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Chief Minister Launches 2026 Census, Unveils Power of Data Initiative and National Development Plan Dashboard

Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh speaking at launch of the 2026 Population and Housing census

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Government of Sierra Leone on Monday, 1st December 2025, formally launched the 2026 Population and Housing Census at the Freetown International Conference Centre, Aberdeen. The event also saw the unveiling of the Power of Data initiative and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) Dashboard, three national instruments aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and evidence-based governance.

The ceremony drew Government Ministers, development partners, the diplomatic community, Civil Society, local councils, academia and students, signaling broad national support for credible data systems.

Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, representing President Julius Maada Bio, described the launch as a defining moment for Sierra Leone’s commitment to modern governance, transparent service delivery and evidence-based national planning. He stressed that the 2026 census, Sierra Leone’s first full decennial census since 2015, would restore the global ten-year cycle and provides the foundation for equitable resource allocation, informed planning and improved public services.

He emphasized that the census is not a political exercise but a national tool for fairness and development, helping the country understand its population size, distribution and living conditions. The Chief Minister said accurate data guide decisions on where to build schools and hospitals, deploy teachers and health workers, expand electricity and broadband connectivity, allocate development grants and design roads and infrastructure.

The Chief Minister also underscored the Government’s commitment to transparency, stating that confidentiality of all census information is guaranteed by law. He assured the public that no individual-level data will be shared with security agencies, tax authorities or political groups, and that only aggregated figures will be published further inviting citizens to participate fully, acknowledging that trust must be earned through openness and credibility.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, described the launch of the census, the MTNDP Dashboard and the Power of Data initiative as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s development architecture. She said the three systems are interconnected and essential for building a data-driven nation where public decisions are based on evidence and citizens can openly track Government progress.

Madam Kenyeh Barlay noted that the census will provide the most comprehensive data on population distribution, housing conditions and community needs, enabling effective planning across health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, social protection and disaster preparedness. She added that local councils will, for the first time, access accurate data for targeted planning and advocacy.

On the MTNDP Dashboard, the Minister said it would allow citizens, policymakers, Parliament, civil society and development partners to monitor national development in real time. She further underscored that the Power of Data initiative represents a transformative shift in how Sierra Leone collects, manages and uses data across institutions.

Statistician-General, Andrew Bob Johnny, stated that Statistics Sierra Leone had undertaken extensive preparations to ensure a technically sound, internationally aligned census. He highlighted the ongoing national cartographic mapping, capacity-building programmes, and technical assessments conducted with the support of UNFPA, UNECA, and the U.S. Census Bureau. He noted that independent monitors and international observers are already in-country to guarantee transparency and validate processes.

UNFPA Representative, Kunle Adeniyi, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting a credible census. He described the census as the “denominator of all national statistics” and essential for equitable allocation of resources and evidence generation. He said the pilot phase, independent monitoring and expert assessments were designed to ensure an accurate and widely accepted final count.

UNICEF Country Representative, Rudolf Shewent, focused on the newly launched National Development Tracker, describing it as a strategic step towards real-time performance monitoring and accountability. He said the dashboard would strengthen delivery on the government’s Big Five Game Changers and support child-focused development planning.

The 2026 Population and Housing Census is expected to provide the most reliable and comprehensive dataset for Sierra Leone’s long-term development. It will inform national and local planning, guide equitable distribution of resources, improve delivery of essential services, strengthen the national statistical system and ensure that development policies reflect the real needs of citizens across all districts and communities.

Pee Cee & Sons Rolls Out Massive December Christmas Bonus Promotion Across Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Pee Cee Foreign Exchange Bureau Ltd has officially launched its much-anticipated December Promo 2025/2026, offering cash bonuses and premium gift items to customers receiving MoneyGram, Western Union and Ria transactions throughout the festive season.

The promotion, which runs from 1st December 2025 to 3rd January 2026, is being rolled out across all Pee Cee & Sons locations nationwide, making it one of the most extensive seasonal reward campaigns in Sierra Leone’s remittance sector.

As part of the Christmas Bonanza, customers receiving NLe 22,000 or more through Pee Cee will instantly receive a 1% cash bonus added directly to their payout. The Bureau assures the public that the bonus comes with no extra steps and no hidden conditions, making it an easy and attractive reward for thousands of families depending on remittances during the festive period.

In addition to the cash bonus, customers will also stand a chance to collect a variety of high-quality branded items from Pee Cee & Sons, including:

  • Padi Evaporated Milk
  • Padi Cocoa
  • Padi Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • Royale Mayonnaise
  • Sweet Padi Seasoning Cube
  • Padi Vegetable Cooking Oil
  • Padi Malted Drink
  • Padi Tea Leaf
  • Padi 5kg Rice
    …and many more household favorites.

