Minister Chernor Bah Shares Stage with President Macron and Global Leaders at Paris Conference on Information Integrity

October 31, 2025

Information minister meets President Macron

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has represented His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at the International Conference on Information Integrity and Independent Media held in Paris, France, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The conference, co-convened by President Emmanuel Macron of France and former President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, brought together heads of state, Government Ministers and international partners to strengthen global cooperation for information integrity, combat disinformation and promote independent journalism.

Chernor Bah shared the stage with President Macron, President Mahama, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania and President Maia Sandu of Moldova in a high-level discussion on global media reform and information freedom. He was accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to France, Mohamed Kanja Sesay.

In his remarks, Minister Chernor Bah expressed pride in representing President Bio and championing Sierra Leone’s achievements in media reform and open governance. “It was an honour to share the stage with world leaders to promote President Bio’s bold Information Freedom Agenda, which continues to position Sierra Leone as a continental leader in media reform and transparency,” he said.

He highlighted Sierra Leone’s significant progress under President Bio’s administration, including the historic repeal of the criminal libel law, the adoption of a forward-looking National Information Policy, the ongoing enactment of a Data Protection Law, and the establishment of a National Fund for Public Interest Media ,a model initiative that supports independent journalism through collaboration among public, private and development partners.

The Minister underscored that those reforms demonstrate President Bio’s firm belief that democracy can only thrive when citizens have access to credible, factual and trustworthy information. “These are not just policies,” he said, “they are proof of our commitment to building a democratic society anchored on truth, trust and accountability.”

World leaders and representatives at the Paris forum reaffirmed their shared commitment to counter misinformation, strengthen public trust and protect the independence of journalism amid increasing digital disruption.

As current Chair of ECOWAS, Sierra Leone pledged to continue promoting information freedom and responsible journalism across the region. Minister Chernor Bah thanked Ambassador Mohamed Kanja Sesay for his continued support in advancing Sierra Leone’s leadership and partnerships on the global stage.

The conference concluded with renewed pledges from Governments and international institutions to defend information integrity and ensure that access to free and factual information remains a universal public good and a foundation of democratic governance.

Orange Sierra Leone Thrills Freetown with Colorful Soba Kaiba Float Parade and Exciting Prizes

October 31, 2025

The streets of Freetown came alive on Friday October 24, 2025 as Orange Sierra Leone launched its vibrant Soba Kaiba Float Parade, kicking off in grand style from Jui. The colorful procession drew large crowds, filling the atmosphere with music, dance and excitement as the Orange team, brand ambassadors and influencers engaged directly with customers along the route.

The parade, which forms part of Orange’s ongoing Soba Kaiba Promotion, showcased the company’s commitment to customer engagement and community celebration. Energetic performers added to the festive mood while the Orange team educated the public on how to participate in the Soba Kaiba campaign and stand a chance to win fantastic prizes including motorbikes, kekehs, generators, solar kits and other valuable rewards.

Speaking during the parade, Orange representatives encouraged customers to dial *500# to subscribe for the most affordable call offers and automatically qualify for the weekly and monthly draws. “This season, Orange is making more people become Soba Kaiba; champions of value, fun and rewards,” the company stated.

With the streets buzzing with excitement, the Soba Kaiba Float Parade reaffirmed Orange Sierra Leone’s position as a brand that not only connects people but also celebrates with them, turning every moment into an opportunity to win and share joy.

Choithram Memorial Hospital Enhances Healthcare Delivery with Cutting-Edge Endoscopy Equipment

October 31, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown has once again demonstrated its commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone following the unveiling of a newly donated endoscope machine from Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital in the United Kingdom. The official presentation, held on October 29, 2025, attracted key medical professionals and administrators who hailed the development as a major milestone in advancing diagnostic services in the country.

The event brought together senior medical professionals and administrators, including Chief Administrator of the Choithram Group Harish Agnani; Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr. David Nylander MBE of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital; Radiologist Dr. Len Gordon-Harris; Consultant Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Dr. Edries A. Tejan; Medical Superintendent Dr. Gowrinath M. George and nurse Fatmata Koroma.

