 expressed greater confidence in Xi than in Trump. Although confidence in both leaders remained generally low in Europe, Xi received better ratings in Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

In South Africa, 46 per cent expressed confidence in Xi, compared with 26 per cent for Trump. Xi also led Trump by 10 percentage points in Kenya and two points in Ghana. Trump received a slightly higher rating in Nigeria.

The US President performed better in countries with longstanding security concerns about China, including India, Japan, the Philippines and Israel. In Israel, 66 per cent expressed confidence in Trump, while only 10 per cent said the same about Xi.

The reports also examined how China and the United States are perceived as international partners. Across 17 middle-income countries, a median of 69 per cent described China as a reliable partner, compared with 49 per cent who said the same about the United States.

Fifty-eight per cent believed China contributes to peace and stability around the world, while 40 per cent held that view of the US. Another 57 per cent said China considers the interests of countries like theirs when making international policy decisions, compared with 42 per cent for the United States.

The difference was particularly strong in sub-Saharan Africa. Eighty-eight per cent of Kenyans described China as a reliable partner, followed by 76 per cent in Nigeria, 72 per cent in South Africa and 69 per cent in Ghana.

Majorities in the four African countries also believed China contributes to global peace and stability. The figure stood at 68 per cent in Ghana, 67 per cent in Kenya, 65 per cent in Nigeria and 64 per cent in South Africa.

Respondents nevertheless expressed concerns about foreign interference. Across the 17 middle-income countries, 75 per cent said the United States interferes in the domestic affairs of other nations, while 45 per cent expressed the same opinion about China.

Despite Beijing’s improving standing, concerns remain over personal freedoms. Across the 37 countries, only 26 per cent believed the Chinese Government respects the freedoms of its people, while 59 per cent said it does not.

The United States continued to receive better ratings on personal freedoms, with 39 per cent saying the American Government respects its citizens’ rights. However, that figure has fallen sharply in several countries since 2021, narrowing the longstanding gap between Washington and Beijing.

The findings also exposed major divisions within the Asia-Pacific region. China was widely regarded as a partner in Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, but was frequently identified as a threat in Japan, the Philippines, Australia, South Korea and India. Concerns about territorial disputes involving China were particularly high in Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

Pew Research Center concluded that China’s improving image does not mean international concerns about its domestic and foreign policies have disappeared. Instead, the findings reveal a changing global balance in which many middle-income countries increasingly regard China as a dependable economic and diplomatic partner, while confidence in the United States and its leadership has weakened.

Sierra Leone was not among the countries covered by either survey.

Sierra Leonean Elected VP of ECOWAS Risk Communication Network

August 5, 2026

Smiling man wearing headphones and a green lanyard speaks at a conference, holding a phone, with attendees seated at tables behind him.

Sierra Leonean risk communication professional Patrick Lansana has been elected Vice President of the ECOWAS Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Network. He was elected at the just-concluded three-day regional capacity-building workshop on Risk Communication and Community Engagement, organised by the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC) in Abuja, Nigeria.

The network brings together risk communication professionals from ECOWAS member states who work within the RCSDC framework. Its role is to coordinate regional public health communication, build trust and resilience in local communities, and manage health misinformation during disease outbreaks and emergencies.

Patrick works for Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA) as Programme Manager for the Risk Communication and Community Engagement Pillar. He was unanimously elected by his professional colleagues.

Bissau-Guinean Da Silva Estevão was elected President at the same event, while Paul Alle Kouadio of Côte d’Ivoire was elected General Secretary. Kpogbeme Pricile of Benin and Hannatu Bello of Nigeria were elected First and Second Assistant Secretaries, respectively.

The NPHA-SL hailed Patrick’s election as recognition of his leadership and commitment to strengthening risk communication in Sierra Leone and across the region.

“This well-deserved achievement is a significant recognition of your exceptional leadership, professional excellence, unwavering commitment, and outstanding contributions to strengthening Risk Communication and Community Engagement, behavioural intelligence, and infodemic management in Sierra Leone and across the West African region,” the agency said in a statement.

Patrick has played an instrumental role in the development and advancement of Sierra Leone’s Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management (BIIM) System. He is also recognised for his tireless efforts in promoting community-centred, evidence-informed and people-focused public health interventions.

The NPHA described his election as “a proud moment for Sierra Leone,” noting that it reflected the growing recognition of the country’s leadership and expertise in RCCE, public health preparedness, epidemic intelligence and emergency response.

The Abuja workshop was designed to enable participants to exchange ideas and expertise on current public health issues, particularly the ongoing Ebola outbreak in East Africa. Organisers said it also provided an opportunity to strengthen the capacity of RCSDC members and build on existing operational mechanisms.