These items will be distributed while stock lasts.

The company has listed multiple collection points across Freetown and the provinces, ensuring customers can easily access their transfers and gifts.

Freetown locations include:

  • 59 Wellington Street
  • 16 Goderich Road, Lumley
  • 31 Guard Street
  • 19 Fourah Bay Road
  • 10 Sani Abacha Street
  • 24 City Road, Portee
  • 9 Krootown Road
  • 32A Wilkinson Road
  • 53 Abacha Street

Provincial locations include:

  • 76 Kainkordu Road, Kono
  • 5 Palmer Street, Kabala
  • 54 Dambala Road, Bo
  • 39 Hanga Road, Kenema
  • 9A Liverpool Street, Waterloo
  • 29 Rogbaneh Road, Makeni
  • 137 Airport Ferry Road, Lungi
  • Lengor’s Compound, Kailahun
  • 35 IDA Road, Kambia

According to the institution, the December Promo is part of their long-standing tradition of rewarding customer loyalty, especially during a season when many Sierra Leoneans depend on support from loved ones abroad.

Pee Cee Foreign Exchange Bureau emphasized that it remains committed to fast, reliable and customer-friendly service, encouraging the public to take advantage of the festive offers.

For more information, customers can walk into any Pee Cee & Sons branch or contact the service line at 088076539.

With its generous bonuses and gift items, this year’s Pee Cee Christmas Bonanza promises to bring added joy to families across Sierra Leone during the holiday season.

ECOWAS Chairman Engages Guinea-Bissau’s Military Leadership to Restore Constitutional Order

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio meets with Guinea-Bissau’s Military Leadership

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, has on Monday 1 December 2025 held a crucial engagement with the military leadership in Guinea-Bissau as part of regional efforts to ensure the full restoration of constitutional order in the country.

The high-level mission, mandated by an Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, saw President Bio meet with Major-General Horta Inta-a and senior members of the military administration. The discussions formed part of ECOWAS’s coordinated diplomatic interventions aimed at safeguarding democratic governance and stability in the region.

President Bio was accompanied by Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission; Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel; and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba.

During the engagement, President Bio reiterated ECOWAS’s firm and collective resolve to ensure that Guinea-Bissau returns to constitutional rule without delay. He emphasized the Authority’s commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and collaboration with all stakeholders to achieve a peaceful resolution.

“Today, I traveled to Guinea-Bissau to meet with the military leadership regarding the current political situation,” President Bio stated. “As Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, I reaffirmed our strong commitment, as stated in our communiqué from the Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, to restore constitutional order.”

As part of the mission, the delegation also held a meeting with Guinea-Bissau’s Electoral Commission. The Commission’s Chairman and members provided an extensive briefing on the current electoral landscape, ongoing challenges and preparations required to support a return to democratic governance.

President Bio assured the Commission of ECOWAS’s readiness to support credible electoral processes and strengthen institutional mechanisms essential for stability and good governance.

The visit underscores ECOWAS’s longstanding principles of promoting peace, security and constitutional order across West Africa. It also reaffirms President Bio’s leadership in steering regional efforts to address political crises through constructive engagement and multilateral cooperation.

The ECOWAS mission is expected to continue its diplomatic processes in the coming days, as regional leaders work collectively to support Guinea-Bissau’s return to democratic normalcy.

Fact-Check: Viral Claims Targeting Sierra Leone’s Airport Found Misleading and Unsupported

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A recent opinion piece circulating widely on social media titled: “Sierra Leone’s Airport & Immigration System: A Cycle of Harassment, Exploitation and Total Dysfunction” has sparked intense public debate over alleged misconduct and systemic failures at the Freetown International Airport (FNA) in Lungi. In response, this medium conducted a detailed investigation into the claims, consulting aviation officials, security authorities and industry experts to verify the accuracy of the allegations.

While public feedback is an essential tool for improving service delivery, it is equally important to distinguish factual concerns from unverified claims. Our findings indicate that several of the assertions made in the viral article are misleading, inaccurate or not supported by evidence. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the findings.

The article claims that airport staffs demand boarding passes unnecessarily as a pretext for harassment. However, our investigation reveals that this is standard procedure in airports across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and many other countries. Boarding pass verification upon arrival is important for confirming that passengers disembarked at the correct destination, especially on multi-leg flights. This requirement is rooted in global aviation compliance regulations not in harassment.

Another allegation states that passengers are forced into declaration lanes and screened even when they have nothing to declare, while some individuals bypass screening. Security officials confirm that Sierra Leone enforces a mandatory screening procedure for all arriving passengers due to historical trafficking challenges, including narcotics and contraband.