In his remarks, Harish Agnani praised the Endoscopy Unit staff for their dedication and introduced Dr. David Nylander as the driving force behind the endoscopy development initiative. He recounted that discussions with Dr. David Nylander began in 2016, two years after the project’s initial conception, during which Dr. David Nylander expressed his commitment to transfer knowledge so that local doctors and nurses could independently manage and operate the equipment. Harish Agnani highlighted the annual follow-up visits and virtual supervision by Dr.David Nylander as evidence of a genuine partnership rooted in capacity building.

Harish Agnani disclosed that the first endoscope was donated in 2018 and that the newly acquired high-definition XK model represents a major upgrade. He further noted that Choithram Memorial Hospital bore the cost of clearing the equipment through customs; a demonstration of its unwavering commitment to improved healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.

Recounting the journey, Dr. David Nylander said his involvement began in 2014 when he realized the hospital was operating with an obsolete endoscopy machine. In consultation with Dr. Len Gordon-Harris, they identified the need for modernization. By 2016, he had designed a training program for local practitioners, with Dr. Edries A. Tejan among the first beneficiaries. The week-long in-person training was complemented by weekly online follow-ups via WhatsApp, which enabled continuous learning and evaluation. Within two years, the trained personnel began mentoring others, realizing his vision of self-sustaining local expertise.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress, Dr. David Nylander confirmed plans to resume training by February or March 2026. He explained that the new high-definition XK endoscope provides sharp imagery to facilitate early cancer detection, stomach and bowel examinations and minimally invasive therapeutic procedures. Commending Dr. Tejan and the Choithram team for their exceptional service, he said their dedication inspired the decision to make the new donation.

Dr. Len Gordon-Harris reflected on earlier years when diagnostic practices relied heavily on Barium Meals and Barium Enemas. He recalled discussions with Professor Lisk and Dr. Nylander on the need for modernization, expressing satisfaction that their collective effort has finally materialized. While traditional techniques still have limited application, he affirmed that endoscopy represents the future of medical diagnostics.

Dr. Edries A. Tejan emphasized that prior to the acquisition, patients often had to travel overseas for endoscopic procedures; an expense that placed a heavy burden on families. With this new equipment, he said, patients can now receive world-class diagnostics and treatment locally at a much lower cost.

Dr. Gowrinath M. George lauded Dr. David Nylander’s vision and continued support, while commending the hospital’s local team for their dedication and professionalism, which he said form the backbone of Choithram’s success.

Nurse Fatmata Koroma expressed gratitude to Choithram Management and Dr. David Nylander for the opportunity to receive specialized training, noting that she now feels confident operating the sophisticated machine.

An endoscope is a flexible or rigid medical instrument equipped with a light and miniature camera that allows doctors to view the interior of the body without large incisions. It is widely applied in gastroenterology, pulmonology, urology, orthopedics and gynecology for both diagnostic and surgical procedures. The advantages include minimal invasiveness, faster recovery, reduced infection risk, less pain and scarring, and more accurate early disease detection.

Through this latest donation and continued partnership with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital, Choithram Memorial Hospital further strengthens its position as one of Sierra Leone’s leading centers for modern medical innovation, training and patient-centered healthcare excellence.

NP (SL) Clarifies Brief Tanker Drivers’ Strike, Reaffirms Commitment to Uninterrupted Service

October 31, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) Limited, Sierra Leone’s foremost indigenous petroleum marketing company, has clarified the circumstances surrounding a brief strike action staged by a small group of tanker drivers affiliated with its delivery fleet on Tuesday, 21st October 2025. The company, in a public statement released on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, assured the public that the situation was swiftly contained, with normal operations resuming within hours.

According to the company, NP (SL) Limited is legally prohibited from owning or operating petroleum transport tankers. Instead, all fuel delivery tankers are privately owned by Sierra Leonean contractors who have formal agreements with the company. These contractors, NP explained, are responsible for recruiting, managing and compensating their drivers under independently agreed terms and conditions.

