The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has commended the Judiciary, under the leadership of Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, following approval for the live broadcast of the forthcoming Supreme Court hearing on constitutional matters scheduled for Wednesday, 7 October 2026.
SLAJ welcomed the decision on Monday, 5 October 2026, describing it as an important step towards promoting transparency, widening public access to justice and recognising the critical role of journalists in keeping citizens informed on matters of national importance.
The approval followed a formal request submitted by SLAJ to the Judiciary on 21 September 2026, seeking permission for the proceedings to be broadcast live in the public interest, considering the national significance of the constitutional matters before the Supreme Court.
According to SLAJ, the Judiciary approved the live coverage subject to conditions designed to protect the dignity, decorum and integrity of the Court throughout the proceedings.
Under the approved arrangement, 10 media houses will be accredited to cover the proceedings from inside the courtroom. SLAJ will work closely with the Sierra Leone Court Reporters Association (SLCRA) and the Judiciary’s Communications and Public Affairs Unit to coordinate the media coverage and ensure compliance with the conditions set by the Court.
Journalists who are not among the accredited media houses, as well as members of the public, will be able to follow the proceedings live through major television networks from their offices and homes.
Following a special appeal by SLAJ to the Judiciary, the Independent Radio Network (IRN) has also been granted approval to broadcast the proceedings live through its network of more than 40 radio stations across Sierra Leone, further expanding public access to the hearing.
SLAJ said the approval demonstrates the Judiciary’s recognition of the important role journalists and media institutions play in informing the public and promoting transparency and accountability within the justice system.
The Association further described the decision by Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda as reflecting a commitment to transparency, accountable leadership and greater public access to justice, while ensuring that the authority and integrity of the Supreme Court are preserved.
However, the Judiciary has imposed clear conditions on the live coverage. Media houses and journalists have been directed not to provide commentary, analysis or other statements concerning the merits or demerits of the constitutional matter while the case remains sub judice.
Still photography will also not be permitted inside the courtroom during the proceedings.
SLAJ has therefore called on all participating media houses and journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, impartiality and responsibility in their coverage, while respecting the authority, dignity and decorum of the Court.
The Association expressed appreciation to the Judiciary for facilitating wider public access to proceedings of significant constitutional importance and for acknowledging the media’s role in strengthening public understanding of the justice system.
SLAJ pledged to continue working closely with the Judiciary’s Communications and Public Affairs Unit, the Sierra Leone Court Reporters Association and accredited media houses to ensure that the live coverage is conducted in an orderly and professional manner and in full accordance with the conditions established by the Court.
Veteran journalist, Publisher of the Global Times Newspaper and Chairman of the Board of Authority of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Sorie Fofana
Veteran journalist, Publisher of the Global Times Newspaper and Chairman of the Board of Authority of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Sorie Fofana, has called for peace, dialogue and unity within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), amid growing concerns over internal disagreements and the membership dispute involving Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally.
At a time when disagreements within the ruling party are generating intense public debate, Fofana has urged the leadership and membership of the SLPP to prioritise reconciliation and avoid actions that could deepen divisions ahead of future political contests.
Speaking in a recent interview with Ecko Media, Fofana, who has closely followed and documented the political history of the SLPP for decades, expressed concern over developments within the party.
“I am concerned about what is happening in the SLPP,” he said. “Whatever unites the party should be promoted, and whatever divides the party should be avoided.”
His intervention comes amid a dispute over the SLPP membership status of Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally, which has resulted in official correspondence, public statements and legal arguments over his standing within the party.
On September 17, 2026, SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa reportedly wrote to Tarawally directing him to stop presenting himself as an SLPP member or aspiring for the party’s flagbearership, citing information received from the Citizens Democratic Party (CDP) regarding his membership status.
Tarawally has strongly rejected that position, maintaining that he resigned from the CDP in 2018 and subsequently returned to the SLPP. His legal representatives have also challenged the position taken by the SLPP leadership, arguing that questions concerning party membership should be addressed through the appropriate constitutional and disciplinary procedures.
Commenting on the controversy, Fofana described the situation surrounding Tarawally as unfortunate, noting his longstanding knowledge of the former government minister and his political association with the SLPP.
“He said the issues surrounding Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally are very unfortunate because he has known Musa for so long and knows him to be an SLPP member,” Fofana was quoted as saying.
The intervention has added another voice to growing calls for the party to resolve the dispute through dialogue rather than allowing it to develop into a wider internal crisis.
Tarawally is no stranger to the SLPP and has over the years played various political roles. His supporters point to his past campaigning, political activities and support for the party as evidence of his longstanding relationship with the SLPP. The controversy surrounding his membership has therefore generated debate among party members and supporters.
Fofana’s message also draws attention to the SLPP’s long history of managing internal disagreements. As Sierra Leone’s oldest existing political party, the SLPP has experienced political upheavals, electoral defeats, leadership contests and internal disputes over the decades, while repeatedly relying on reconciliation to maintain its cohesion.
“The SLPP has a history of surviving internal battles, but this can only happen if the party leadership prioritizes what unites rather than what divides,” Fofana noted.
His comments come as concerns continue to be expressed about factions, competing political camps, disciplinary actions and increasingly hostile exchanges among supporters, particularly on social media.
