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Central University Graduates 200 Students Under Ready Salone Project

July 13, 2026

Large diverse group of graduates and attendees posing for a photo on a staircase, with a person in a blue shirt holding books at the center.

Central University, in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has graduated 200 students under the Ready Salone Project after they successfully completed six months of intensive training in Smart Agriculture and Graphic Design and Digital Content Creation.

The graduation and certification ceremony, held on Friday, 10 July 2026, at the university’s campus in Mile 91, brought together university administrators, government officials, development partners, faculty members, students, parents and invited guests to celebrate the achievements of the graduates.

The six-month programme forms part of the Ready Salone Project’s broader objective of equipping young Sierra Leoneans with practical, market-oriented skills that enhance employability, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Central University, Professor Bob Karankay Conteh, described the collaboration between the university and the International Trade Centre as an excellent example of how higher education institutions can bridge the gap between academic learning and practical workforce demands.

He said the university was proud to witness another group of young people graduating with industry-relevant skills, adding that the partnership continues to transform lives while reinforcing the institution’s commitment to delivering quality education.

Chairman of the ceremony and Registrar of Central University, Maligie Sesay, congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold professionalism, integrity and innovation as they transition into employment and entrepreneurial ventures.

He commended the Ready Salone Project team for their dedication to the successful implementation of the initiative and introduced members of the project team alongside the university’s academic and administrative staff.

Representing the Ready Salone Project, Associate Programme Officer Jongmin Weon praised the determination and commitment demonstrated by the participants throughout the six-month training programme.

He also commended Central University for providing participants with practical knowledge and competencies that will enable them to compete effectively in the labour market.

According to him, the Ready Salone Project was established to promote economic growth by increasing the participation of young people in Sierra Leone’s digital economy through skills development, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Director of the Research Unit at Central University, Dr. Saidu Koroma, welcomed guests and congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the rigorous programme.

He described the graduation as another important milestone in the university’s commitment to providing practical education that addresses national development priorities.

Dr. Koroma noted that the graduates had acquired valuable competencies in Smart Agriculture Technology, Graphic Design, Digital Content Creation and Information and Communication Technology tools, which will prepare them for future employment and business opportunities.

Representing the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Marlon Bockarie-Konteh applauded the initiative for complementing Government efforts to tackle youth unemployment through technical and vocational skills development.

He encouraged the graduates to utilise the knowledge and skills they had acquired to create employment opportunities for themselves while contributing to national development.

Ready Salone Communication Specialist, Rebecca Sarah Jawara, also encouraged the graduates to make productive use of the skills they had gained during the programme.

She emphasised that the knowledge acquired would not only benefit the graduates personally but would also contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and food security. She urged them to continue learning, remain innovative and serve as positive role models within their communities.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of agricultural produce harvested from the university’s Smart Agriculture Farm by the Dean of Technical Sciences and Engineering, Isaac Muckson Sesay.

The exhibition featured a variety of crops cultivated by students during the practical phase of the training, demonstrating the effectiveness of hands-on learning and modern agricultural techniques promoted under the programme.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Osman Mallan Kargbo expressed gratitude to the Ready Salone Project for providing practical training, mentorship and monthly stipends throughout the six-month programme.

He said the skills acquired would help participants build sustainable careers, while the financial support they received during the training encouraged many of them to remain committed until completion.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Zainab Sallay Koroma, expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone for facilitating the implementation of the Ready Salone Project at Central University.

She also thanked the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for its generous support and partnership with the International Trade Centre in promoting youth skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and economic opportunities across Sierra Leone.

Koroma further commended the management of Central University for providing the institutional leadership and support that ensured the successful implementation of the initiative.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the 200 graduates amid applause from family members, university staff and invited guests, marking another significant milestone in the Ready Salone Project’s efforts to empower young Sierra Leoneans with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and national development.