The Management noted that while some drivers initiated a short-lived strike, their employers, upon investigation, found no legitimate justification for the action. The contractors immediately intervened, engaged their drivers in discussions and successfully persuaded them to resume work. The company emphasized that the disruption lasted less than four hours and did not affect its service to customers nationwide.

Following the incident, NP’s Management held a meeting with BRV Contractors to discuss measures to prevent a recurrence. During the meeting, the company reiterated the need for contractors to educate their drivers on workplace ethics, professional responsibility and the importance of maintaining cordial industrial relations. Management also underscored its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance drivers’ welfare and promote a safe and productive working environment.

Reassuring the public, NP (SL) Limited reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, legal compliance and uninterrupted service delivery. The Management expressed appreciation to its contractor partners for their swift and responsible handling of the matter and commended the professionalism shown in ensuring the quick resolution of the strike.

Over the years, NP (SL) Limited has maintained an enviable reputation as a trusted and customer-oriented petroleum marketing company. Its innovative solutions, such as the NP Smart Card and Energy Pass Card, have revolutionized fuel purchasing and payment systems across Sierra Leone by introducing cashless convenience and digital efficiency. Beyond its commercial success, NP continues to stand out for its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, environmental sustainability and employee welfare; pillars that define its operations and reflect its contribution to national development.

Certified under international standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, NP (SL) Limited remains a symbol of indigenous excellence and resilience in Sierra Leone’s downstream petroleum sector. The company continues to demonstrate that local businesses can match global standards in professionalism, safety and quality service, thereby cementing its position as a national brand of integrity and reliability.

Freetown City Council Reaffirms Commitment to Tree Town Campaign

October 31, 2025

The Freetown City Council (FCC), through its Mayor’s Delivery Unit (MDU), has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Tree Town Campaign a flagship urban reforestation initiative aimed at planting and digitally tracking five million trees across Freetown by 2030.

In an engagement held on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, FCC officials highlighted their ongoing tree-planting activities across the Freetown Municipality and emphasized the critical role of partnerships in promoting environmental sustainability.

Delivering the opening remarks, John Baimba, Communications Lead in the Mayor’s Office, commended the media for their continued collaboration with the Council. He stressed that media support remains vital in amplifying the Council’s environmental and development programs.

“Whatever we do, if the support of the media is not there, then it becomes a problem for us,” John Baimba stated.

He noted that the engagement served as a briefing ahead of a planned field visit to various tree-planting sites, where technical experts would interact with journalists and provide detailed insights into the implementation process.

Also speaking, Councillor Yunisa Kamara reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to the Tree Town Campaign and underscored the importance of trees in mitigating the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, landslides and rising temperatures.

“If we continue to plant trees and people don’t know their value, they will destroy them,” he cautioned.

Yunisa Kamara expressed concern over the destruction of planted areas by some residents, urging the media to help sensitize communities about the environmental and social benefits of tree planting.

Providing an overview of Freetown’s environmental challenges, Ms. Yatta Kallon, Climate Change Lead at the FCC, explained that the city faces severe air pollution and rapid deforestation due to unregulated urban expansion.

She revealed that between 2011 and 2018, Freetown lost an estimated 500,000 trees annually, a trend that could completely strip the city of its tree cover by 2044 if not urgently addressed.

Yatta Kallon noted that the Tree Town Campaign was launched to reverse this alarming trend through a blend of tree planting and digital tracking technology, ensuring transparency, accountability and long-term monitoring.

Under the campaign, the FCC aims to:

Plant and digitally track five million trees and grasses by 2030
Restore 5,000 hectares (12,300 acres) of degraded land
Sequester 100,000 tons of carbon
Create green jobs for youth and women
Protect water sources and enhance urban resilience

Yatta Kallon further disclosed that in Phase 1 (2020–2023), approximately 977,000 trees were planted and digitally tracked across 13 catchment areas in the Western Area Peninsula. The ongoing Phase 2 (2024–2028) targets an additional five million trees, focusing on water catchment areas, coastal protection and slope stabilization.

