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At Lagos Blue Economy Conference… Transport Minister Calls for Connected African Ports and Integrated Maritime Trade

Man in light blue traditional attire delivering a keynote at a conference podium with multiple microphones; blue stage backdrop.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, Esq.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, Esq., has called on African countries to transform their oceans, ports, fisheries and maritime resources into engines of sustainable economic growth, employment and shared prosperity.

Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay made the appeal while addressing the Blue Africa Conference and Exhibition held in Lagos, Nigeria, from 13 to 14 August 2026. The conference brought together Government Ministers, representatives of the African Union and regional institutions, development partners, investors, industry leaders and members of the media.

He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to developing a sustainable Blue Economy capable of generating jobs, strengthening regional trade and creating opportunities for African businesses.

“We must move from potential to production, policy to implementation and raw resources to African value,” Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay said. “The ocean that separates our shores must become the highway that connects our prosperity.”

The Minister commended the Government and people of Nigeria and the conference organizers for providing a platform to discuss the future of Africa’s oceans, seas, rivers and lakes.

Describing Africa as a “Blue Continent,” Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay said its oceans, coastlines and inland waterways are major economic assets supporting international trade, food security, livelihoods, biodiversity, energy production and access to global markets.

He noted that the global ocean economy is estimated at approximately US$1.5 trillion annually and could reach about US$3 trillion by 2030. Africa, he stressed, must position itself to secure a greater and more sustainable share of that expanding economic opportunity.

According to Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, Sierra Leone is well placed to benefit from the Blue Economy because of its long Atlantic coastline, productive fisheries and Freetown’s natural harbour.

He said those assets could enable the country to become an important maritime and logistics gateway in West Africa. However, he maintained that Sierra Leone’s ambition must extend beyond merely operating a port.

“We must build a maritime economy around the port,” Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay stated.

He disclosed that Sierra Leone is pursuing reforms aimed at modernizing and digitizing its maritime and transport sectors. The Government’s priorities include improving port infrastructure and operational efficiency, strengthening maritime safety and security, expanding digital logistics, enhancing regional connectivity, developing professional skills and protecting the environment.

Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay observed that maritime transport remains Africa’s principal gateway to international markets, but the continent’s participation in global shipping and maritime trade remains disproportionately low.

He said Africa has, for decades, exported commodities through its ports while much of the value generated from shipping, logistics, processing, insurance, technology and other maritime services has been created outside the continent.

“Africa must create and retain more of that value. Our ports must become centres of production, logistics and value addition,” he emphasized.

The Minister also called for greater cooperation among African ports, arguing that no port on the continent could achieve its full potential in isolation. He said the future must be built around connected African ports, integrated markets and stronger regional economies.

Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay identified the African Continental Free Trade Area as a historic opportunity to strengthen those connections. Efficient ports and maritime transport systems, he said, could help translate the trade agreement into increased production, commerce and employment across Africa.

He stressed that infrastructure development must be accompanied by sustained investment in human capital. African young people, he said, must receive the training and opportunities required to participate meaningfully in the global ocean economy.

The Minister called for the training of more African seafarers, marine engineers, port managers, logistics specialists, fisheries experts, maritime professionals and entrepreneurs. He also urged Governments to expand opportunities for women and strengthen partnerships among educational institutions, public authorities and the private sector.

“Our success must ultimately be measured by the African jobs, African businesses and African opportunities our Blue Economy creates,” Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay said.

Turning to fisheries, the Minister said the sector provides food, income and livelihoods for millions of Africans. He warned, however, that illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing continues to threaten national economies, coastal communities and marine resources.

He advocated stronger regional cooperation in surveillance, monitoring and enforcement, alongside greater investment in aquaculture, cold-storage facilities, processing and distribution. Such investments, he explained, would ensure that more of the value generated by Africa’s fisheries remains on the continent.

Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay further stressed that economic development must not come at the expense of the marine environment. He cited pollution, coastal erosion, climate change and unsustainable exploitation as serious threats to the natural resources upon which Africa’s future prosperity depends.

“Economic growth that destroys the ocean is not a Blue Economy. Our economic ambition must therefore go hand in hand with environmental responsibility,” he stated.

The Minister declared that the period of merely discussing Africa’s Blue Economy potential must give way to practical implementation. He said Governments could not finance the required transformation alone and called for partnerships with development finance institutions, commercial banks, investors, private businesses and international development organisations.

He also underscored the need for effective governance, regulatory certainty and credible, bankable projects in ports, maritime infrastructure, fisheries, digital systems, coastal resilience and sustainable ocean industries.

“Africa does not lack blue potential. What we need are investment-ready projects capable of converting that potential into prosperity,” Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay said.

He announced that Sierra Leone is seeking investment and collaboration in port modernization, maritime logistics, digitalization, maritime safety and security, fisheries infrastructure, skills development and environmentally sustainable ocean-based industries.

Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay concluded by calling on African countries to move from fragmented markets to integrated maritime corridors and from exporting raw resources to creating value within the continent.

He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s readiness to work with Nigeria, the African Union, other African countries, development partners and the private sector to build efficient ports, safe waters, productive fisheries and thriving maritime businesses.

“Together, let us transform Africa’s blue potential into African jobs, African enterprise and African prosperity,” Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay declared.

Bravely Water Issues Strong Warning Against Unauthorized Use of Its Dispenser Bottles

Large blue Bravely Aqua mineral water bottle on a workshop table inside an industrial space, label clearly reading 'Bravely Aqua Mineral Water' with care number on the side.

Kadat Food and Beverages (Kadat FnB), producer of Bravely Water, has issued a strong warning to water-producing companies, distributors, dealers and customers against the unauthorized use, refilling and resale of water in Bravely Water-branded dispenser bottles.

Bravely Water is a locally produced purified drinking water brand in Sierra Leone, providing safe drinking water and refreshment to consumers.

The company said its attention has been drawn to reports that some customers are taking Bravely Water dispenser bottles to other water-producing companies for refilling. It further alleged that certain companies are accepting the branded bottles, refilling them with their own water and subsequently supplying or selling the filled dispensers to customers.

Kadat Food and Beverages has warned that such practices must cease with immediate effect, stressing that Bravely Water-branded dispenser bottles should not be accepted, refilled, exchanged, distributed or used for the sale of another company’s water without its authorization.

The company said the practice raises serious concerns relating to brand protection, ownership, product identification, consumer confidence, business ethics and fair competition within Sierra Leone’s growing packaged-water industry.

Branded dispenser bottles form an important part of a water company’s distribution and marketing system. Kadat Food and Beverages therefore maintains that competitors should not commercially benefit from Bravely Water-branded dispensers by filling them with products that have not been produced or supplied by the company.

The company also cautioned customers against presenting Bravely Water dispensers to rival companies for refilling. Customers are encouraged to return Bravely Water-branded dispenser bottles through the appropriate Bravely Water distribution channels.

Kadat Food and Beverages noted that the principle is comparable to practices in other industries where branded containers or cylinders are associated with particular suppliers and are generally handled within their respective distribution networks.

The company emphasized that it welcomes healthy competition in Sierra Leone’s water sector, but maintained that competition should be based on product quality, pricing, customer service, availability, distribution and innovation, rather than the unauthorized use of a competitor’s branded property.

Kadat Food and Beverages is therefore calling on all water-producing companies currently accepting or refilling Bravely Water-branded dispenser bottles to DESIST FORTHWITH.

The company is also urging the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau and other relevant regulatory authorities to take note of the reported practice and provide appropriate industry guidance on the ownership, handling, refilling and use of branded water dispensers.

Clear standards, the company believes, would help protect consumers, prevent disputes among producers and strengthen professionalism and fair competition across the industry.

Kadat Food and Beverages further warns that any company, distributor, dealer or other party found deliberately using Bravely Water-branded dispenser bottles may face appropriate legal action in accordance with applicable laws.

The company has therefore appealed to customers, distributors and water producers to respect branded business property and ensure that Bravely Water dispensers are used only for their intended purpose.

Bravely Water maintains that fair competition, respect for ownership and responsible business practices remain essential to building a credible, competitive and sustainable water industry in Sierra Leone.

SLBL Rewards 12 Sorghum Farmers with NLe 513,000 After Record-Breaking 2026 Production

Group of men and women posing outside a cream building labeled Sierra Leone Brewery Ltd - Supply Chain Academy, holding a banner for a Sorghum Farmers Incentive Distribution event (2026).

Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), in collaboration with Sierra Bottling Group (SBG), has rewarded 12 sorghum farmers with a combined NLe 513,000 incentive package after they surpassed the company’s 2026 supply target, recording the highest sorghum production in the company’s history.

The incentive distribution was held on Friday, 14 August 2026, at the SLBL Supply Chain Academy, under the theme: “Empowering Local Farmers, Building a Stronger Sierra Leone.” The farmers exceeded the company’s target of 800 metric tonnes, supplying 1,004 metric tonnes of sorghum during the year.

Speaking at the ceremony, SLBL Managing Director, Henry du Plessis, commended the farmers for their commitment, particularly highlighting the increasing participation of women in sorghum farming.

“I am happy to see the women stepping up,” Henry du Plessis said, describing their participation as a sign of progress and expressing hope about the future of farming in Sierra Leone. He recalled his earlier commitment to the farmers that SLBL would buy whatever quantity they produced, noting that the farmers had not only kept their word but had exceeded expectations.

“You kept your word. And you over delivered,” he said.

Henry du Plessis urged the farmers to celebrate their achievement while preparing for the next production cycle, noting that the company would continue to work with local farmers.