Miss Freetown Unveils Finalists August 7 After Record-Breaking Auditions

August 5, 2026

Group of women in black dresses posing with beverage cans at an outdoor event, front row seated on wicker chairs with a branded backdrop behind them.

Miss Freetown has recorded the highest audition turnout in its 20-year history, with 48 young women applying to participate in the 2026 edition of the popular beauty and leadership pageant.

Organisers described the figure as the largest documented number of applications received for a pageant audition in Sierra Leone, marking a significant milestone for the competition as it enters its 14th edition.

The announcement followed the successful conclusion of the official launch and auditions organised by Miss Freetown SL Limited, a subsidiary of the LAKE Group of Companies, at Kabanna Beach Bar and Restaurant, Lumley Beach, in Freetown.

Following a pre-orientation screening exercise, 20 contestants advanced to the audition stage. Eighteen appeared before a live audience, accredited media representatives and a five-member panel of independent judges on Saturday, while the remaining two were granted formal deferrals because they were sitting scheduled academic examinations.

The two contestants completed their auditions on Sunday under the same conditions and before the same panel of judges.

Chief Executive Officer of the LAKE Group of Companies, Dr. Alhaji K. Tarawally, said the decision to accommodate them reflected the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that education remains a priority for young women participating in the competition.

“We made a deliberate decision that no young woman should be forced to choose between her education and her ambition,” Dr. Tarawally said.

“Two of our contestants were sitting examinations on Saturday, so we accommodated them on Sunday under identical conditions and before the same judging panel. Education first is not just a slogan—it is policy,” he added.

Organisers said all 20 contestants were assessed by the same panel using identical criteria to preserve fairness, transparency and credibility throughout the selection process.

Only 15 contestants will secure places in the Miss Freetown 2026 competition. The identities of the finalists will be officially unveiled on Friday, 7 August 2026, at 8:00 p.m. GMT across the pageant’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok platforms.

The successful contestants will proceed through a series of activities designed to test their confidence, intelligence, leadership ability, public speaking skills and commitment to community development.

The Grand Pageant Night is scheduled for Saturday, 28 November 2026, at Chapter One in Freetown, where one contestant will be crowned Miss Freetown 2026.

The event is expected to attract government officials, corporate partners, members of the diplomatic community, entertainment personalities and pageant enthusiasts from across Sierra Leone.

Miss Freetown has developed into one of Sierra Leone’s most recognised beauty, empowerment and leadership platforms. During the past two decades, several former titleholders have progressed to represent the country in the Miss Sierra Leone competition and on international stages, including Miss World.

Beyond celebrating beauty and talent, the organisation has used its #GirlPowerInitiative to promote the leadership, education and personal development of young women. The initiative has reportedly supported hundreds of beneficiaries through mentorship, professional training, financial assistance and a residential leadership camp.

Organisers said the record number of applications demonstrates growing public confidence in the pageant and increasing interest among young women seeking opportunities for personal and professional development.

With unprecedented attention generated even before the announcement of the 15 finalists, organisers believe Miss Freetown 2026 is on course to become one of the most competitive and widely followed editions in the history of Sierra Leonean pageantry.

Celebrating Excellence: Braima Koroma and Co-Authors Win 2026 Best Paper Award

August 5, 2026

Portrait of a smiling Black man in a navy blazer and light blue shirt against a white background — Braima Koroma, Director of Research and Training at the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC)

The Regional Studies Association (RSA) has honoured Braima Koroma, Director of Research and Training at the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC), and five other researchers with the 2026 Best Paper Award for the journal Area Development and Policy.

The award-winning paper, titled “Accessibility, (Dis)advantage and Everyday Mobility Practices and Experiences: The Cases of Maputo and Freetown,” was recognised as the journal’s most impactful contribution published in 2025.

Koroma co-authored the paper with Daniel Oviedo, Clémence Cavoli, Alexandria Z. W. Chong, Joaquín Romero de Tejada and Yasmina Yusuf. Their research examines how residents of Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Maputo, Mozambique, experience everyday transportation and access to essential services.

Published in Area Development and Policy, Volume 10, Number 2, the study explores how social and transport disadvantages influence people’s ability to reach workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other important destinations.

The researchers argue that accessibility involves much more than roads, transport routes and available services. It also reflects people’s lived experiences, aspirations, financial circumstances and dependence on informal transport systems.

The paper identifies income, gender, age, disability, residential location, road conditions and personal safety as major factors affecting mobility and access to opportunities in the two cities.

As part of the research, focus-group discussions were conducted with 12 to 13 participants from each of eight selected communities. In Freetown, the study covered Cline Town, Moyiba, Southridge and Brookfields, while the Maputo research involved Chamanculo, Maxaquene, Muhalaze and participants from several middle-class communities.