Other key interventions include encouraging backyard planting (30%), slope stabilization (10%) and a Tree Giveaway Initiative to support household planting and expand urban greenery.

She highlighted that each tree planted under the campaign is geo-tagged and verified through a digital monitoring system. As of 2024, 304,753 trees have been verified through this process.

“We want to protect our environment, create jobs and build a greener, safer Freetown,” Yatta Kallon emphasized.

The campaign is expected to improve water retention, reduce heat, prevent landslides, capture carbon and enhance community resilience to climate-related disasters.

The engagement climaxed with a media field tour to tree-planting sites, including the FBC Botanical Gardens, where hundreds of trees have been planted and Kolleh Town Catchment 2, where about 100,000 mangrove trees were recently planted to protect coastal ecosystems.

Orange Foundation Commissions Fourth Women’s Digital Center in Port Loko

October 31, 2025

Orange Foundation Commissions Women’s Digital Center in Port Loko

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of its continued drive to promote women’s digital empowerment in Sierra Leone, Orange Foundation, in partnership with the National Youth Commission (NaYCom), has officially commissioned the fourth Orange Women’s Digital Center in Port Loko on Thursday, 30th October 2025. Located at 20 Falaba Road, the center was fully refurbished and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to bridge the digital divide and equip women and girls with essential ICT and entrepreneurial skills for the modern economy.

Welcoming guests to the commissioning, Alie Badara Kamara, representative of the Regent Chief of Maforki Chiefdom, commended Orange Foundation for bringing such an initiative to Port Loko. He assured that the local authorities will monitor and support the center’s operations to ensure it meets its purpose of empowering women.

He encouraged women in the district to seize the opportunity to learn digital skills that will benefit them and their communities.

In his address, Sekou Amadu Bah, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, described the launch as “a celebration of opportunity, empowerment and transformation.” He said the center symbolizes more than infrastructure, serving instead as a “gateway to the digital world” and a “platform for human capital development.”

“Through this center, women will gain access to life skills and competency-based training that will empower them to become job-ready, self-employed and eco-entrepreneurs driving innovation within their communities,” Sekou Amadu Bah stated.

He noted that through similar digital centers in Freetown, Kenema and Makeni, Orange Foundation and NaYCom have already trained over 600 women in digital literacy, life skills and entrepreneurship in the last three years. Many of these beneficiaries, he added, have gone on to start small businesses and contribute positively to their communities.

The Port Loko Women’s Digital Center, he said, is equipped with 10 laptops, 28 tablets, 28 earphones, a video projector with screen, a Raspberry Pi with power bank, a printer and 100 USB drives for training participants.

Addressing the first batch of trainees, Sekou Amadu Bah encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity: “You are the trailblazers of a new era. Your participation marks the beginning of a movement that demonstrates what can be achieved when opportunity aligns with determination.”

He emphasized that the program is free of cost and urged women to embrace it wholeheartedly. “Our commitment to supporting women and girls is unwavering because we firmly believe that when you empower a woman, you empower a nation,” Sekou Amadu Bah affirmed.

The CEO praised NaYCom for being a “model partner,” describing their collaboration as a testament to effective public-private partnerships driving national development. Sekou Amadu Bah expressed hope that the Port Loko Women’s Digital Center would become a hub for innovation and transformation in the Northwest Region.

“Let us continue to build bridges, break barriers and create spaces where every woman has the tools to thrive. Together, we rise. Together, we transform,” he concluded.

Joseph Maada Lahai, Commissioner of NaYCom, said the new digital center represents a key step in bridging gender gaps in digital literacy and advancing human capital development in Sierra Leone.

“Today, as we inaugurate the fourth Women’s Digital Center, we are not just cutting a ribbon we are cutting through barriers of inequality, unemployment and digital exclusion,” he stated.

He noted that the initiative directly responds to findings from the Status of the Youth Report 2025, which revealed that over 68% of young people in Sierra Leone lack basic digital literacy, with young women being disproportionately affected. The establishment of the center, he explained, addresses that gap and supports the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2023–2030) and the National Youth Policy, both emphasizing youth empowerment through digital innovation.

