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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July 10, 2026

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China and Sierra Leone Celebrate 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations, Renew Commitment to Stronger Bilateral Cooperation

July 10, 2026

Large, diverse group of people in colorful traditional clothing posing for a group photo at a cultural event, with a banner on a screen behind them.

China and Sierra Leone on Thursday, 9 July 2026, commemorated the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the China Africa Year of People to People Exchanges with a ceremony at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Freetown.

The event brought together government officials, diplomats, development partners, 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 commemoration, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Zhao Yong, described the anniversary as a testament to the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries, noting that although China and Sierra Leone are geographically distant, they have remained close friends for 55 years through mutual respect, equality and unwavering support.

He commended Sierra Leone for its continued adherence to the One China Principle and acknowledged the country’s role as Chair of ECOWAS and a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. He said both countries have continued to cooperate closely on regional and international affairs while promoting peace, stability and multilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Zhao stated that economic relations have expanded significantly over the years, making China Sierra Leone’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years and one of its leading sources of foreign investment. He said cooperation has produced major development projects, including the National Stadium, the China Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital and investments in agriculture, fisheries and other productive sectors that continue to improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans.

He added that China’s preferential trade policies have created greater access for Sierra Leonean products to the Chinese market and expressed confidence that bilateral trade would continue to grow.

Highlighting China’s support during periods of national crisis, Ambassador Zhao recalled China’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 and have provided healthcare to over one million patients.

On education and cultural cooperation, he disclosed that more than 1,300 Sierra Leoneans have benefited from Chinese Government scholarships, while over 6,000 professionals have participated in training and exchange programmes in China. He further praised the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone for training more than 14,000 Sierra Leoneans in the Chinese language and strengthening cultural understanding between the two countries.

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

She noted that the celebration coincided with the China Africa Year of People to People Exchanges under the Forum on China Africa Cooperation, an initiative aimed at strengthening social, cultural, educational and youth exchanges while deepening relations beyond traditional development cooperation.

Madam Alghali said the partnership has delivered significant achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education and trade. She cited projects such as 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 evidence of China’s continued commitment to Sierra Leone’s development.

She also acknowledged China’s diplomatic support for Sierra Leone, including its backing for the country’s election to the United Nations Security Council. She said President Julius Maada Bio’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Action provides an opportunity for both countries to deepen cooperation in pursuit of Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Farida Tunis, emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations. She said people to people exchanges have become a vital pillar of the relationship, helping to deepen understanding and friendship between the citizens of both countries.

She observed that despite the geographical distance separating Sierra Leone and China, the relationship has continued to flourish through mutual respect, solidarity and shared development aspirations. She reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to the One China Principle and commended China’s consistent support for the country’s development priorities.

Madam Tunis highlighted China’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s economic growth through infrastructure development, healthcare, education and investment. She also praised the long standing contribution of Chinese medical teams and educational scholarship programmes, describing them as lasting investments in Sierra Leone’s human capital development.

She further commended the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone for promoting Chinese language education and cultural exchange while strengthening mutual understanding between both nations.

The ceremony featured cultural performances showcasing the rich traditions of both China and Sierra Leone, underscoring the significance of cultural diplomacy in fostering stronger people to people ties.

The anniversary celebration 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, culture and human capital development for the mutual benefit of both countries.

YouBest, Connaught Hospital and Gemstar Pharmacy Disclose Breakthrough Diagnostic Solutions

July 10, 2026

A man in a gray suit giving a presentation in a classroom, speaking into a microphone while reading from notes as a large screen shows a conference poster titled Internal Medicine–Chemical Pathology. — Connaught Hospital Teaching Hospital Care Manager, Dr Mark Ibrahim Kapuwa giving the keynote speech

Connaught Hospital has successfully completed landmark clinical studies on two innovative rapid diagnostic tests in partnership with biotechnology manufacturer YouBest Zhejiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and its exclusive Sierra Leone distributor, Gemstar Pharmacy. The achievement marks a significant milestone in strengthening evidence-based healthcare and introducing advanced diagnostic technologies to improve patient care across the country.

The findings of the studies, which focused on the HNL Rapid Test and the Pepsin Rapid Test, were presented during a Joint Project Report Meeting attended by healthcare professionals, medical researchers and industry stakeholders. The studies provide locally generated clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of the two diagnostic tools for use among African populations.

As Sierra Leone’s national referral hospital, Connaught Hospital led the clinical trials over several months to ensure the technologies were scientifically validated and suitable for local clinical practice.

The HNL Rapid Test study, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Samuel Atiba, demonstrated the test’s ability to rapidly distinguish bacterial infections from other types of infections. Medical experts believe the innovation will enable clinicians to make faster and more accurate treatment decisions while promoting responsible antibiotic use and helping to combat antimicrobial resistance.

The Pepsin Rapid Test study, under the leadership of Principal Investigator Dr. Edries Tejan, established the effectiveness of a non-invasive diagnostic approach for identifying reflux-related diseases. The test is expected to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis, allowing patients to receive appropriate treatment much earlier.

Delivering the keynote address, the Care Manager of Connaught Hospital, Dr. Mark Ibrahim Kapuwa, described the successful completion of the studies as an important step toward modernizing healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.

He noted that adopting innovative diagnostic technologies goes beyond introducing new medical products, stressing that they improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary treatments and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

Dr. Kapuwa said the encouraging results from the local clinical studies provide greater confidence for healthcare professionals to incorporate the diagnostic tools into routine clinical practice. He encouraged key hospital departments, including Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Gastroenterology, Paediatrics and the Clinical Laboratory, to begin integrating the tests into their clinical services.