The discussions were conducted in Krio in Freetown and Portuguese in Maputo, enabling participants to explain their daily transport experiences in languages with which they were familiar.

The findings show that rapid urban growth has forced many residents to settle in communities far from city centres, where land may be more affordable but access to roads, transport and essential services remains limited.

Some residents prioritise acquiring land and constructing homes, even when this means living in areas with inadequate infrastructure and increased exposure to flooding and other natural hazards.

Walking was identified as the most common means of transportation in both cities. However, pedestrians face several challenges, including poor roads, potholes, inadequate drainage, limited street lighting, lack of pavements, traffic congestion, extreme weather, road dust and the risk of crime and harassment.

The research also highlights the important role played by informal transport services. In Freetown, commuters depend heavily on commercial motorbikes commonly known as okadas, kekehs, taxis and poda-podas. In Maputo, residents frequently use chapas and open-box trucks known as “My Love.”

Although these transport services are essential to daily life, passengers regularly experience overcrowding, unsafe driving, unreliable operations, high fares and poor treatment.

Weather conditions also have a significant impact on mobility. Freetown’s long rainy season makes roads muddy, slippery and dangerous, particularly in hillside communities. Transport operators sometimes increase fares during heavy rainfall, leaving commuters with limited alternatives.

Night travel is also considered unsafe because of poor street lighting, robbery, harassment and mistrust of some transport operators.

According to the study, women, children, older people and persons with disabilities face greater transport disadvantages. Some operators reportedly refuse to transport passengers with reduced mobility, while women often adjust their travel times and routes to reduce their exposure to harassment and gender-based violence.

Many participants expressed a desire to own private vehicles because they associate car ownership with safety, independence, reliability and freedom from the difficulties of public transportation. However, the researchers warned that increased private vehicle ownership could worsen traffic congestion, pollution and inequality.

The paper concludes that transport systems in Freetown and Maputo are neither sufficiently accessible nor sustainable. It recommends improvements in roads, drainage, pedestrian facilities, street lighting and affordable public transportation.

It also calls for better integration of formal and informal transport services, stronger consideration of gender and disability, improved land-use planning and greater community participation in transport-related decisions.

Commenting on the award, SLURC Executive Director Dr. Joseph Macarthy said the recognition underscored the value of research focused on mobility and inequality.

“This recognition from the Regional Studies Association celebrates excellence in regional research, and we are delighted to see this important work on urban mobility and inequality take centre stage,” he said.

Koroma expressed appreciation to the RSA for recognising the collaborative research and its contribution to discussions on sustainable urban development.

“I sincerely thank the Regional Studies Association for this recognition. It is an honour to see our collaborative work acknowledged, and I hope it continues to inspire inclusive and sustainable approaches to urban mobility across Africa and beyond,” he stated.

The RSA praised the paper for its originality, methodological rigour and policy relevance, noting that it supports South–South knowledge exchange and promotes inclusive planning for urban transport systems.

The award represents a major achievement for Koroma and his co-authors and further strengthens the international visibility of SLURC-led research. It also elevates discussions around accessibility, inequality and sustainable mobility in cities across Africa and the wider Global South.

The full paper is available through SLURC’s website at www.slurc.org under the publications section.

SLRSA Tightens Traffic Regulations at Queen Elizabeth II Quay

August 5, 2026

The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has announced a series of new measures aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown.

In a public notice issued on 31 July 2026, the Authority said the measures form part of the Government of Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to improve the efficient movement of people and goods through the country’s main seaport while ensuring safer and more orderly road use.

According to the SLRSA, all unroadworthy vehicles will be prohibited from entering the Queen Elizabeth II Quay. The Authority further stated that such vehicles will also not be permitted to use public roads until they have been repaired and officially certified as roadworthy.

The Authority also announced that vehicles without valid registration number plates will not be allowed to enter the port, describing the measure as essential to enhancing compliance with road traffic regulations and strengthening security around the quay.

As part of the initiative, the SLRSA has called on members of the public, vehicle owners, drivers, importers, clearing agents and other road users to support efforts to keep the roads free from unnecessary congestion.

The Authority encouraged the public to report abandoned or traffic-obstructing vehicles by calling the SLRSA toll-free number 844. It noted that public cooperation would play a vital role in ensuring smooth traffic flow around the port and improving road safety.

The SLRSA expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their anticipated cooperation, emphasizing that the new measures are intended to create a safer, more efficient and congestion-free environment at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to promoting road safety across Sierra Leone and urged all road users to comply with the new directives, stressing that collective responsibility is essential to maintaining safe and orderly roads for everyone.

Latest News