“By empowering women with digital skills, we are strengthening the nation’s economic foundation,” Joseph Maada Lahai added.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to digital inclusion, quoting President Julius Maada Bio’s mantra of “We will do, not just talk.” Joseph Maada Lahai further announced that NaYCom would align all youth programs with Orange Foundation’s digital transformation model to ensure sustainability.

“Whether it is entrepreneurship training, job placement or innovation hubs, digital literacy will be at the core. If it’s not digital, it’s not sustainable,” he emphasized.

He called on Orange Sierra Leone to replicate the model across other districts, including Bonthe, Kono, Kailahun, Moyamba, Falaba and Kambia, so more women could benefit.

In his remarks, Ambassador Umaru B. Wurie, Resident Minister for the Northwest Region, lauded Orange Foundation and NaYCom for their efforts, describing the project as a strong complement to the Government’s human capital development agenda. He encouraged women in Port Loko to utilize the center effectively to gain digital and entrepreneurial skills.

Also delivering her keynote address, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, congratulated Orange Foundation for what she termed a “bold investment in people” and praised NaYCom for being a “worthy implementing partner.”

“Today, we do more than open a building; we open doors to new skills, livelihoods and opportunities for women and girls to take their rightful place in Sierra Leone’s digital future,” she said.

The Minister noted that the Port Loko Center follows successful ones in Freetown, Kenema and Makeni, where over 600 women have benefited from training in digital literacy, life skills and entrepreneurship. In 2024 alone, she said, hundreds of women were trained, with 47% female participation and 38% of graduates securing jobs or starting their own businesses.

“These are not just statistics,” Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie emphasized. “They are stories of families supported and communities strengthened. When women gain skills and income, the benefits ripple outward.”

She added that the initiative aligns with President Bio’s Big Five Game Changers, particularly the pillars on Human Capital Development and Technology and Infrastructure.

However, the Minister cautioned that while training is crucial it must be linked to real opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

“Training must be linked to local businesses so that learning leads to real opportunities,” she urged. “This is where partnership matters most.”

Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to working with the private sector to integrate digital skills into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs and to connect women to apprenticeships, small and medium enterprises and microfinance support.

She concluded by congratulating Orange Foundation, NaYCom and the people of Port Loko for championing women’s inclusion and reaffirmed Government’s readiness to support such initiatives.

“Together we are shaping a Sierra Leone where digital inclusion is not a slogan but a lived reality,” she said. “Let this center be a launchpad for ambition, confidence and leadership for generations of women to come.”

The ceremony concluded with the official commissioning of the facility by CEO Sekou Amadu Bah, Resident Minister Ambassador Umaru B. Wurie, and Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, followed by a guided tour of the center.

President Bio Describes Kush Epidemic as a National Emergency, Urges Collective Action for Recovery

October 31, 2025

President Bio inspecting Harmful Drug Rehabilitation Facility

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Thursday, 30th October 2025, paid an emotional visit to the Government’s Harmful Drug Rehabilitation Facility at the Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC) Barracks in Hastings, where he assured recovering victims of his administration’s unwavering commitment to ending the harmful drug pandemic devastating Sierra Leone’s youth.

Addressing the patients and staff, President Bio expressed deep concern over the growing abuse of kush and other synthetic substances, describing it as a national emergency that threatens the very future of the country. He reminded the young people that their recovery is vital to Sierra Leone’s development, urging them to take advantage of the Government’s rehabilitation efforts.

“If you destroy your future now, there will be no one to develop Sierra Leone,” he said passionately. “I see a very bright future in all of you. We want you to become better citizens than us and that is why we are breaking the chain of supply of these harmful drugs.”

The President condemned individuals involved in the production and sale of kush, calling their actions a grave betrayal of national trust. He expressed particular disappointment at reports that some parents were profiting from the illegal trade, stressing that such conduct undermines the moral fabric of society. “It saddens me to learn that some parents are selling kush. I urge them to stop immediately and find a decent way to earn a living,” he said firmly.