Against that background, the current membership dispute presents another test of the party’s ability to manage internal disagreements without allowing them to undermine the wider organisation.
Fofana’s intervention essentially calls for the leadership to return to dialogue, mutual respect and established party structures. He has encouraged the parties involved to clarify their positions, examine the relevant records and constitutional provisions and find a settlement that protects the broader interests of the SLPP.
The veteran journalist has particularly encouraged National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa and Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally to consider sitting together and finding common ground. Such an engagement could provide an opportunity for both sides to privately present their positions and determine an appropriate way forward without further escalation.
The controversy also comes at a time when Sierra Leone continues to confront major national challenges, including economic pressures and youth unemployment. Against this backdrop, some party supporters believe prolonged internal political disputes could distract attention from governance and the implementation of government programmes.
There are also political lessons from Sierra Leone’s recent electoral history. Internal divisions, leadership struggles and dissatisfaction among party supporters have historically affected the electoral fortunes of political parties. With political attention gradually shifting towards the 2028 electoral cycle, maintaining internal stability is therefore becoming increasingly important for the SLPP.
Fofana’s intervention is particularly significant because of his longstanding association with the party’s political history, his role as Publisher of the Global Times Newspaper and his current position as Chairman of the NCRA Board of Authority.
His central message is that political disagreements are inevitable, but how they are handled determines whether they become sources of lasting division or opportunities for reconciliation.
The appeal is consequently for the SLPP leadership to avoid unnecessary confrontations over membership, minimise disciplinary disputes where dialogue could provide a solution, promote reconciliation and concentrate on issues that unite members around the party’s political objectives and commitment to public service.
As the opposition reorganises and preparations for the 2028 elections gradually gather momentum, the SLPP faces the challenge of ensuring that internal disagreements do not weaken its political position.
It is therefore hoped that SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa, the party’s Secretary General, senior stakeholders and, importantly, President Dr Julius Maada Bio, as Leader of the SLPP, will give serious consideration to Fofana’s appeal for reconciliation.
Fofana’s message remains clear and timely: peace should prevail over confrontation, dialogue over hostile public exchanges, reconciliation over division and the collective interest of the SLPP over individual disagreements.
Victor King, National Chairman of the Citizens Democratic Party (CDP),
Victor King, National Chairman of the Citizens Democratic Party (CDP), has stated that Honourable Musa Tarawally ceased to be a member of the party in 2018, dismissing recent attempts to associate the former CDP flagbearer with the party.
According to Victor King, Honourable Musa Tarawally formally communicated his decision to leave the CDP in 2018 and subsequently declared his support for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in Bo.
Victor King also alleged that SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa was interfering in the internal affairs of the CDP and attempting to use certain members of the party against Honourable Musa Tarawally.
“I met him, I said no,” Victor King said, referring to what he described as a private meeting during which he rejected the alleged plan.
“If they have a problem with Musa, let them solve it. He is not a member of CDP,” he said.
The CDP National Chairman maintained that since Honourable Musa Tarawally left the party, he had neither attended CDP meetings nor paid membership dues or participated in any political activity organised by the party.
Victor King said there had previously been efforts to convince Honourable Musa Tarawally to return to the CDP, but those attempts were unsuccessful.
“At some point, we were yearning for him to return to the party, but he didn’t, despite our best efforts to convince him,” he stated.
Giving an account of a recent party meeting, Victor King said the issue surrounding Honourable Musa Tarawally’s membership was among the matters scheduled for discussion.
He alleged, however, that during the meeting, it became apparent that there was what he described as a “premeditated plot,” claiming that a document had already been prepared for members to sign.
Victor King said he and other party officials resisted signing the document, insisting that issues affecting the CDP should first be properly addressed before members could proceed with signing any communiqué.
“We didn’t sign the document that they brought because we don’t know where it came from,” he said.
According to him, all regional chairmen and some senior members subsequently left the meeting hall. He further stated that he had already formally closed the meeting and that representatives of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) were present.
Victor King alleged that some individuals later proceeded to sign a communiqué after the meeting had been closed, describing the document as not reflecting the position or spirit of the CDP.
“The SLPP is a party on its own. But we know in the CDP that the letter that was written on behalf of the party does not represent the spirit of the party,” he said.
He further alleged that the letter was prepared by a group of individuals within the CDP whom he claimed had direct links with the SLPP National Chairman, an allegation presented by Victor King as his account of the internal dispute.
Victor King reiterated that Honourable Musa Tarawally was no longer a member of the Citizens Democratic Party and said any political disagreement involving him should be handled within the party to which he currently belongs.
“Hon. Musa Tarawally is not a member of the CDP. If anybody is using certain people because he thinks Musa Tarawally is a threat to his political ambition, that’s his problem. But Hon. Musa Tarawally is not a member of our party,” Victor King said.
“If the SLPP Chairman has an issue with Musa Tarawally, he should settle it within their party and not use CDP to bring anybody down,” he added.
Joseph E. Kobie, Southern Regional Chairman of the Citizens Democratic Party, also maintained that Honourable Musa Tarawally was no longer a member of the CDP.
According to Joseph E. Kobie, Honourable Musa Tarawally joined the CDP and contested as the party’s flagbearer in the 2018 elections. He said that when the presidential election proceeded to a runoff, party members accompanied Honourable Musa Tarawally to Bo, where he declared his support for the SLPP.