This policy is aligned with international airport security frameworks. Any claim that certain people avoid screening is being treated as a potential case of individual misconduct, not institutional failure and will be investigated if evidence is provided.

The article further alleges that police and military personnel at the airport entrance extort money from people dropping off passengers. Our investigation found no official reports or verified complaints to support that claim. Security personnel follow strict operational standards and anyone with evidence of wrongdoing is encouraged to report it formally for action. Without verifiable information, authorities cannot address vague or unsubstantiated accusations.

The viral article criticizes multiple immigration and airline document checks as unnecessary. However, our findings show that this procedure is practiced worldwide to ensure passengers travel with valid passports and visas. In some countries, airlines even hire independent verification firms, such as Pathfinder in Nigeria and Ghana, to authenticate travel documents.

The checks protect passengers from denied boarding, prevent airlines from incurring heavy fines and ensure immigration rules are upheld. These procedures are global standards rather than a uniquely Sierra Leonean practice.

The claim questioning the legitimacy of the $25 Securiport fee is also misleading. The fee, which supports airport safety and security systems, is legally established and publicly disclosed. Similar fees exist in airports around the world to support passenger processing and security upgrades.

The article suggests that mandatory shoe removal during screening is outdated. However, airport authorities confirm that the metal detectors used only detect metallic items not narcotics or other non-metallic contraband.

Security agencies have recorded several successful interceptions of illicit substances hidden inside shoes and clothing. Enhanced screening, including shoe removal, reflects global best practices, especially during heightened security periods.

Contrary to the viral claim that the second security check at boarding gates is unnecessary and used for begging, our investigation confirms that this step is not implemented by the Sierra Leone Airports Authority. Instead, it is required by several airlines operating in the country based on their internal security protocols. Gate-side checks are common in many international airports, particularly where airlines assess additional risks.

Perhaps the most serious accusation in the viral article is that harassment and begging are “institutionalized” at the airport. Our investigation found no factual basis for that claim. Authorities highlight that:

  • Harassment, bribery and solicitation are criminal offences.
  • Daily public announcements warn passengers not to give bribes.
  • Airports encourage passengers to report offenders by name for disciplinary or legal action.

Officials stress that individual misconduct does not represent institutional culture and accountability requires specific identification of offenders not general claims.

Based on this investigation, Freetown International Airport operates within globally recognized aviation and security standards. Many of the procedures criticized in the viral article, multiple document checks, secondary screening, shoe removal and mandatory baggage checks are routine in airports across the world.

Where improvements are needed, authorities continue to implement reforms. Importantly, several recent drug and contraband interceptions were made possible due to new, stricter security measures now in place.

Misleading or unverified allegations only undermine national progress and obscure real issues that require attention. This medium therefore urges passengers with genuine complaints to report specific individuals involved in misconduct so that corrective measures can be taken.

The Sierra Leone Airport remains compliant, safe and committed to  continuous improvement in the interest of national security and passenger dignity.

SLCAA Welcomes UKCAAi Mission as Sierra Leone Accelerates Efforts to Exit UK Safety List

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has officially welcomed the United Kingdom Department for Transport’s (DfT) Capacity Building Project, implemented through the UK Civil Aviation Authority International (UKCAAi), as the country intensifies efforts to strengthen aviation safety oversight and progress toward removal from the UK and EU Safety Lists.

The mission, scheduled for 1–4 December 2025, marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing regulatory reform and international aviation compliance journey. In preparation, a multi-agency coordination team has been established to facilitate engagements, ensure smooth collaboration and support the execution of planned technical activities.

According to the SLCAA, the UKCAAi mission will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the country’s aviation safety oversight system, with particular focus on critical regulatory elements, institutional capacity and operational systems. The visit will also include technical meetings, stakeholder consultations and on-site assessments to better understand existing structures and identify areas requiring targeted improvement.

Welcoming the partnership, the Director General of the SLCAA, Musayeroh Barrie, described the initiative as a major boost to Sierra Leone’s aviation sector. She noted that the collaboration demonstrates the UK’s confidence in Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its regulatory framework and aligns with the Authority’s vision of enhancing safety compliance, operational efficiency and global recognition.

“This capacity building project is an important step in our mission to raise aviation standards and ensure Sierra Leone meets and maintains the highest levels of international safety requirements,” Musayeroh Barrie stated. “Our partnership with the UK Department for Transport and UKCAAi reinforces our dedication to improving oversight mechanisms and building a more robust civil aviation system.”