To facilitate nationwide adoption of the new technologies, YouBest announced an innovative equipment procurement model designed to reduce financial barriers for healthcare institutions.

Under the arrangement, participating hospitals will receive the required diagnostic equipment at no initial cost. Once an agreed quantity of test kits has been purchased, ownership of the equipment will automatically be transferred to the healthcare institution.

Representing YouBest Zhejiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Dr. Sisi Lua described the completion of the clinical trials as the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at improving healthcare services in Sierra Leone.

She said every new diagnostic product should be supported by strong scientific evidence and close collaboration with local healthcare professionals. She added that YouBest, working alongside Gemstar Pharmacy, will provide installation services, technical training, operational support and continuous scientific engagement to ensure healthcare providers maximise the benefits of the new technologies.

Chief Executive Officer of Gemstar Pharmacy, Alhaji Ahmed Shaw, announced that both the HNL and Pepsin Rapid Tests are already available for immediate distribution to hospitals and healthcare facilities across Sierra Leone.

He assured stakeholders that Gemstar Pharmacy has established a reliable supply chain capable of maintaining uninterrupted nationwide availability of the products, eliminating concerns about shortages.

According to him, the company’s commitment extends beyond product distribution to ensuring efficient logistics and dependable support for healthcare providers throughout the country.

Gemstar Pharmacy and YouBest also invited hospitals and medical institutions across Sierra Leone to collaborate in expanding access to the innovative diagnostic solutions, with the goal of improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes nationwide.

The successful completion of the clinical studies represents a significant advancement for Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector and reinforces growing collaboration between local medical institutions and international biotechnology partners to introduce scientifically validated diagnostic innovations that support faster diagnosis, better treatment decisions and improved quality of patient care.

Lead Investigator for the Pepsin study, Dr Edries Tejan, presenting the findings

Participants at the results presentation

NPPA Unveils New Salone e-GP Modules to Boost Transparency, Efficiency and Service Delivery

July 10, 2026

Man in a navy suit speaks into a handheld microphone at a conference table, with a notepad and phone in view, during a meeting.

The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has achieved another significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s public procurement reform programme with the successful soft launch of the Procurement Requisition and Bid Publication modules of the Salone Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) System.

The launch ceremony, held on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, at the NPPA e-GP Conference Room on OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, brought together senior Government officials, development partners, procurement practitioners, representatives of pilot Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), private sector stakeholders and other partners to witness the introduction of two additional digital modules designed to modernize public procurement across the country.

The latest development forms part of the Government of Sierra Leone’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at improving transparency, accountability, efficiency and value for money in public procurement. The newly introduced modules automate the initiation of procurement requests and the electronic publication of bidding opportunities, significantly reducing manual procedures while increasing public access to procurement information.

Providing an overview of the new system, the Director of ICT/e-GP at the NPPA, Dr. Mohamed Baba Turay, explained that the Procurement Requisition Module streamlines the electronic initiation, review and approval of procurement requests, enabling institutions to manage procurement activities more efficiently.

He further stated that the Bid Publication Module facilitates the seamless online publication of procurement opportunities, making bidding information more accessible to suppliers and contractors while promoting open competition and fairness. According to Dr. Mohamed Baba Turay, the modules will strengthen procurement planning, reinforce internal controls and enhance transparency, bringing Sierra Leone closer to achieving a fully integrated electronic Government procurement system.

Representing the World Bank, the Project Coordinator of the Accountable Governance for Basic Service Delivery (AGBSD) Project, Adams Tommy, reaffirmed the institution’s continued commitment to supporting governance reforms and improving public service delivery through digital innovation.

He described the Electronic Government Procurement System as one of the most transformative public sector initiatives supported by the World Bank, noting that it has enormous potential to strengthen transparency, accountability, efficiency and value for money in the country’s procurement processes.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of the NPPA, Chief Fodie J. Konneh, described the occasion as another landmark achievement in Sierra Leone’s journey towards modernizing public procurement.

He said the launch represented far more than the introduction of new digital tools, adding that it reflected the Authority’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, efficiency and the prudent management of public resources.

Chief Fodie J. Konneh emphasized that through the Salone e-GP System, the NPPA is creating a procurement environment that is faster, fairer, more inclusive and capable of earning the confidence of the Sierra Leonean people. He noted that the system will simplify procurement procedures, improve competition, strengthen transparency, reduce opportunities for corruption and ultimately deliver better value for public funds.

He further stressed that the long-term success of the initiative would depend not only on the technology itself but also on the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders involved in implementing the reforms.

Chief Fodie J. Konneh officially declared the Procurement Requisition and Bid Publication modules open for public use, describing the launch as another major step towards building a modern, transparent and accountable procurement system.

The ceremony also featured a live demonstration of the two modules by the NPPA ICT/e-GP Team, allowing participants to observe the functionality of the system firsthand. During an interactive session that followed, stakeholders expressed confidence that the new digital tools would significantly improve efficiency, transparency and accountability throughout Sierra Leone’s procurement process.

The successful soft launch reflects the strong collaboration between the Government of Sierra Leone, the NPPA, the World Bank, implementation partners Perago and I.T. Warehouse, and local e-GP consultant, Alie Bangura, whose technical expertise and support have played a key role in advancing the country’s digital procurement reforms.

With the introduction of the Procurement Requisition and Bid Publication modules, the NPPA has taken another important step towards establishing a fully integrated electronic Government procurement system that promotes transparency, strengthens public confidence, enhances accountability and contributes to improved public service delivery and sustainable national development.

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