Joseph E. Kobie further stated that Honourable Musa Tarawally subsequently submitted a resignation letter to the CDP, which he said was acknowledged by the party’s national leadership.
“I want Sierra Leoneans to know that Hon. Musa Tarawally is not a member of CDP. He resigned long ago while actively participating in the activities of the SLPP,” Joseph E. Kobie stated.
The statements by Victor King and Joseph E. Kobie come amid disagreement within the Citizens Democratic Party over Honourable Musa Tarawally’s relationship with the party and the circumstances surrounding the disputed communiqué.
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned an alleged threat against journalist Thomas Josephus Dixon, Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors and Managing Editor of the New Age Newspaper, reportedly made by Moses Sellu Mambu, National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), following a television programme at Africa Young Voices (AYV) in Freetown on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
In a press release signed by SLAJ National Secretary General Edward Fara Marrah on Tuesday, 6 October 2Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ)Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ)026, the Association described the allegation as serious and called for an immediate, impartial and credible investigation by the appropriate authorities.
According to a formal complaint received by SLAJ, Dixon alleged that after the programme, Mambu approached him in the presence of programme presenter Victor Jones and videographer Abu Bakarr Kamara and said: “We will hit you hard! This is the same reason for which your friend Samura was killed the last time.”
SLAJ said Dixon subsequently provided the Association with a formal eyewitness account that corroborated the allegation.
The Association described the reported statement as extremely grave and disturbing, particularly because it allegedly invoked the death of journalist Ibrahim Samura, who died following a physical assault sustained while covering the 2018 elections. Criminal proceedings arising from the case subsequently ended in acquittals.
SLAJ said the allegation was sufficiently serious to warrant an immediate, impartial and credible investigation to establish exactly what happened.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said a threat against a journalist should not be treated merely as a personal matter, noting that such incidents have wider implications for press freedom and the public’s right to information.
“A threat against a journalist should not be seen as a personal matter only; it is a direct threat to the free press and, by extension, the public’s right to know. Journalists must never be forced to choose between carrying out their professional duty and protecting their lives,” Kamara stated.
He added that the reported reference to the death of another journalist made the allegation particularly alarming.
“Whether such words were intended as a threat or otherwise must be established through a proper investigation. What cannot be acceptable is for any journalist to be left living in fear because of his or her professional work,” he said.
Mambu, when contacted by SLAJ Secretary General Edward Fara Marrah, denied the allegation. According to the SLAJ statement, he maintained that after the live programme, he had only cautioned Dixon to be careful.
SLAJ has consequently called on the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the complaint, establish the facts surrounding the reported incident and take appropriate action.
The Association also called on the leadership of the SLPP to publicly reaffirm its commitment to the safety of journalists and make clear that threats or intimidation against journalists are unacceptable, regardless of political affiliation or circumstance.
SLAJ further urged the authorities to assess the security concerns raised by Dixon and, where necessary, take appropriate measures to ensure his safety and that of his family while the matter is being investigated.
The Association maintained that freedom of expression and freedom of the press cannot be fully enjoyed in an environment where journalists operate under threats of violence or fear for their safety.
SLAJ said it would continue to monitor the matter closely and stands ready to provide appropriate support to the affected journalist within its mandate.
At the same time, the Association urged journalists to continue carrying out their professional responsibilities with courage, accuracy, fairness and adherence to professional ethics. It also encouraged political actors and public officials to resolve disagreements with the media through lawful and democratic means.
Reaffirming its position, SLAJ declared: “Criticism of journalism may be legitimate; intimidation and threats against journalists are not.”
President Dr Julius Maada Bio has received the newly elected President of Tabital Pulaaku International, Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe, alongside senior representatives of the organisation from various countries, describing his elevation to the global Fulah leadership as a source of pride for Sierra Leone and reaffirming his Government’s support for the Fulah community.
Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe, a Sierra Leonean, was accompanied by senior representatives of Tabital Pulaaku International, including Alhaji Sidie Dem and Dr Abubakar Gerei, who formally presented him to President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone following his election to lead the international organisation.
During the courtesy call on Monday, 5 October 2026, at State House in Freetown, a senior member of Tabital Pulaaku International from Guinea-Bissau, Dr Helena Sahid, said the delegation had travelled to Sierra Leone to formally present the newly crowned Horeejo to President Bio, the Fulah community and the people of Sierra Leone.
Dr Sahid described Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe’s election as a reflection of the confidence, unity, peace and respect he enjoys among Fulahs across 34 countries. She also expressed appreciation for President Bio’s support for the Fulah community in Sierra Leone.
She further noted that the election of a Sierra Leonean to the highest leadership position of Tabital Pulaaku International during President Bio’s tenure was significant, describing it as a demonstration of the country’s supportive environment and the confidence placed in its leadership.
The global Fulah representatives expressed gratitude to President Bio, First Lady Fatima Bio, the Government and people of Sierra Leone for their support to Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe and the Fulah community, describing his elevation as an achievement not only for him and the Fulah community but also for Sierra Leone.
In his remarks, the newly crowned Horeejo thanked President Bio, First Lady Fatima Bio, the Government and people of Sierra Leone, as well as Fulahs across the world, for the confidence and trust placed in him.
Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe said he was accompanied by representatives of Tabital Pulaaku International from 34 countries to formally present him to his people and express their appreciation to President Bio for his support and leadership.
He used the occasion to call for peace and unity among Fulahs in Sierra Leone and across the world, while dedicating his tenure to the Fulah community in Sierra Leone.
He described his election as a national achievement and stressed the importance of using his new position to promote unity, peace and cooperation among Fulahs and their respective communities.
Congratulating Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe on his election, President Bio said he was pleased to receive the global leadership of Tabital Pulaaku International and welcome its newly elected President, whom he described as a peaceful, respectful and highly consultative leader.
“You have demonstrated for far too long that you are peaceful and that you have been contributing meaningfully to our country,” President Bio said.
The President said the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government had remained supportive of the Fulah community, emphasising the longstanding bonds that unite Sierra Leoneans across different communities.
“We have lived together in our communities, attended schools together, and shared good memories,” President Bio noted.
He urged Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe to use his new position to bring the wider Fulah community together and ensure that his tenure at the helm of Tabital Pulaaku International is defined by unity, peace and successful leadership.
President Bio said his extensive engagement with the Fulah community had consistently demonstrated its commitment to peace and national development, adding that he believed Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe’s leadership would take Tabital Pulaaku International to another level.
He thanked the global Fulah community for the confidence and trust placed in a Sierra Leonean to lead the international organisation and called on Fulahs in Sierra Leone to support Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe as he assumes his global responsibilities.
The President’s reception of the Tabital Pulaaku International leadership comes as Sierra Leone celebrates the emergence of one of its citizens onto a prominent global platform of Fulah leadership, with President Bio stressing the importance of using the position to strengthen peace, unity and cooperation within the community and beyond.
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has conducted an inspection and demonstration of a new drone operated by FG Gold at its Baomahun mining site as part of the Authority’s regulatory oversight, safety and compliance responsibilities.
The inspection, conducted on Monday, 5 October 2026, focused on FG Gold’s new DJI Matrice 400 RTK drone and formed part of the regulatory approval process to determine whether the unmanned aircraft meets applicable aviation safety and operational requirements.
SLCAA Director General, Musayeroh Barrie, said the exercise was undertaken as part of the Authority’s ongoing safety oversight activities.
“As part of our safety oversight activities, our ATR officer recently visited FG Gold Mines in Baomahun for an inspection and demonstration of its new DJI Matrice 400 drone, as part of the Authority’s regulatory oversight, safety and compliance processes,” she stated.
During the visit, an SLCAA officer observed a practical demonstration of the drone at the mining site. FG Gold’s surveying team introduced the DJI Matrice 400 RTK, which is equipped with an H30T camera and a DJI V1 loudspeaker.
According to information presented during the inspection, FG Gold intends to deploy the drone for surveying and other operational activities across the FG Gold Project. Its advanced camera system is expected to enhance aerial surveying and site monitoring, while the loudspeaker could support blast monitoring and emergency response operations.
The technology is also expected to improve communication and emergency management across the mining site, particularly in areas where rapid dissemination of safety information may be required.
The SLCAA is responsible for regulating unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, in Sierra Leone. Its regulatory oversight is intended to ensure that drone operations are conducted safely, legally and in accordance with national aviation regulations.
The inspection at Baomahun represents an important stage in FG Gold’s approval process to operate the DJI Matrice 400 RTK at its mining site. It also underscores the requirement for companies, organisations and individuals seeking to operate drones to obtain the appropriate authorisation from the SLCAA before commencing operations.
The Authority has continued to emphasise that drone operators must comply with applicable aviation regulations and established safety requirements to protect people, property and other users of Sierra Leone’s airspace.
The inspection also highlights the increasing adoption of advanced drone technology within Sierra Leone’s mining industry, particularly for surveying, monitoring, safety management and emergency response.
As the use of unmanned aircraft systems continues to expand across different sectors, the SLCAA has reaffirmed its commitment to effective regulatory oversight while encouraging drone operators to use the technology responsibly and in compliance with the country’s aviation laws and regulations.
Alice George has emerged as the first grand prize winner in Nutribom’s ongoing “Buy, Scan and Win” promotion, taking home NLe17,500 after participating in the campaign following an advertisement she saw on Facebook.
The promotion, which started in September 2026, has already rewarded customers with various prizes, including mobile airtime top-ups, e-books, Nutribom products and cash prizes.
During a formal presentation ceremony held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 79 Campbell Street in Freetown, Alice George was officially presented with her NLe17,500 cash prize.
Mary Kabay, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the event, explained that the promotion is open to Nutribom customers across Sierra Leone and is not limited to Freetown.
She encouraged consumers in different parts of the country to participate in the promotion and take advantage of the opportunity to win the various prizes available.
Speaking at the ceremony, Amin Kef, Media Consultant for Nutribom, encouraged members of the public to continue buying Nutribom products and participating in the “Buy, Scan and Win” promotion.
He said customers stand the chance of winning different prizes, including significant cash rewards, simply by purchasing the promotional products and following the required steps to participate.
Amin Kef explained that the promotion is also intended to strengthen customers’ confidence in Nutribom and its range of products. He said Nutribom products are among the best nutritional products for children, noting that they support children as they grow stronger.
He added that the decision to publicly present the cash prize was intended to demonstrate the credibility and transparency of the promotion.