NPRA DG Briefs Parliament on Downstream Petroleum Sector Developments

July 13, 2026

Man in a blue suit speaks into a microphone beside a man in orange traditional attire at a conference panel, with audience seated behind them.

The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Brima Baluwa Koroma, has briefed Parliament’s Committee on Trade and Industry on recent developments within Sierra Leone’s downstream petroleum sector, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to ensuring a safe, competitive and transparent petroleum industry.

The engagement followed the Committee’s summons of the NPRA and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) as part of Parliament’s constitutional oversight responsibilities aimed at assessing the performance and regulation of the country’s petroleum industry.

During his presentation, Brima Baluwa Koroma outlined the Authority’s mandate under the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority Act, 2025, explaining that the NPRA is responsible for regulating the downstream petroleum sector to promote efficiency, competition, safety and consumer protection.

He told Members of Parliament that the Authority strives to balance the interests of three key stakeholders; consumers, industry operators and the Government. According to him, protecting consumers through fair and transparent fuel pricing remains a top priority, while ensuring Oil Marketing Companies receive reasonable returns on investment is essential to attracting both domestic and foreign investment into the sector. He added that the Authority also contributes to Government’s fiscal objectives by supporting sustainable revenue generation from petroleum-related activities.

Responding to concerns raised by Members of Parliament regarding the quality of petroleum products imported into Sierra Leone, the Director General assured the Committee that all petroleum products entering the country comply with internationally accepted quality standards.

He explained that modern petroleum products contain specialized additives that improve engine performance while incorporating environmentally friendly technologies designed to reduce harmful emissions and promote cleaner energy use.

Brima Baluwa Koroma further disclosed that the NPRA is expected to engage the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in August to discuss issues relating to fuel quality and vehicle emissions. He said the Authority would welcome the participation of one or two representatives from Parliament’s Committee on Trade and Industry during those discussions.

Speaking on regional fuel quality standards, the Director General explained that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has transitioned from the previous sulphur content limit of 1,000 parts per million (ppm) to 50 ppm in line with efforts to improve environmental protection and safeguard public health.

He noted that Sierra Leone’s fuel pricing framework currently accommodates the importation of petroleum products with a sulphur content of only 10 ppm, a standard that exceeds the regional ECOWAS requirement and demonstrates the country’s commitment to cleaner fuels.

Brima Baluwa Koroma also commended the Ministry of Finance for securing a Platts subscription for the NPRA in 2020. He explained that before obtaining the subscription, the Authority depended largely on information provided by Oil Marketing Companies for international petroleum pricing.

According to him, the subscription has significantly enhanced the Authority’s independence, transparency and credibility in determining domestic fuel prices based on reliable international market data.

The Director General also praised Oil Marketing Companies for maintaining high standards in the quality of petroleum products supplied to the Sierra Leonean market.

On the regulation of fuel stations, Brima Baluwa Koroma informed the Committee that the NPRA has maintained a moratorium on the construction of new filling stations since March while reviewing outstanding applications.

He explained that the review process is intended to ensure full compliance with safety, environmental and planning regulations, stressing that while some applications may eventually receive approval, others will be rejected where they fail to meet the required standards or pose risks to public safety.

To strengthen regulatory compliance, Brima Baluwa Koroma presented copies of the NPRA’s Gas Station Regulations to Members of Parliament and appealed for their support in raising public awareness about the dangers of constructing filling stations near schools, hospitals, markets and other public institutions.

He stressed that effective collaboration between Parliament, regulators and local communities is essential to promoting safer petroleum infrastructure and protecting the lives and wellbeing of Sierra Leoneans.

NASSIT Assures Public of Strong Investment Portfolio, Says Pensioners’ Funds Remain Secure

July 13, 2026

The National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) has continued to demonstrate strong financial resilience, with its diversified investment portfolio remaining robust and fully capable of supporting its core mandate of paying pensions and safeguarding contributors’ savings.