The mission is expected to provide Sierra Leone with valuable technical insights, practical guidance and structured recommendations that will feed into longer-term reforms and capacity-building initiatives. These outcomes will help accelerate the country’s progress toward satisfying the benchmarks required for eventual removal from the UK Safety List, a development that would significantly improve Sierra Leone’s international aviation standing and open opportunities for expanded air connectivity.

SLCAA expressed gratitude to the UK Department for Transport and UKCAAi for their continued support and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the momentum of aviation sector transformation. The Authority emphasized that the December engagement is not merely an assessment exercise, but a collaborative effort aimed at building a safer, more resilient and internationally compliant aviation environment for Sierra Leone.

As the SLCAA prepares to host the UKCAAi technical team in Freetown, expectations remain high that the visit will further strengthen cooperation between both institutions and set the stage for sustainable improvements across Sierra Leone’s aviation regulatory landscape.

Shalimar Trading Unveils Festive Raffle Campaign, Offers Chance to Win Brand-New HLX 125 Bike

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Shalimar Trading, one of Sierra Leone’s most trusted and fast-growing dealers in motorcycles and tricycles, has officially launched its nationwide “End of Year Raffle Draw,” offering customers the chance to win an HLX 125 motorbike. The promotion, which is already underway, will run until 22 December 2025, bringing excitement to riders and small-scale transport owners across the country as the festive season approaches.

Under the terms of the promotion, any customer who purchases a motorbike or kekeh from any Shalimar Trading outlet automatically qualifies for the raffle draw. Each purchase secures an entry, giving buyers the opportunity to win a brand-new HLX 125; a model known for its durability, fuel efficiency and suitability for both commercial and personal use. The grand draw will be held live on AYV Television on 22 December, 2025 where lucky winners will be announced.

Shalimar Trading has built a strong reputation in Sierra Leone’s automotive and light-transport sector, becoming a preferred supplier for riders and transport operators seeking affordable, reliable and high-performance machines. Over the years, the company has expanded its footprint nationwide, offering quality products, accessible spare parts and trusted after-sales services. Its consistent investment in customer satisfaction has made the brand a household name, especially among commercial riders who depend on durable bikes and tricycles for daily income.

The “End of Year Raffle Draw” is part of Shalimar Trading’s broader commitment to reward customer loyalty and give back to the communities it serves. With transportation and small-scale mobility playing a crucial role in Sierra Leone’s informal economy, the company continues to support riders by providing machines that improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities. According to Management, the promotion reflects Shalimar Trading’s appreciation for its customers and its desire to make the holiday season more rewarding.

As anticipation builds ahead of the live draw, Shalimar Trading is encouraging buyers to take advantage of the promotion before the deadline. With outlets across the country already recording increased patronage, the company says it is ready to serve customers with quality products and outstanding service. The message is clear: “Ride to Win.”

With the promotion offering both value for money and the possibility of driving home a brand-new HLX 125, Shalimar Trading has once again positioned itself as a leader in customer-focused initiatives as 2025 draws to a close.

AHF & Partners Commemorate World AIDS Day with Call for Renewed National Commitment

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), in partnership with the National HIV/AIDS Secretariat (NAS), on Monday 1st December, 2025 commenced the 2025 World AIDS Day observance with a high-level media breakfast at the Sierra Palm Hotel in Freetown marking a renewed push to strengthen the country’s HIV response. The gathering brought together representatives of the UN Family, Government Ministries, Civil Society and other key stakeholders in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

In his opening remarks, Director General of NAS, Abdulrahman Sesay, expressed optimism in the national AIDS response despite persistent challenges in recent years.

“The breakfast today is part of our resolve on the commitment we’ve made and to also plan for the World Aids Day celebration proper,” he said. Abdulrahman Sesay underscored the importance of coordinated information-sharing and urged the media to support nationwide public sensitization. He also thanked development partners for their unwavering support.

Providing a data-driven perspective, Dr. Sulaiman Lakoh, Director of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, traced the HIV timeline in Sierra Leone back to 1987 when the first case was detected. He disclosed that the national HIV/AIDS prevalence stands at 1.7 percent, with 60,000 children currently living with the disease. Western Rural District records the highest prevalence while Kailahun maintains the lowest.

Dr. Lakoh named men who have sex with men, female sex workers and people who inject drugs as key populations at greater risk. Although new infections account for 40 percent of current cases, he noted a notable decline in AIDS-related deaths due to strengthened health interventions.

Representing AHF, Dr. Kate Ssamula reiterated the global commitment to end AIDS by 2030. She highlighted that over 40,000 people worldwide are infected daily; half of them in Africa.  Dr. Kate Ssamula announced the opening of a new AHF-supported HIV clinic in Waterloo, aimed at expanding access to treatment, care and support services. She emphasized the crucial role of the media in disseminating accurate information and amplifying human-interest stories that drive action.