According to him, the presentation would allow members of the public to see for themselves that the promotion is genuine and that customers who participate have a real opportunity to win.
As part of the verification process, Alice George presented a valid identification card and a copy of her Nutribom promotional screenshot before receiving her prize.
Speaking after receiving the money, Alice George said she only recently became aware of the promotion after seeing an advertisement on Facebook and decided to participate.
“I only saw the advert for the promo recently on Facebook, so I decided to try my luck. I played with faith and, God so good, I won,” George said.
For George, however, her relationship with Nutribom began long before the promotion. She explained that she started giving Nutribom to her daughter when the child was nine months old following a recommendation from a doctor.
Her daughter, who is now two years old, continues to consume Nutribom pap.
According to George, the doctor recommended the product because of its nutritional and wholesome qualities for babies. She added that her daughter has remained healthy and strong since she started giving her Nutribom.
“I feel grateful for this winning, but it is God who willed it,” she said, encouraging other customers to participate with faith and confidence that they could become the next winner.
George also assured consumers that the Nutribom promotion is genuine, dismissing any doubts potential participants may have about the campaign.
“The promotion is not fake. Everything is real,” she said, while encouraging other mothers to buy Nutribom for their children and participate in the promotion.
George disclosed that she intends to use the NLe17,500 prize money to support her family and contribute towards her studies in medical school.
The ongoing promotion is designed to reward Nutribom customers while giving participants opportunities to win cash and other prizes, including NLe250 and NLe125 airtime top-ups, e-books and Nutribom products.
Consumers wishing to participate are encouraged to purchase a specially marked Nutribom promotional pack, scan the QR code using a smartphone, spin and follow the instructions provided to stand a chance of winning.
Sierra Leone’s disability community has lost more than an advocate. It has lost a friend, mentor, organizer, campaigner and champion who spent more than two decades challenging the exclusion of some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
The late Edward Emmanuel, Founder and Executive Director of One Family People (OFP), devoted his life to creating opportunities for persons with disabilities, street-connected children and other vulnerable people who were too often ignored, marginalized or forced to survive on the streets.
Through One Family People, Edward helped build a movement founded on a simple but powerful conviction: persons with disabilities should not be treated as objects of charity, but as people with rights, talents, aspirations and the capacity to contribute to society.
His death has therefore left a profound void, but the tributes from colleagues, international partners, disability-rights advocates, beneficiaries and friends demonstrate that his influence extends far beyond the organisation he founded.
The Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, in a tribute during funeral service held on Tuesday 6th October, 2026 at the Let My Gate Be Opened – Solution Cathedral also known as the Revival Power Assembly, recalled Edward’s involvement with the Special Court’s Outreach programme, noting that he first came to the Court in 2004 and developed a relationship with its outreach activities from 2007.
At the time, Edward was working with street-connected children. By 2008, he had registered One Family People and expanded his advocacy to persons with disabilities, including deaf people and, subsequently, children and young people with autism.
The Residual Special Court recalled that many people with disabilities had been pushed to the margins of society, with some becoming homeless or being forced to beg for a living.
Edward’s response was not simply to speak about their plight. He went to where they were.
He reportedly spent nights with vulnerable people who were sleeping in an abandoned bus station because he wanted to understand their circumstances from their perspective.
That willingness to experience the conditions faced by the people he served became one of the defining characteristics of his advocacy.
The Residual Special Court described him as someone whose life was dedicated to persons with disabilities, remembering his sincerity, work ethic, religious convictions, generosity, humility and dependable friendship.
According to Hadiatou Diallo, Co-founder of One Family People and Edward’s life partner, their journey of service emerged from difficult years on Walpole Street.
From that experience came One Family People and The Great Walpoleans, creating opportunities, community and a voice for children and young people with disabilities.
One Family People subsequently developed into a disability-focused human-rights organisation working on inclusion, advocacy, capacity building, partnerships and resource mobilisation.
The organization’s own records demonstrate the scale of the work Edward helped lead. Over the years, One Family People allocated billions of Leones to partner organisations, including the Dorothy Springer Trust, Kono Cheshire Services, Disability Awareness Action Group, Welfare Society for the Disabled, Polio Persons Development Association and Sierra Leone Autistic Society in order to support children with disabilities in health, education, livelihoods and social inclusion.
These supports demonstrate that Edward’s vision was not confined to Freetown. He helped establish partnerships through which disability-support initiatives could reach communities in different parts of Sierra Leone.
Perhaps one of the clearest descriptions of Edward’s philosophy comes from his former colleague Francis Kabia.
Kabia recalled Edward’s mantra:
“We should not give persons with disabilities fish; we must teach them how to fish and stand by them every step of the way.”
That philosophy captures the difference between charity and empowerment.
Edward understood that giving temporary assistance could address an immediate need, but creating sustainable change required helping people acquire skills, find opportunities, earn livelihoods and participate meaningfully in society.
This philosophy was reflected in One Family People’s work in education, livelihoods, healthcare, social inclusion and advocacy.
In 2022, Edward told beneficiaries and partners that One Family People believed persons with disabilities were “powerful, radiant agents of change”, and that the organisation was committed to listening to them, giving them space to shine and working with them to find solutions that benefited individuals, families and communities.
One of Edward’s most distinctive contributions was his recognition of music, dance and drama as tools for inclusion and empowerment.