The assurance comes amid public discussions surrounding a few individual investments, with financial experts stressing that challenges affecting isolated assets should not be interpreted as an indication of the Trust’s overall financial health.

According to analysts, NASSIT, like other major institutional investors around the world, maintains a broad investment portfolio spread across multiple sectors. While some investments may occasionally underperform, they note that the majority continue to generate value and contribute to the Trust’s long-term financial sustainability.

As Sierra Leone’s largest institutional investor, NASSIT has strategically invested in key sectors of the economy, including banking, hospitality, real estate, infrastructure and mortgage finance. Experts say this diversified investment strategy helps reduce financial risk while ensuring sustainable returns for contributors and pensioners.

Among the Trust’s flagship investments are the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, the Freetown International Conference Centre and the Commerce and Mortgage Bank, alongside several other strategic assets. Those investments continue to support tourism, housing, commerce, employment creation and private-sector development while contributing to national economic growth.

Analysts also highlight NASSIT’s significant presence within Sierra Leone’s financial sector through its substantial equity holdings in commercial banks and other financial institutions. They say those investments have provided long-term capital that has strengthened confidence and stability within the country’s banking industry.

Despite speculation in some quarters, there has been no indication that NASSIT has failed to meet its primary obligation of paying pension benefits. Pensioners continue to receive their monthly entitlements without interruption, a development observers say reflects the Trust’s financial strength and operational stability.

Financial experts argue that the performance of a pension institution should be measured by its ability to protect contributors’ funds, consistently meet pension obligations and sustain long-term financial growth, rather than by the performance of individual investments. By those standards, they maintain, NASSIT continues to perform strongly.

They further note that fluctuations in the performance of individual assets are a normal feature of diversified investment portfolios and are generally managed through prudent financial oversight, strategic asset allocation and effective risk management.

Over the years, NASSIT’s investments have not only generated returns but have also supported thousands of jobs, stimulated private-sector activity and strengthened critical sectors of Sierra Leone’s economy.

With pension payments continuing as scheduled and the overwhelming majority of its investments remaining productive and strategically valuable, industry observers believe there is no basis for undue public concern over the Trust’s financial position.

They emphasize that greater attention should be placed on the overall performance of NASSIT’s investment portfolio, its continued ability to honour its statutory obligations and its enduring contribution to Sierra Leone’s economic stability.

For thousands of contributors and pensioners across the country, the prevailing message remains that NASSIT continues to operate from a position of financial strength, pensioners’ funds remain secure, monthly pension payments continue uninterrupted and the Trust’s diversified investment portfolio remains one of Sierra Leone’s strongest institutional investment success stories.

Africell, Government and UNDP Unveil UniPod to Accelerate Youth Innovation

July 13, 2026

Six people stand in a row on a rooftop, wearing colorful traditional African outfits under a cloudy sky – group portrait.

Africell Sierra Leone has strengthened its commitment to digital innovation and youth empowerment through a landmark partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the University of Sierra Leone to establish UniPod Sierra Leone, an innovation hub dedicated to nurturing young entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers.

The facility was officially launched on 9 July 2026 at Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone, Mount Aureol. Designed to support innovation and entrepreneurship, the centre will provide young Sierra Leoneans with access to modern technology, mentorship, business incubation services and digital tools to transform creative ideas into commercially viable solutions capable of addressing national development challenges.

Launching the facility, Chief Minister, Dr David Sengeh, described UniPod as more than a physical structure, saying it represents a new mindset centred on innovation, collaboration and problem-solving. He noted that Sierra Leone already possesses talented young people and enabling policies for technological advancement, stressing that the country’s priority should now be accelerating the practical application of these opportunities.

Dr. David Sengeh encouraged students, researchers and entrepreneurs to fully utilize the facility while emphasizing that innovation should remain inclusive and accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities.

The UniPod initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Government of Sierra Leone, UNDP, the University of Sierra Leone and Africell Sierra Leone, highlighting the telecommunications company’s continued investment in education, digital transformation and youth entrepreneurship.