UNFPA Representative Haja Yoroh Bah echoed those sentiments, stressing the media’s power in shaping public attitudes toward prevention, stigma and care. She revealed that UNFPA has installed condom pickup stations in key locations nationwide, calling condoms “a simple but powerful tool” in achieving the 2030 target.

Speaking on behalf of NETHIPS, Mary Ahmed said the theme of ending HIV/AIDS reflects a solemn promise to those living with the virus. She cited stigma and discrimination as major obstacles that prevent people from seeking testing and treatment. She urged stronger collaboration among Government, civil society and the media to reinforce community-level structures.

Adding a critical voice, Mariama Dawo of Happy Kids and Adolescents asked whether Sierra Leone is truly ready to eliminate HIV as a public health threat in the next five years; concluding firmly that the country is not yet prepared. She urged Government and partners to prioritize consistent supply of test kits and warned against any reduction in funding for HIV response programmes.

The event served as a precursor to the national commemoration of World AIDS Day on December 1st, reinforcing a unified call for accountability, sustained investment and strengthened community engagement to accelerate progress toward ending AIDS by 2030.

MoH Launches Kailahun District Spotlight Initiative to Strengthen Health Service Delivery

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Health I, Dr. Charles Senessie, officially launched the Kailahun District Spotlight Initiative on Saturday, part of the Ministry of Health’s Nationwide Health Train Campaign 2025, a national effort to strengthen health systems and advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Charles Senessie described the initiative as a pivotal moment for the Ministry and the local communities. He expressed pride in returning to Kailahun, where he previously led a humanitarian medical mission, noting that the earlier intervention included successful surgeries and the establishment of a dental clinic, laying a foundation for long-term health improvements.

“This is a continuation of our nationwide efforts; supporting facilities, improving services and providing the necessary expertise to strengthen healthcare delivery,” Dr. Charles Senessie said. He commended Ministry staff, program managers, clinicians and technical teams for their dedication, emphasizing the Ministry’s “no-nonsense” approach to accountability and service delivery.

Dr. Charles Senessie highlighted that prior assessments were conducted and communicated to districts to ensure gaps were identified and addressed. “A few months ago, we visited certain facilities and were not pleased with the performance. Warnings were issued and now we expect significant improvements,” he said. The District Spotlight aims to evaluate all key health indicators across hospitals and peripheral health units to ensure compliance with national standards.

The Deputy Minister also underscored recent Government investments in healthcare infrastructure, citing newly constructed facilities at Koidu and Kailahun as examples of improving access to quality care. On human resources, he noted that the Government has recruited the largest number of health workers in Sierra Leone’s history, with more than 4,000 additional personnel expected to graduate next year to strengthen service delivery.

“As we expand access and improve infrastructure, we expect health workers to demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism,” Dr. Charles Senessie said. He further highlighted the deployment of two new medical outreach buses to deliver free services and increase public health awareness, particularly for young people and vulnerable groups. The Deputy Minister also emphasized the Government’s efforts to address drug abuse and other social challenges through collaboration with law enforcement and community leaders.

Delivering a message on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, Dr. Charles Senessie reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving the health sector, expanding medical infrastructure and enhancing citizens’ welfare across all districts. He officially declared the District Spotlight Initiative launched, calling on stakeholders to collaborate in advancing Universal Health Coverage nationwide.

Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, stressed the Spotlight Initiative’s role in strengthening primary health care and achieving UHC. He explained that the initiative assesses and improves the quality, accessibility and efficiency of health services at the district level. “Universal Health Coverage means providing quality health care to all people in Sierra Leone without financial hardship,” he said.

The CMO outlined the main focus areas during district assessments: infrastructure, human resources, commodities and data management. Infrastructure evaluations include electricity, solar power, water supply, oxygen availability and overall facility suitability. Human resources are monitored for presence, punctuality, workload and performance.

Dr. Sartie Kenneh also highlighted the evaluation of commodities, such as drugs, laboratory equipment and medical technologies, while emphasizing the transition toward digitalized health data. “What is not documented is considered not done, so robust record-keeping is essential for measuring impact and efficiency,” he noted.

He pointed out Kailahun District’s strong performance in national programs like immunization, which has consistently ranked among the top districts over the past five years. Dr. Sartie Kenneh also noted the Ministry’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality through improved ambulance utilization and proactive primary care planning, preventing emergency situations before they escalate.