The Great Walpoleans became more than an entertainment group. It became a platform through which people with disabilities could demonstrate their abilities and challenge assumptions about what they could achieve.
The Residual Special Court recalled adults with disabilities performing skits on justice and human rights, while deaf young people danced to music during activities connected to the Court’s outreach programme.
The group’s members, Sallay and Alafi, remembered Edward as someone who saw their talent when others saw only limitations.
They said he nurtured their potential through music, dance and drama, teaching them to believe in themselves, speak for themselves and refuse to allow disability to define their destiny.
That may be one of Edward’s greatest achievements: he helped change the narrative from “What can a person with a disability receive?” to “What can a person with a disability contribute?”
Edward’s advocacy also contributed to broader disability-rights conversations in Sierra Leone.
Former Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone Chairperson and Commissioner Jamesina E. L. King described him as a determined and courageous advocate who insisted that persons with disabilities be heard, respected and treated with dignity.
She specifically recognized his contribution to disability-rights advocacy, including the movement that contributed to the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2011.
His advocacy was therefore part of a wider national struggle to move disability from the margins of social welfare into the arena of rights, accountability and public policy.
One Family People’s work has also involved engagement with government institutions. In 2021, for example, the organisation engaged the National Disaster Management Agency on ensuring that the needs and voices of persons with disabilities were incorporated into disaster preparedness and response. Edward argued that inclusion at the planning and preparedness stages could reduce vulnerability and improve government response and recovery.
The programmes he led supported children with disabilities in education, health, livelihoods and social inclusion. The organisation also worked with parents and caregivers to strengthen their ability to support children with disabilities.
His commitment was particularly visible in his work with children with autism.
Mary Pentimity, Co-founder, CEO, and Executive Director, Sierra Leone Autistic Society remembered Edward as a trusted friend, brother and fierce ally in building the organisation.
She recalled how he took advocacy beyond formal meetings, bringing music, dance, joy and confidence into classrooms and youth clubs, helping create spaces where children with autism could be celebrated rather than pitied.
That work was part of a broader effort to challenge stigma and promote acceptance.
The United Nations in Sierra Leone also documented Edward’s engagement with children at the Mahanaiem Rehabilitation Centre in Grafton. During a March 2025 visit by UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana, Edward said the children demonstrated courage and strength that was deeply inspiring.
The sensory room: a physical legacy of inclusion
One of the final major achievements associated with Edward’s leadership was the opening in May 2025 of what The Calabash described as Sierra Leone’s first sensory room for children with severe and multiple disabilities.
The facility, opened in Grafton, provides a specialised environment where children with complex disabilities can play, express themselves and develop cognitive, emotional and motor skills.
Edward described the facility as a symbol of love, inclusion and belief in the abilities of every child. The project had been developed over several years with support from partners including Liliane Fonds, Miva, Il Giardino di Ngali2, the Champions Club of Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Social Welfare.
The significance of the sensory room goes beyond the physical facility.
It reflects the philosophy Edward spent years promoting: that children with disabilities deserve spaces designed around their needs, abilities and potential.
Edward’s influence was also visible in his ability to bring people and organisations together.
One Family People worked with national disability organisations, government institutions, international development partners and community-based organisations.
Its 2015 annual report listed a wide network of partner organisations and strategic partners, reflecting an approach based on collaboration rather than isolation.
The organization’s programmes have subsequently continued to expand. In 2025, One Family People launched the Programme for Inclusion and Empowerment, a multi-year initiative focused on children and young people with disabilities.
This continuity is important because it suggests that Edward’s greatest institutional achievement may not have been a single project, but the creation of a structure capable of continuing the work after his passing.
One of the most striking themes in the tributes is Edward’s refusal to accept exclusion.
Sandra Emons described him as one of the most inspiring and creative people she had met through her work for humanity and inclusion. She recalled that he asked persons with disabilities what they needed and what they wanted to do and then helped them pursue those goals.
She also remembered his refusal to remain in a hotel when she and another colleague, Wizzard, were refused accommodation.
For Emons, that moment captured Edward’s character: he would not accept privileges for himself while people he stood with were being excluded.
The ICDI team similarly described him as an activist “through and through” energetic, committed and unwilling to regard problems as insurmountable.
They remembered him as equally comfortable on the streets of Freetown and in boardrooms, with a song for every occasion.
That combination of activism, humour, creativity and compassion appears repeatedly throughout the tributes.
Beyond the public work, Edward’s legacy was deeply personal.
Kumba Mattia remembered him as someone who became more than a friend, he became a son to her. She recalled how he embraced her son, Foday, supported his education and stood beside the family during difficult times.
Dr. Abs Dumbuya, Founder & CEO of the Dorothy Springer Trust and family described him as a compassionate and courageous champion for children and young people with disabilities who opened doors to dignity, inclusion and opportunity.
Diana Szántó remembered him as a visionary disability-rights advocate, but also as a friend, protector, brother and son whose music, laughter and compassion created spaces of joy and belonging.
And for Samuel P. O. V. Macauley, Director of Operations and Programmes at One Family People, Edward was more than a founder and executive director. He was a leader, mentor, brother and source of inspiration.
Macauley said Edward taught the organisation that its work was not simply about programmes and projects, but about people, dignity, inclusion and changing lives.