Highlighting the Government’s nationwide response, President Bio revealed that rehabilitation centres have been established in Hastings, Gondama (Bo) and Daru (Kailahun), with plans to open another in Teko (Makeni). He also directed the Police and Judiciary to intensify efforts in dismantling drug networks and ensuring that those involved in trafficking face the full force of the law.

The President became visibly moved as he listened to heart-wrenching testimonies from victims and their families. He expressed outrage after hearing from a mother who had been wrongfully imprisoned for eight months because her son, a kush addict, had stolen Le17,000 from a drug dealer. “That woman suffered double jeopardy,” he said. “She was punished for her son’s addiction and for her poverty. That was wrong.”

Parents shared stories of pain, endurance and eventual hope. Hawa Gborie, a single mother, recounted how her son’s addiction led to her incarceration but later expressed gratitude for his successful rehabilitation at the free Government facility. Another mother, Elizabeth Ansumana, spoke about her son, a trained lawyer, who lost his career to addiction before being restored through the Government’s programme after the family could not afford private treatment.

Among the rehabilitated victims was Margaret Jawara, now an anti-drug ambassador, who narrated how peer pressure drove her into addiction during university. She credited the Hastings rehabilitation centre and the Ministry of Social Welfare for helping her recover and return to school, now using her experience to inspire others.

Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, praised President Bio for his personal involvement and leadership, noting that the presence of military personnel at the Hastings facility has significantly reduced escape incidents. She revealed that the Ministry is actively engaged in family tracing and reintegration efforts to reconnect recovered victims with their loved ones, many of whom have successfully returned home.

President Bio concluded his visit by reaffirming his Government’s resolve to fight the kush menace through a balanced approach combining prevention, rehabilitation and law enforcement. He called on all Sierra Leoneans to take collective responsibility in safeguarding the nation’s youth.

“The fight against kush is not just a Government effort; it is a national duty,” he said. “We must save our young people because they are the future of Sierra Leone.”

Minister of Health Unveils Modernized Mortuary Unit at Connaught Hospital

October 31, 2025

Minister fo Health unveiling the newly renovated Connaught mortuary

By Ibrahim Sesay

The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has officially commissioned the newly renovated Mortuary Unit at Connaught Hospital, signaling a major step in the efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and restore dignity in the management of the dead.

The commissioning ceremony, which was held on Thursday 30th October, 2025 at the hospital grounds in Freetown, brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Health, Hospital Management and staff who described the project as a “transformation from despair to dignity”.

In his welcome address, Dr. I. M. Kapuwa, the Hospital Care Manager at Connaught Hospital, said the renovation represents a new era for the hospital and the nation.

“For over two decades, the Connaught Hospital mortuary had not undergone any major upgrade. The building was dilapidated, the cold rooms worn out and far beyond their lifespan,” Dr. I.M Kapuwa said.

“Today, that story has changed. The mortuary has been transformed into a modern facility that meets international standards with new equipment, lighting and spaces for teaching and training.”

He added that three new cold rooms, each with individual compartments, have been installed to ensure that every deceased person is treated with respect and individuality. The upgraded mortuary also features CCTV for security, improved water supply and enhanced working conditions for staff, who have undergone specialized training in customer care and professionalism.

Dr. I.M. Kapuwa expressed deep appreciation to the Minister of Health, the Chief Medical Officer and his deputy, Dr. Mustapha Kabba for their leadership and commitment.

Delivering the opening remarks, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health, said the project forms part of a broader three-phase strategy to improve healthcare service delivery at Connaught Hospital.

“We began by restoring basic services such as water, electricity and cleanliness,” Dr. Mustapha Kabba said.

“Phase two, where we are now, focuses on specialized care, upgrading the mortuary, improving pathology and radiology services and renovating key departments like the ICU and surgical theatres. Ultimately, our goal is to make Connaught a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery.”

In his keynote statement, Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, reflected on the hospital’s transformation over the past few years.