Representing Africell Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, Afrimoney Chief Executive Officer Martison Obeng-Agyei reaffirmed Africell’s commitment to helping young Sierra Leoneans unlock their potential through technology and innovation.

He announced that Africell will provide students with Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled identification cards, allowing seamless digital access to the UniPod Centre. He also disclosed plans to expand high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity across sections of Fourah Bay College to create a stronger digital environment for learning, research and innovation.

Martison Obeng-Agyei urged students to maximize the opportunities offered by the centre, describing it as a platform where creativity can be transformed into practical solutions and sustainable businesses. He maintained that investing in young people and technology is essential to Sierra Leone’s future economic growth and digital transformation.

Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie, commended UNDP, Africell and the University of Sierra Leone for their partnership in delivering the project. She said the initiative supports the Government’s Human Capital Development agenda by creating opportunities for students and researchers to apply academic knowledge to solving real societal challenges.

She further stated that universities should increasingly become centres of innovation where ideas are developed, tested and transformed into products and services that contribute to national development. She also called for similar innovation hubs to be established across the country to expand opportunities for young people.

UNDP Resident Representative Fredrick Ampiah described the launch as a significant step in strengthening Sierra Leone’s innovation ecosystem. He said economic competitiveness today depends not only on natural resources but also on the ability of young people to develop innovative solutions to local challenges.

According to him, the UniPod will provide training in digital skills, entrepreneurship, content creation and technology development while supporting innovators to build businesses capable of creating employment opportunities.

Deputy Vice Chancellor of Fourah Bay College, Professor Andrew Baio, described UniPod as a national innovation platform rather than simply a university facility. He said the centre is open to innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs from across Sierra Leone, providing opportunities to design, prototype and develop solutions to real-world problems.

Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation Salima Bah said the facility strengthens Sierra Leone’s growing innovation ecosystem and encouraged greater collaboration between UniPod and other innovation hubs nationwide. She also emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property generated through innovations developed at the centre.

The UniPod Sierra Leone is equipped with maker spaces, digital fabrication and prototyping laboratories, business incubation services, mentorship programmes and technology transfer facilities designed to help young innovators transform ideas into viable enterprises.

The launch concluded with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, a guided tour of the facility and exhibitions showcasing innovations developed by Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs, marking another milestone in the country’s efforts to promote digital innovation through collaboration between Government, development partners, academia and the private sector, with Africell playing a leading role in supporting the initiative.

PPRC Opens Public Consultation on Unity Party Internal Electoral Regulations

July 13, 2026

The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has officially published the Unity Party Internal Electoral Regulations 2026, inviting members of the party and the general public to review the document and submit any objections during a 30-day consultation period.

According to a Press Release issued by the Commission on 10 July 2026, the publication is in accordance with Section 23 of the Political Parties Act, 2022 (Act No. 25 of 2022). The regulations have been published in the Government Gazette, Volume CLXVII, No. 60, with the consultation period running from Thursday, 9 July 2026, to Friday, 7 August 2026.

The Commission stated that throughout the consultation period, it will receive and consider objections relating to the Unity Party’s Internal Electoral Regulations from both members of the Unity Party and interested members of the public. The exercise is intended to promote transparency, accountability and public participation in the internal democratic processes of registered political parties.

The PPRC encouraged individuals wishing to submit objections to do so on or before the close of business on Friday, 7 August 2026. Submissions may be delivered to the Commission’s Head Office located on OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, or to any of its Regional and District Offices in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Port Loko and Kono. Objections may also be submitted electronically through the Commission’s official email addresses.

To facilitate public access to the regulations, the Commission announced that copies of the gazetted Unity Party Internal Electoral Regulations 2026 are available for purchase at the Sierra Leone Government Bookshop on Wallace Johnson Street, Freetown.