That may be the most important measure of his legacy.
Edward’s work did not end with the programmes he had completed.
According to Sulaiman Jabati, shortly before his passing Edward shared a vision for a solar project that could create jobs and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
It was another expression of his lifelong belief that inclusion must translate into economic opportunity and independence.
His unfinished dreams now belong to those he inspired.
Edward Emmanuel’s life cannot be reduced to the title of Founder and Executive Director of One Family People.
He was a bridge between people who were often excluded and institutions that had the power to create change.
He connected disability advocacy with human rights, entertainment with empowerment, compassion with practical action, and vulnerable communities with opportunities.
His record includes advocacy, employment support, housing assistance, education, healthcare, livelihoods, community mobilisation, research, disaster preparedness, disability awareness and specialised services for children.
But the strongest testimony to his life comes from the people themselves.
The Great Walpoleans say he taught them to believe in themselves.
The Sierra Leone Autistic Society says he helped create spaces where children could be celebrated rather than pitied.
His colleagues remember a leader who challenged them to think bigger and serve better.
International partners remember an activist whose energy and determination were difficult to match.
And the disability movement remembers a man who insisted that people with disabilities must be heard, respected and given opportunities to determine their own futures.
Edward’s death therefore marks the end of a life, but not the end of the work.
His greatest legacy is the people he empowered to stand.
The children who gained opportunities.
The young people who discovered their talents.
The persons with disabilities who found a voice.
The families who found hope.
The organisations that became stronger.
And the advocates who learned that inclusion is not a favour it is a right.
As Hadiatou Diallo, Co-Founder One Family People and Life Partner, reflected, Edward’s greatest legacy is not simply what he built, but the people he believed in, encouraged and empowered.
That is a legacy that cannot easily die.
A final tribute
Edward Emmanuel spent his life trying to ensure that those society had pushed aside would no longer remain invisible.
He stood with people sleeping on streets.
He advocated for people with disabilities.
He helped create employment and livelihood opportunities.
He used music, dance and drama to restore confidence.
He fought stigma.
He supported children with autism.
He helped build organisations and partnerships.
He challenged institutions.
He dreamed of new opportunities for persons with disabilities even while facing serious illness.
And, according to those who knew him, he did much of it with a smile, a song, a characteristic hat and an unwavering belief in humanity.
The Residual Special Court recalled that Edward often ended conversations by saying:
“God bless you and God be with you always.”
For a man who devoted his life to ensuring that others were not forgotten, perhaps the most fitting tribute is that Sierra Leone must not forget him or the people for whom he spent his life fighting.
Edward Emmanuel may be gone, but the movement he helped strengthen continues. His voice may be silent, but the people he empowered continue to speak.
ROCKCEM (SL) Ltd is strengthening its presence in Sierra Leone’s construction sector with an approximately US$60 million investment aimed at expanding cement production, warehousing, logistics and nationwide distribution of its RC BRAND CEM II 42.5 R Cement.
Cement remains one of the most important materials supporting Sierra Leone’s construction industry, providing the foundation for homes, roads, schools, hospitals, commercial buildings and major infrastructure projects. As construction activity continues to expand, reliable access to quality cement has become increasingly important for contractors, developers, distributors and individual builders.
At the centre of ROCKCEM’s expansion is RC BRAND CEM II 42.5 R Cement, which the company is positioning as a dependable product designed to deliver strength, consistency, durability and lasting performance across different construction projects.
Operating from its head office at 13B Bai Bureh Road, Texaco, Old Road, Freetown, ROCKCEM is undertaking major infrastructure development, including the construction of a modern warehouse at Sumbuya in Songo.
The Songo warehouse, expected to become operational in November 2026, is intended to significantly improve access to RC BRAND 42.5 R Cement for wholesalers, retailers, contractors and other customers outside Freetown.
Once operational, customers in the provinces will be able to collect cement directly from Songo instead of travelling to Freetown. The strategic location is expected to shorten travel distances, reduce fuel and transportation costs, save time and help ease congestion associated with transporting cement from the capital to other parts of the country.
For many provincial customers, collecting cement from Songo could also reduce repeated toll-gate expenses. Depending on their routes, some customers may need to cross only the Masiaka Toll Gate, potentially generating considerable savings in overall logistics costs.
To further strengthen its distribution network, ROCKCEM has assembled a fleet of approximately 50 vehicles to support direct deliveries to customers and improve the availability of its cement across Sierra Leone.
The company’s total planned investment has increased to approximately US$60 million following changes in the global economic environment, inflation, higher construction and equipment costs, as well as an expansion in the scale of its operations.
A major component of the investment is a state-of-the-art cement grinding mill with the capacity to produce more than 60,000 packaged 50kg bags of cement per day. The investment also covers warehousing, logistics, local repackaging and processing infrastructure as part of the company’s broader drive to strengthen domestic industrial capacity.
The expansion of local processing capacity is also expected to generate opportunities in transportation, engineering, maintenance, warehousing, distribution and other supporting services linked to the construction and manufacturing sectors.
For contractors and developers, dependable access to cement is essential for keeping construction projects on schedule and managing costs. ROCKCEM’s expanded distribution infrastructure, particularly its Songo warehouse and growing delivery fleet, is therefore aimed at bringing RC BRAND 42.5 R Cement closer to customers across the country.