“Four or five years ago, Connaught was in crisis; staff were unhappy, patients were uncomfortable and the environment was chaotic,” he recalled. “Today, we are witnessing a new chapter, not only in infrastructure but in professionalism and public confidence.”

Dr. Austin Demby further highlighted that the Ministry has strengthened laboratory services, introduced advanced imaging and CT scan facilities, and is also constructing a state-of-the-art burns unit.

He added energy costs have been reduced through the installation of solar panels with storage capacity equivalent to a 1,200 KVA generator.

The Minister emphasized that the Connaught mortuary upgrade is part of a nationwide effort to improve healthcare infrastructure.

“This commissioning is not a single event but a national effort,” he said. “We aim to establish similar modern mortuary facilities across the country.” He urged the staff to maintain professionalism so that the public can build trust and confidence in the services provided.

The newly commissioned mortuary is expected to serve as a model for similar facilities nationwide, underscoring the Government’s commitment to ensuring dignity in death and better healthcare delivery.

AP Business Venture SL Ltd Showcases Bluemoon Ice Cream at Made in Sierra Leone Exhibition

October 31, 2025

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

AP Business Venture SL Ltd, the producer of Bluemoon Ice Cream, has showcased its products and innovations at the First Sierra Leone Manufacturers Roundtable and Made in Sierra Leone Exhibition, a two-day event organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The exhibition, which occurred on 29th and 30th, October 2025, at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, brought together local manufacturers, policymakers and business leaders to promote the growth of homegrown industries.

The company’s participation highlighted its role as one of Sierra Leone’s leading food manufacturers and its commitment to producing world-class ice cream and dairy products locally.

Speaking in an interview, a representative of AP Business Venture SL Ltd said the company was proud to be part of an initiative that celebrates local production and encourages Sierra Leoneans to support domestically made goods.

“We are here to show that Sierra Leone can produce at international standards,” he said. “Our ice cream and yogurt products are made locally under strict hygiene and quality controls. Unlike others who mainly import we manufacture and that’s something we take great pride in.”

He explained that the company currently employs about 200 Sierra Leoneans and operates in key cities including Freetown, Bo and Kenema, while also supplying major supermarkets and retail outlets nationwide. He added that AP Business Venture has begun exporting to neighboring West African countries, further expanding the company’s reach and helping to promote Sierra Leonean products beyond its borders.

Under its flagship brand, Bluemoon Ice Cream, the company produces more than 5,000 litres of dairy and ice cream daily, with a product range that includes over 50 different flavors of ice cream and 15 varieties of dairy and yogurt products, including both milk-based and water-based options.

He said the company’s participation in the roundtable was an opportunity to interact directly with consumers and demonstrate the quality and diversity of Sierra Leone’s manufacturing sector.

“Events like this allow us to connect with the public, share our story and show that Sierra Leone can make products that meet global standards,” he said. “We want people to take pride in buying local because our products are made for Sierra Leoneans, by Sierra Leoneans.”

The First Sierra Leone Manufacturers Roundtable and Made in Sierra Leone Exhibition served as a platform for local producers to display their products, discuss industry challenges and explore ways to strengthen the manufacturing sector. It also underscored the Government’s commitment to promoting industrial growth, job creation and economic self-reliance.

As one of the most prominent exhibitors, AP Business Venture SL Ltd drew attention not only for its variety of products but also for its impact on local employment and skills development. The company has been recognized as the largest ice cream factory in Sierra Leone, playing a key role in the country’s growing dairy and frozen dessert industry.

The representative reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting national development through sustainable production and workforce empowerment.

“Every scoop of Bluemoon Ice Cream represents local effort, creativity and progress,” he said. “We will continue to invest in innovation and in our people, to ensure Sierra Leone remains proud of what we make.”

Through its display at the exhibition, AP Business Venture SL Ltd reaffirmed that Sierra Leone’s manufacturing potential is growing steadily, driven by companies that are not only creating jobs but also building brands capable of competing on regional and international stages.