The PPRC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that political parties operate within the legal framework established by the Political Parties Act, emphasizing that public participation remains an important component of strengthening internal party democracy and promoting credible electoral governance in Sierra Leone.

US Lists 26 Sierra Leoneans Among 374 West Africans Facing Deportation

July 13, 2026

Line of people with suitcases and bags waiting outside a fenced area at a transit station on a sunny day.

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published an updated list of 374 West African nationals slated for deportation, with 26 Sierra Leoneans included among those identified for removal under the country’s intensified immigration enforcement programme.

According to the DHS, the updated list forms part of its immigration enforcement initiative targeting foreign nationals who have been identified as priorities for deportation. The agency released the names and photographs of those listed, describing them as individuals considered among the highest-priority cases for removal from the United States.

The figures show that Nigeria accounts for the largest number of individuals on the list with 124 nationals, followed by Liberia with 94 and Ghana with 32. Sierra Leone ranks fourth with 26 nationals, while Cape Verde has 23, Senegal 19, Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia 14 each, Mauritania 12, Burkina Faso 9, Niger 8, Guinea and Togo 6 each, Mali 5 and Benin and Guinea-Bissau one each.

The publication of the list has attracted considerable attention across West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, where the inclusion of 26 citizens has generated public interest regarding their identities, immigration status and the process for their eventual repatriation. The DHS has not announced a specific timetable for the deportations but has made the complete list publicly available.

The development comes amid broader cooperation between the United States and several African countries on migration and deportation arrangements. Earlier this year, Sierra Leone received a first group of third-country deportees from the United States as part of a separate migration agreement, with officials indicating that such transfers would occur in accordance with agreed procedures.

US authorities maintain that the publication of the names and photographs is intended to increase transparency surrounding immigration enforcement while identifying individuals who have been prioritized for removal under existing immigration laws. The department has not released detailed case information for each individual but stated that those listed fall within categories identified for deportation under US immigration policy.

For Sierra Leone, the latest development highlights the continuing impact of changing US immigration policies on citizens living abroad and is expected to prompt close attention from both immigration authorities and the families of those affected.

China, Sierra Leone Celebrate 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations and Enduring Partnership

July 13, 2026

Group photo on a stage at a cultural gala celebrating 55 years of China–Sierra Leone diplomatic relations, with a banner and a Chinese flag in the background.

Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China, commemorated the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with a colourful ceremony and cultural gala held on Thursday, 9 July 2026 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Freetown. The celebration also marked the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, reaffirming the long-standing friendship and expanding cooperation between the two nations.

The event brought together senior Government officials, diplomats, Members of Parliament, development partners, traditional and cultural groups, and members of the Chinese and Sierra Leonean communities to celebrate more than five decades of diplomatic cooperation, economic partnership and cultural exchange.

Speaking at the event, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Zhao Yong, described the anniversary as a significant milestone that reflects the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between both countries. He said that although China and Sierra Leone are geographically far apart, the two nations have remained close friends for 55 years through mutual respect, equality, trust and unwavering support.

Ambassador Zhao also welcomed the establishment of the Sierra Leone-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, describing it as another important platform for strengthening legislative cooperation and enhancing people-to-people relations. He congratulated members of the parliamentary delegation on the official launch of the friendship group and expressed confidence that it would further deepen bilateral engagement.

The Chinese envoy commended Sierra Leone for consistently upholding the One China Principle and praised the country’s growing role in regional and international affairs, particularly as Chair of ECOWAS and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. He said both countries have continued to work closely in promoting peace, stability, multilateral cooperation and sustainable development.

Highlighting economic cooperation, Ambassador Zhao noted that China has remained Sierra Leone’s largest trading partner for fifteen consecutive years and one of its leading sources of foreign investment. He said bilateral cooperation has resulted in landmark development projects, including the National Stadium, the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital and significant investments in agriculture, fisheries and other productive sectors that continue to improve livelihoods across the country.