The initiative, according to the CMO, helps the Ministry identify challenges that may not be visible from afar, such as communication gaps, underutilization of facilities or operational inefficiencies. “Through frank discussions and open engagement during these visits, we can leverage national expertise to ensure improvements in the health system,” he said. Dr. Sartie Kenneh concluded that the Spotlight Initiative serves as a strategic tool for diagnosing, monitoring and improving health services, ensuring resources are effectively deployed and communities receive quality care aligned with UHC goals.

Chairman of Kailahun District Council, Sahr A.K. Lamin, praised the initiative, describing it as a crucial step toward enhancing the district’s health systems and advancing UHC. He highlighted that the Spotlight Initiative provides a diagnostic exercise to evaluate the state of health service delivery, identify gaps and implement practical solutions.

“The visit is very important to the lives of my people because it allows us to assess the advantages, challenges and capacity of our health facilities, including the adequacy of human resources,” Sahr A.K. Lamin said. “Health service delivery is central to human development and such initiatives are vital for improving outcomes in our communities.”

He thanked the Ministry of Health team, from senior officials to technical staff, for their commitment to working on the ground in Kailahun. Sahr A.K. Lamin also highlighted the role of local councils in supporting health service delivery, particularly in districts with limited funding.

The District Council Chairman noted that since the beginning of 2025, Kailahun has not received financial allocations from the central Government to support the health sector. “Without the support of NGOs and local revenue initiatives, many of our programs could not operate effectively. We are now sensitizing communities to contribute through property rates and local licenses to sustain essential services,” he explained.

Sahr A.K. Lamin emphasized the importance of coordination and accountability between local councils and health officials. He noted that monthly reports and feedback from health staff enable the council to address issues such as accommodation for health workers and volunteer engagement.

“The impressive aspect of this visit is the engagement between officials and local authorities. If we are committed to our responsibilities, we can achieve significant improvements in health service delivery,” Sahr A.K. Lamin said. He expressed optimism that the two-week Spotlight Initiative would yield actionable results, guiding collaboration with the Ministry of Health to enhance services across Kailahun District.

The District Spotlight Initiative forms part of the Ministry of Health’s broader strategy to strengthen health systems nationwide, ensuring equitable access to quality services and accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage in Sierra Leone.

NMA & ACEP Host Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Sierra Leone’s Dimension Stone Industry

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), in collaboration with the National Advocacy Coalition on Extractives (NACE) and the National Minerals Agency (NMA), on Monday, 1st December 2025, convened a one-day multi-stakeholder forum focused on strengthening governance in Sierra Leone’s dimension stone industry. The event, held at Mamba Point Hotel in Aberdeen, brought together Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), civil society and industry actors under the theme: “Strengthening Accountability and Transparency in Sierra Leone’s Extractive Sector: Empowering Civil Society to Leverage Public Contract Disclosures for Monitoring and Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) Reduction.”

The discussions emphasized the urgent need for improved regulation, enhanced monitoring and better coordination in managing industrial minerals particularly granite, marble, limestone and sandstone.

In his keynote address, Ing. Hadji Dabo, Director General of the NMA, stressed that Sierra Leone is richly endowed with dimension stones, yet continues to lose significant revenue due to illegal extraction and export. He explained that some operators use basic quarry licenses to extract dimension stones but export them without paying royalties or taxes. This, he noted, deprives the state of substantial revenue while exposing communities to environmental degradation.

Ing. Hadji Dabo attributed those challenges to outdated legislation, weak oversight systems and widespread non-compliance. He stated that while Government has attempted reforms, such as appointing sole agents for export monitoring and instituting bans on illegal timber and stone exports, those measures have not sufficed to fully regulate the sector.

The DG emphasized that with growing construction needs across Africa, industrial minerals will become more valuable. He therefore called for a comprehensive blueprint with clear timelines to strengthen regulation, expand value addition and protect the tax base. Ing. Hadji Dabo concluded by reaffirming the NMA’s commitment to transparency and improved governance of industrial minerals.

Dr. Charles G. Ofori, Policy Lead for Climate Change and Energy Transition at ACEP, reinforced the message of reform, noting that Sierra Leone, despite being dubbed the “Eldorado of Africa”, still struggles with weak governance structures for managing industrial minerals. He said the quarry and dimension stone sector, although critical to infrastructure development, is often overshadowed by high-value minerals such as diamonds, gold or bauxite.

Dr. Charles G Ofori highlighted gaps in regulation, fragmented data systems, poor inter-agency coordination and the persistence of outdated contracts containing stabilization clauses that limit Government’s ability to adjust fiscal terms. He warned that the country continues to lose revenue through under-declaration of mineral volumes, diversion and inefficiencies in monitoring systems.