Pee Cee & Sons Champions Local Manufacturing at First Manufacturers Roundtable & Made in Sierra Leone Exhibition

October 31, 2025

President Bio at Pee Cee & Son Exhibition

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Pee Cee & Sons (PC Holdings) has reaffirmed its commitment to Sierra Leone’s industrial growth and economic transformation through its active participation in the first Sierra Leone Manufacturers Roundtable and Made in Sierra Leone Exhibition, held on October 29–30, 2025, at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen.

The two-day event, organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, brought together leading local producers, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers to explore ways of strengthening domestic manufacturing and promoting the “Made in Sierra Leone” brand. It served as a key platform for showcasing locally produced goods and encouraging partnerships that support import substitution, job creation and sustainable industrialization.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was the visit of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to the Pee Cee & Sons (PC Holdings) booth. The President was warmly received by the company’s Management team, as they guided him through an impressive display of locally manufactured and packaged products. The delegation presented a range of Pee Cee & Sons’ in-house brands, including cooking oil, rice, seasoning, flour and other household essentials that have become staples across the country.

President Bio, after viewing the exhibits, commended the company for its dedication to local manufacturing, innovation and contribution to national development. He praised the Management for investing in production capacity, creating jobs and ensuring that Sierra Leoneans have access to quality, affordable goods made within the country. The visit attracted widespread attention from media representatives and fellow exhibitors, symbolizing the Government’s growing recognition of companies leading the drive toward industrial self-sufficiency.

Speaking to The Calabash Newspaper, shortly after the President’s visit, Pee Cee & Sons Finance Director, Mohamed Sowe, expressed pride in the company’s participation and appreciation for the President’s words of encouragement. He said the company’s presence at the exhibition reflected its belief in the future of Sierra Leone’s manufacturing industry and its readiness to support the Government’s development agenda.

“We are proud to participate and showcase our role in local manufacturing,” Mohamed Sowe said. “PC Holdings currently employs about 1,560 people and we believe that manufacturing is crucial for creating jobs and ensuring the availability of high-quality, affordable household essentials for every Sierra Leonean.”

Mohamed Sowe explained that PC Holdings operates several large-scale manufacturing businesses alongside agricultural projects that grow and process key commodities. He emphasized that the company’s strategy focuses on reducing import dependency, stabilizing the supply of consumer goods and supporting the country’s economic growth through innovation and investment.

According to him, the group’s retail model is built on a one-stop-shop concept, providing customers with a wide range of essential goods including rice, cooking oil, sugar, flour, dry goods, frozen chicken and fish, seasoning, milk, tea and cocoa, many produced under their own in-house brands. This, he added, has enabled the company to maintain competitive prices while ensuring quality and consistency across its outlets nationwide.

“We have 26 distribution outlets with a presence in every major town,” Mohamed Sowe said. “Over the years, we have invested heavily in storage, logistics and distribution capacity, including modern warehouses in key districts. Our goal is to make essential goods available and affordable to Sierra Leoneans wherever they are.”

He credited the company’s success and long-term vision to its Chief Executive Officer, Mahesh Ndwani, a Sierra Leonean-born entrepreneur dedicated to the principles of “making in Sierra Leone” and “growing in Sierra Leone.” Mohamed Sowe added that the company continues to expand its agricultural initiatives, including onion and maize cultivation, to promote food security and value addition within the country.

“Our CEO’s vision has always been about leaving a legacy of local empowerment through manufacturing and farming,” Mohamed Sowe noted. “We want to ensure that PC Holdings remains a truly homegrown enterprise that supports national development.”

The two-day Manufacturers Roundtable and Made in Sierra Leone Exhibition marked a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward industrialization, with participants calling for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. Industry observers commended PC Holdings for its continued investment in local production and its leadership in retail distribution. The company’s interaction with President Bio, they noted, was a strong indication of the important role it plays in the national economy.

With over five decades of operation, Pee Cee & Sons, now part of PC Holdings, has evolved from a trading and distribution enterprise into a diversified conglomerate involved in manufacturing, retail and agro-processing. The company’s efforts align with national priorities to boost industrialization, promote local enterprise and create sustainable employment for Sierra Leoneans.