He further disclosed that China’s preferential trade policies have opened greater opportunities for Sierra Leonean products to access the Chinese market, expressing optimism that trade volumes between the two countries will continue to increase.

Reflecting on China’s longstanding support during national emergencies, Ambassador Zhao recalled the country’s medical assistance during the Ebola epidemic and its early donation of COVID-19 vaccines. He also noted that Chinese medical teams have served continuously in Sierra Leone for more than five decades, providing healthcare services to over one million Sierra Leoneans.

On education and cultural cooperation, Ambassador Zhao revealed that more than 1,300 Sierra Leoneans have benefited from Chinese Government scholarships, while over 6,000 professionals have participated in various training and exchange programmes in China. He also praised the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone for training more than 14,000 Sierra Leoneans in the Chinese language and promoting cultural understanding between both countries.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam Francess P. Alghali, described the anniversary as an important milestone that reflects decades of enduring friendship, mutual trust and expanding cooperation between Sierra Leone and China.

She said the celebration coincided with the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), an initiative designed to strengthen educational, cultural, youth and social exchanges while broadening bilateral cooperation beyond traditional development assistance.

Madam Alghali highlighted China’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s development in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education and trade. She cited the construction of the National Stadium, the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital, the donation of airport shuttle buses, the deployment of Chinese medical teams and the establishment of the Confucius Institute as clear demonstrations of China’s continued commitment to Sierra Leone’s national development.

She also acknowledged China’s diplomatic support for Sierra Leone, including its backing for the country’s successful election to the United Nations Security Council. According to her, President Julius Maada Bio’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Action” presents an opportunity for both countries to further strengthen cooperation in support of Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Farida Tunis, emphasized the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations. She observed that people-to-people exchanges have become one of the strongest pillars of the partnership, fostering deeper friendship and greater understanding between the citizens of both nations.

She noted the strong alignment between China’s designation of 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and Sierra Leone’s Year of Culture and Creativity 2026, describing the convergence as a unique opportunity to expand collaboration in culture, tourism, education and the creative industries.

Madam Tunis reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to the One China Principle and praised China’s consistent support for the country’s development agenda through infrastructure investment, healthcare assistance, educational scholarships and human capital development. She also commended the long-standing contribution of Chinese medical teams and the Confucius Institute in strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries.

The ceremony featured colourful cultural performances by Chinese and Sierra Leonean artists, showcasing the rich traditions and cultural heritage of both nations while highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy in promoting friendship and mutual understanding.

The celebrations concluded with renewed commitments from both Governments to build on the achievements of the past 55 years by expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, healthcare, tourism, culture and human capital development, while further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Sierra Leone for the benefit of both peoples.

ACC, Transparency International Call on Sierra Leoneans to Embrace Integrity and Reject Corruption

July 13, 2026

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Transparency International Sierra Leone (TI-SL) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability as the country joined the rest of the continent in commemorating African Anti-Corruption Day on 11 July 2026.

In a joint statement issued to mark the occasion, the two institutions joined Governments, anti-corruption agencies, Civil Society Organisations and citizens across Africa in observing the day under the theme, “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa.”

The statement noted that African Anti-Corruption Day provides an important opportunity for African Union member states and stakeholders to renew their commitment to building transparent, accountable and resilient institutions capable of advancing sustainable development and achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

The ACC and TI-SL recalled that the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, adopted in Maputo, Mozambique, on 11 July 2003 and which entered into force in 2006, remains Africa’s foremost legal instrument for promoting integrity, preventing corruption and strengthening accountable governance. Sierra Leone is among the countries that have ratified the convention.

According to the statement, this year’s theme highlights the urgent need to strengthen integrity systems through stronger institutions, ethical leadership, effective partnerships and active citizen participation in the fight against corruption across the continent.

The two institutions also highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress in promoting accountability, citing the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2024–2028), the establishment and strengthening of Integrity Management Committees across public institutions, corruption risk assessments, systems and process reviews, and sustained public education campaigns.