Quality remains central to the company’s strategy, with RC BRAND CEM II 42.5 R Cement being positioned as a reliable choice for construction projects requiring strength, durability and consistent performance.
ROCKCEM says its ambition is to build RC BRAND into one of the strongest and most competitive cement brands in Sierra Leone, supported by quality products, reliable supply, efficient distribution and responsive customer service.
With an approximately US$60 million investment, a fleet of about 50 vehicles, expanded operations in Freetown, a high-capacity cement grinding mill and the Songo warehouse expected to become operational in November 2026, the company is positioning itself to play a growing role in Sierra Leone’s cement and construction industries.
As Sierra Leone continues to pursue infrastructure and private-sector development, ROCKCEM says it remains committed to supporting the country’s construction needs through quality cement, improved accessibility and timely delivery under its message: “RC BRAND 42.5 R Cement — Build Stronger. Build to Last.”
ROCKCEM (SL) Ltd’s head office is located at 13B Bai Bureh Road, Texaco, Old Road, Freetown. Customers can contact +232-72-111111 for enquiries and deliveries.
Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, in partnership with Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), has launched its 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness, Free Screening and Surgery Campaign, targeting more than 5,000 women across Sierra Leone with screening, treatment support and health education services.
The campaign was officially launched on Saturday, October 3, 2026, with an eight-kilometre breast cancer awareness walk from the Cotton Tree in central Freetown to Kallon Car Park at Aberdeen Beach.
The event brought together healthcare professionals, breast cancer survivors, government officials, Orange Sierra Leone employees, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank staff and members of the public to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and timely treatment.
Speaking at the launch, Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Madam Aïcha Touré, said the campaign is focused on saving lives by ensuring that women have greater access to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
She disclosed that Orange Foundation Sierra Leone has supported breast cancer awareness and treatment initiatives since 2015, with more than 2,500 women benefiting from screening services in 2025. The Foundation is now seeking to expand its reach, particularly to underserved communities where access to healthcare remains challenging.
“This year, we want to reach more than 5,000 women, especially in communities where access to healthcare is more difficult,” Madam Aïcha Touré said.
She stressed that the campaign goes beyond achieving numerical targets, noting that its broader objective is to protect the lives of mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, colleagues and friends.
According to her, many women continue to seek medical attention only after breast cancer has reached an advanced stage, making early detection and effective treatment more difficult.
“Our message to the entire Sierra Leone is simple: get screened early, and if you need care, follow through with your treatment,” she urged.
Madam Aïcha Touré described the campaign as an effort to move women “from fear to knowledge, from silence to conversation, and from late diagnosis to early detection.” She also encouraged men to support women in undergoing screening and to stand by them throughout treatment.
Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, Deputy Minister of Health I, Professor Dr. Charles Senneh, commended Orange Foundation Sierra Leone and its partners for complementing the Government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.
Professor Dr. Charles Senneh emphasised that breast cancer screening remains an important component of preventive healthcare, particularly because early presentation significantly increases the chances of receiving appropriate treatment.
He disclosed that the Government remains committed to establishing a state-of-the-art cancer treatment centre in Sierra Leone and is also working to expand mammography services beyond Freetown and Kenema to other parts of the country. Pasted markdown
“Women’s health is everybody’s business,” Professor Dr. Charles Senneh said, calling for stronger collaboration among the Government, private-sector institutions, healthcare providers and development partners.
He further stressed that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to October, noting that public education and sensitisation must continue throughout the year.
Providing a medical perspective, Dr. Isaac Olufemi Small, Surgical Oncology Specialist and Head of the Oncology Unit at Connaught Hospital, said breast cancer is treatable, particularly when detected at an early stage.
He explained that Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to take screening and awareness messages directly into communities, including remote parts of Sierra Leone.
Dr. Isaac Olufemi Small said Connaught Hospital provides services ranging from diagnosis and treatment to palliative care, with patients accessing breast cancer treatment from across Sierra Leone as well as neighbouring Guinea and Liberia. Pasted markdown
He encouraged women to know their bodies and regularly examine their breasts to identify unusual changes at an early stage. Women who notice abnormalities, he said, should immediately report to a health worker for proper assessment.
Dr. Isaac Olufemi Small also reminded the public that breast cancer can affect men, although it is less common, and encouraged men to seek medical attention if they notice unusual changes in their breasts.
Speaking on behalf of the management and staff of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Manager Ibrahim Tito Sankoh reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Sierra Leoneans.
He said the participation of the bank’s staff and senior management in the campaign demonstrated Sierra Leone Commercial Bank’s commitment to ensuring that breast cancer awareness reaches communities across the country.
Ibrahim Tito Sankoh encouraged women to undergo regular medical check-ups, stressing that early detection can save lives. He also reaffirmed the bank’s readiness to provide financial support to the initiative and commended Orange Foundation Sierra Leone and its partners for their continued efforts in combating breast cancer. Pasted markdown
For breast cancer survivors who participated in the awareness walk, the campaign also served as a message of hope and resilience, reinforcing the importance of early detection, treatment and continued public education.
The 2026 campaign brings together the Government, private sector, healthcare professionals, survivors and communities in a collective effort to increase awareness, expand access to screening and treatment, and ultimately reduce the impact of breast cancer across Sierra Leone.