Drawing lessons from other African countries, he pointed out challenges such as faulty weighbridges, high maintenance costs and incompatible data systems. To address that, he recommended shared monitoring infrastructure at strategic points instead of requiring each quarry operator to independently install weighbridges.

He also called for a unified national mining revenue management framework consolidating royalties, fees and other payments under one transparent system. This, he argued, would reduce duplication and strengthen citizens’ understanding of how mining revenues support development. Charles Ofori urged regular collaboration among the Ministries of Mines, Finance, Environment and Local Government, along with civil society and the private sector. He closed by reaffirming ACEP’s readiness to support Sierra Leone in building a fair and sustainable industrial minerals framework.

Cedric D. Palmer, NMA’s Large-Scale Mining and Compliance Manager, provided an overview of the country’s mining laws, administrative structures and current licensing environment. He affirmed that Sierra Leone operates under a solid legal framework, including the Mines and Minerals Act, the NMA Act 2023, the Mines and Quarries Regulations 2013 and the Geological Data Management Policy. These are complemented by environmental laws, local content legislation and the National Development and Resettlement Act 2023.

Cedric Palmer outlined the roles of key institutions, from the Presidency and Parliament to the Ministry of Mines and the NMA and described the process for issuing reconnaissance, exploration, artisanal, small-scale and large-scale mining licenses. Sierra Leone currently has 16 exploration licenses, 21 small-scale mining licenses and nearly 1,000 artisanal mining licenses issued annually.

He discussed the country’s mineral portfolio, which includes rutile, ilmenite, bauxite, iron ore, gold, zircon and potential minerals like copper and nickel. Cedric Palmer referenced the nationwide geophysical survey conducted between 2020 and 2021, which produced high-resolution geological data that is now guiding investment and regulatory decisions.

Despite progress, he acknowledged persistent problems such as illegal mining, land degradation, water pollution and child labour. Over 250 NMA compliance officers currently monitor mining activities but illicit practices remain widespread.

He celebrated Sierra Leone’s EITI score of 85.5%, noting that the country is steadily moving toward becoming a world-class geological and regulatory agency.

Yusuf D. Suma, NMA’s Chief Inspector of Mines, highlighted the often-overlooked importance of the dimension stone subsector, describing it as the backbone of national infrastructure development. He cited global projections showing that the dimension stone and aggregates market is expected to rise from US$5.7 billion in 2023 to US$7.2 billion by 2026, with long-term potential exceeding US$20 billion.

Sierra Leone, he noted, holds an advantageous position due to high-quality granite deposits, especially within the Freetown Intrusive Complex. However, the domestic quarry industry remains largely informal and poorly regulated, leading to unrecorded production, revenue losses and unsafe labour conditions.

Yusuf D. Suma revealed that 39% of workers in the subsector are engaged in hazardous manual stone breaking, sometimes involving child labour. He also raised concerns about illegal extraction inside protected forest zones, unsafe blasting, abandoned pits and lack of PPE among workers.

He criticized construction companies that extract aggregates from nearby sites without paying the required royalties, even though these costs are included in project budgets resulting in tax leakages.

To address those challenges, Suma called for a coordinated regulatory approach involving Ministries, local councils, chiefs, academia, civil society and the media. He argued that the Government should prioritize value-addition industries such as stone cutting, polishing and fabrication to boost employment and reduce illicit financial flows.

He concluded by urging participants to use the forum as a starting point for establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework that balances revenue protection with industry competitiveness.

President Bio Launches Youth Livelihoods Training & Status of Youth Report 2025

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

By Foday Moriba Conteh

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, officially launched the Livelihoods Training for Youth Bike Riders for Peace and unveiled the Status of Youth Report 2025 during a high-level ceremony held at the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) campus in Goderich. The event, organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs in collaboration with UNCDF and UNDP, attracted senior Government officials, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, university authorities, students and hundreds of young people.

In his keynote address, President Bio described the event as “a moment of clarity,” noting that the Status of Youth Report is the most comprehensive assessment of the conditions, aspirations, challenges and opportunities shaping the lives of Sierra Leonean youth. He explained that the report captures progress in school enrollment, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and youth leadership, but also highlights concerns such as unemployment, cost-of-living pressures, health challenges and limited access to higher education. The President reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to addressing those issues through sustained policy interventions.

A major point of concern raised by President Bio was the rise in substance abuse, particularly the drug “kush”, which he described as a destructive force threatening the lives and future of young people. He stressed that while the Government will intensify enforcement against drug trafficking and production, parents, families and communities must also take responsibility for prevention and early support.