The statement further disclosed that Sierra Leone has achieved a 99.54 per cent compliance rate in its asset declaration exercise, described as the highest ever recorded on the African continent. However, the ACC and TI-SL acknowledged the need to intensify the verification of declared assets to further strengthen public confidence in the process.

The institutions also reminded the public that the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008 (as amended in 2019), together with the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Regulations, 2025, guarantees protection for informants, whistleblowers and witnesses who report corruption in good faith.

The ACC and TI-SL concluded by urging all Sierra Leoneans to embrace integrity as both a personal and national value, reject corruption in all its forms and actively support initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and ethical leadership for the country’s sustainable development.

APC Urged to Amend Constitution Ahead of 2028 Elections

July 13, 2026

Cornelius Oguntola Melvin Deveaux, a politician, journalist and political commentator who previously served as the National Publicity Secretary of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and as Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, has called for sweeping amendments to the APC’s March 2022 Constitution, arguing that the Party’s current challenges stem not from individual leaders or administrative shortcomings but from structural weaknesses embedded in its governing document.

According to Deveaux, the ongoing controversies surrounding the expiration of the three-year tenure of National Officers, the Political Parties Regulation Commission’s (PPRC) six-month extension of that tenure, the inability to convene a National Delegates Conference (NDC), and recurring governance disputes all point to fundamental constitutional deficiencies that require urgent attention.

He maintained that the constitutional shortcomings, coupled with petitions delaying lower-level elections and administrative challenges within the National Secretariat and the Internal Elections Management Committee (IEMC), have stalled the APC’s internal democratic processes and raised concerns among many Sierra Leoneans about the Party’s preparedness to govern in 2028.

Deveaux warned that unless the identified deficiencies are addressed at the next National Delegates Conference, the Party will continue to face internal instability, governance paralysis and recurring legitimacy disputes.

He identified what he described as six major structural flaws in the APC Constitution.

The first, he explained, concerns the Constitution’s interpretation of “Special and Emergency Situations.” He argued that while the document recognizes external emergencies such as war, epidemics and coups, it fails to recognize internal governance breakdowns, including disputes over delegate accreditation, legal injunctions and administrative paralysis. According to him, this omission has left the Party without a lawful mechanism to respond when its own structures fail, thereby creating constitutional uncertainty and institutional instability.

The second flaw, he said, is the Constitution’s silence on extending the tenure of National Officers when the National Delegates Conference cannot be convened. He argued that the absence of such provisions created the vacuum that led to the PPRC’s intervention through a six-month extension and its reported intention to hand over the Party’s affairs to the Leader of the Parliamentary Group, actions he contends are not provided for in the APC Constitution.

To address this, Deveaux proposed empowering the National Advisory Committee (NAC) to grant limited tenure extensions during clearly defined emergency circumstances. Should those extensions expire, he suggested that temporary authority be vested in the Elders’ Council for a specified period to preserve continuity and democratic legitimacy.

The third issue, according to Deveaux, relates to what he described as the contradiction between the expiration of the tenure of National Officers and their formal dissolution. While Article 52 establishes a fixed three-year mandate, Article 17 assigns the National Delegates Conference the responsibility of dissolving and reconstituting National Officers. He argued that this creates a governance vacuum whenever the NDC cannot be convened before the expiration of the officers’ mandate.

To eliminate that ambiguity, he proposed that the Constitution require the National Delegates Conference to be held within ninety days before the expiration of the officers’ tenure while also incorporating lawful mechanisms for temporary extensions and transitional authority where necessary.

Deveaux also raised concerns about Article 47, which governs the offices of National Leader and Deputy National Leader. He argued that the Constitution links party leadership too closely to presidential candidacy by making the flagbearer the National Leader only while serving as the Party’s presidential candidate or upon winning national office.