The President also launched the Alternative Livelihood Skills Training Programme targeting 1,300 bike riders across Makeni, Bo, Kenema and the Western Area. He highlighted the important role bike riders play in connecting communities, supporting trade and facilitating access to services. The training programme, implemented under the UN Peacebuilding Fund’s Empire for Youth project, will provide technical motorbike skills, customer service, road safety knowledge, financial literacy, entrepreneurship training and basic business management. President Bio encouraged young riders to adopt safe practices, maintain their bikes and use the skills gained to explore additional trades or business opportunities. He also emphasized the role of peace, discipline and civic responsibility in national development, noting that sustainable progress depends on stability and investor confidence.

The President further used the platform to condemn exam malpractice, warning that it undermines the country’s educational foundation. He reiterated that his administration’s investments, including free quality education, school feeding, learning materials, digital access and entrepreneurship programmes, are designed to empower young people and position human capital as Sierra Leone’s strongest resource.

Earlier, Professor Philip Kanu, Vice Chancellor and Principal of MMTU, welcomed the President and guests, expressing gratitude for the President’s longstanding support to the institution. Prof. Philip Kanu recalled earlier promises to transform the university and celebrated the fulfillment of those commitments. He noted that previous short-course graduates had already secured jobs or started small businesses, demonstrating the impact of youth-focused skills programmes. He thanked partners such as the UN system, the World Bank and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, and praised the alignment of MMTU staff salaries with the national university pay scale; an achievement made possible through presidential intervention.

The Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, described the programme as a practical demonstration of President Bio’s vision for youth empowerment. He recalled the President’s instruction that young people are not only the future of tomorrow but the drivers of today’s progress. Drawing from his own experience as a former bike rider in Bo, the Minister emphasized that the programme addresses long-standing challenges faced in the bike-riding sector, one of Sierra Leone’s largest youth employment hubs.

Minister Ibrahim Sannoh announced several components of the UN-supported initiative, including technical and vocational training for over 1,000 bike riders, mandatory financial literacy training with bank account opening at Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, distribution of new motorcycles, refurbishment of bike riders’ union offices in four districts and provision of start-up kits to graduates in trades such as plumbing, welding, carpentry and cosmetology.

He stated that all Ministry-supported programmes will now be delivered through accredited tertiary institutions, particularly MMTU, to ensure that young people obtain recognized certificates that improve their employability. He also described the Status of Youth Report 2025 as a “compass” that will help align national youth development initiatives. He thanked UNCDF, UNDP, Shalimar and Sierra Leone Commercial Bank for their continued support.

World Bank Country Manager, Abdu Wuwonge, commended the graduating trainees and emphasized that young people are central to Sierra Leone’s development. He highlighted three key principles; values, a strong support system and strategic partnerships as essential for youth success. Abdu Wuwonge noted that Africa needs millions of new jobs annually and that Sierra Leone alone requires at least 75,000 jobs each year to match its population growth. He stressed that the private sector must drive job creation, with the public sector providing a supportive environment. He pledged continuous World Bank support for human capital development, skills training and job creation further encouraging the youth to value every form of employment and warned against shortcuts and illicit activities.

United Nations Resident Coordinator, Frederick Ampiah, praised both initiatives, noting that they aligned with advocacy he had led since his arrival in Sierra Leone particularly the need for structured skills training for bike riders and the development of reliable national youth data. He stressed the importance of evidence-based planning and described the Status of Youth Report as a landmark document that offers clear insights into youth demographics, aspirations and challenges. Frederick Ampiah applauded the training for fostering trust among bike riders, the police and road safety authorities while improving health access, financial literacy and skills acquisition. He highlighted achievements such as over 8,000 health screenings and financial literacy training for nearly 5,000 riders also urging young people to apply their skills responsibly and emphasized that attitude is the ultimate determinant of long-term success.

Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, highlighted the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration and described bike riders as vital contributors to Sierra Leone’s economy and social cohesion. She said the Livelihoods Training Programme bridges the gap between the informal and formal sectors and ensures that youth who previously lacked structured opportunities can now access recognized, accredited training. She outlined ongoing reforms such as expanded TVET programmes, harmonization of qualifications and accreditation of short courses aimed at creating clear pathways for employment. Dr. Wurie emphasized that national development cannot succeed unless all young people, including informal workers, are supported to acquire relevant skills.

She praised President Bio’s leadership for ensuring investments that make young people central to national progress. Addressing the bike riders directly, she encouraged them to see themselves as leaders and peacebuilders who play a critical role in strengthening communities. She reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to expanding opportunities for every young Sierra Leonean and pledged continued partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and development agencies.

The ceremony was climaxed by the official launching of the Livelihoods Training for Youth Bike Riders for Peace and the unveiling of the Status of Youth Report 2025 by President Julius Maada Bio.

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