He maintained that such a framework weakens leadership continuity following electoral defeats and creates uncertainty within the Party. He further criticized the provision allowing an appointed Deputy National Leader to assume leadership despite not being elected by the National Delegates Conference. To strengthen accountability, he proposed that both the National Leader and Deputy National Leader should be elected by delegates for fixed terms.

Addressing the fifth constitutional concern, Deveaux said the Constitution creates overlapping responsibilities between the National Chairman and the National Leader by designating the Chairman as the Party’s Chief Executive Officer without clearly distinguishing administrative functions from political leadership. He also pointed to the absence of clear succession procedures for deputy offices, except that of the Deputy National Chairman, warning that the resulting uncertainty could destabilize Party operations whenever vacancies occur.

He recommended redefining the National Chairman’s responsibilities as purely administrative while maintaining the National Leader as the Party’s political head. He also proposed empowering the National Advisory Committee to appoint the runner-up from the most recent election to fill deputy vacancies.

The sixth and final flaw identified by Deveaux concerns the Internal Elections Management Committee. He argued that the Constitution creates a circular dependency by requiring the IEMC to conduct internal elections while also stipulating that its members be elected during the National Delegates Conference they are expected to administer.

According to him, this arrangement undermines the Committee’s credibility, contributes to procedural delays and creates uncertainty over the legitimacy of internal electoral processes. He proposed that the Constitution be amended to require the election of IEMC officials well before lower-level elections commence, ensuring that the Committee is fully constituted before undertaking its responsibilities.

Deveaux concluded that the six constitutional deficiencies collectively explain the APC’s recurring internal governance challenges and democratic setbacks. He stressed that the proposed amendments are intended not merely to revise the Constitution but to strengthen institutional continuity, enhance accountability and restore democratic legitimacy within the Party.

He urged delegates at the next National Delegates Conference to go beyond electing new National Officers and instead undertake comprehensive constitutional reforms that would position the APC as a stronger and more stable political party capable of governing Sierra Leone in 2028 and beyond.

…Ahead of ECOWAS Summit SLCAA Announces Temporary Airport Security Measures, Assures Uninterrupted Commercial Flights

July 13, 2026

Front view of Freetown International Airport terminal at dusk with a curved roof, glass facade, and gate signs 3C and 3R.

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has announced temporary security and traffic management arrangements at the Freetown International Airport, Lungi, ahead of the forthcoming ECOWAS Summit, assuring the public that commercial flight operations will continue uninterrupted throughout the period.

According to a public notice issued by the Authority, the temporary measures will be in force from 17 to 19 July 2026 as Sierra Leone hosts the regional summit. The arrangements are intended to facilitate the safe, secure and efficient movement of ECOWAS delegates, passengers and other airport users during the high-level event.

The SLCAA stated that passengers travelling with Sea Coach and Sea Bird water transport services should use the designated access route to the airport terminal and comply with all directional signs as well as instructions issued by security personnel.

Passengers travelling to Lungi by ferry or road have been directed to assemble at the Old Airport Terminal, where shuttle buses will transport them to the airport terminal through designated routes established for the summit period.

As part of the enhanced security measures, access to the airport terminal will be strictly limited to passengers with valid travel documents and authorised airport personnel. The Authority emphasised that individuals accompanying travellers, commonly referred to as meeters and greeters, will not be permitted access to the terminal throughout the three-day period.

The SLCAA also announced temporary adjustments to cargo operations, stating that all cargo received on 17, 18 and 19 July 2026 will be securely stored at the cargo terminal and will only be available for collection beginning 20 July 2026.

The Authority has advised passengers to allow extra travel time when planning their journeys and to fully cooperate with security officers and traffic management personnel to avoid unnecessary delays.

According to the SLCAA, the temporary measures are designed to ensure that airport operations continue safely and efficiently while supporting Sierra Leone’s successful hosting of the ECOWAS Summit.

The Authority further noted that normal airport access arrangements will resume immediately after the conclusion of the summit and thanked the public for its understanding and cooperation during the period.

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