According to Joseph Sesay, Sorghum Local Sourcing Lead at SLBL, the incentives were provided to farmers who reached or performed above their respective targets and contributed significantly to the company’s sorghum supply for 2026.

He explained that sorghum supplied by local farmers is used as an ingredient in the production of beverages including Maltina, Star Beer and Mutzig.

“The farmers are very integral to our work,” Joseph Sesay said, explaining that farmers’ ability to meet production targets directly affects the company’s production capacity. He added that SLBL sometimes uses a flexible recipe that allows the company to increase the quantity of sorghum used in its production when adequate local supplies are available.

Joseph Sesay said the company has set a higher target of between 1,350 and 1,400 metric tonnes for 2027, while expressing hope that farmers would once again surpass the target.

Representing the Government, Director of Export at National Investment Board (NIB), Bobson Margai described the incentive distribution as a commendable initiative that recognizes farmers’ contribution and encourages them to increase production.

He said the NIB’s mandate includes attracting and facilitating investment and exports in Sierra Leone, stressing the importance of stronger collaboration between SLBL, SBG and the NIB. Bobson Margai also encouraged the farmers to formally register their businesses to improve their access to investment opportunities.

The event also highlighted the growing involvement of women in sorghum farming, with beneficiaries sharing how the activity has created additional sources of income and improved their livelihoods.

One of the beneficiaries, Ya Wara Sesay, said sorghum farming had become more rewarding as her annual yield increased compared to when she started. She encouraged other farmers to join the sector, noting that farmers need to work collectively to achieve greater results.

Another beneficiary, Lamrana Bundu, who previously worked as a trader, said becoming a sorghum farmer was initially challenging but determination enabled her to overcome the difficulties. She added how she has no regrets about venturing into sorghum farming, describing it as an activity that has significantly contributed to her livelihood.

Paramount Chief Massa Yeli Tham III of Gbanti Chiefdom, Bombali District disclosed how he recently ventured into sorghum farming as an additional source of income beyond his traditional responsibilities.

He said the experience has already begun contributing to his progress and pledged to encourage other traditional leaders in his district to invest in sorghum farming.

With a new target of up to 1,400 metric tonnes for 2027, SLBL and its farming partners are expected to build on this year’s achievement and strengthen efforts to boost local agricultural production.

Indian High Commission Commemorates 80th Independence Day with Focus on Democracy

Speaker at a podium delivering a speech at an event, with a banner reading 'HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA' in the background.
Charge d’Affaires a.i, Neeraj Kumar Saini

The High Commission of India Sierra Leone on Saturday, 15 August 2026, in Freetown, celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with a ceremony that highlighted the country’s democratic values, development achievements, national security and commitment to environmental protection. The celebration, held at the High Commission of India on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, brought together members of the Indian diaspora, invited guests, friends of India, officials and children.

The celebrations commenced with the singing of the National Song, Vande Mataram, followed by the hoisting of the Tricolour by Charge d’Affaires a.i, Neeraj Kumar Saini, and the singing of the National Anthem. Thereafter, the Charge d’Affaires a.i read out the Address to the Nation by the Hon’ble President of India on the eve of Independence Day.

Addressing the gathering, the Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the High Commission of India in Freetown, Neeraj Kumar Saini, extended warm greetings to Indians living in Sierra Leone and other guests attending the ceremony.

Neeraj Kumar Saini described the anniversary as a momentous occasion and said it was an honour to join the Indian community and friends of India in commemorating the country’s independence.

On behalf of the High Commission of India and in his personal capacity, Neeraj Kumar Saini wished the gathering a happy and memorable Independence Day before reading the address delivered to the nation by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on the eve of the anniversary.

In her address, President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to Indians at home and abroad, describing Independence Day as a national festival celebrated with pride and joy. She said India’s national flag remains a powerful symbol of the freedom achieved on 15 August 1947.

President Droupadi Murmu said independence gave every Indian citizen the opportunity to participate in shaping the destiny of the country. She stressed that the true meaning of freedom lies in ensuring that all citizens can access opportunities, fulfil their aspirations and contribute towards making India one of the world’s leading nations.

She recognized the contributions of students, teachers, scientists, engineers, healthcare workers, farmers, workers, sportspersons, craftspeople, artists, intellectuals, public officials, investors, social workers and other citizens involved in the country’s development.

President Droupadi Murmu also commended members of India’s Armed Forces, Armed Police Forces and police services for their dedication to protecting the country. She praised members of the Indian diaspora and officials serving in Indian diplomatic missions for promoting India’s reputation and interests internationally.

Reflecting on India’s constitutional democracy, President Droupadi Murmu said the Constitution rests on public participation and continues to guarantee equality, opportunity and respect for individual dignity. She noted that people from ordinary backgrounds are making remarkable contributions across different sectors, demonstrating that every citizen could dream and achieve success.

The Indian President highlighted what she described as more than a decade of rapid and inclusive development, combined with efforts to preserve India’s heritage and remove longstanding obstacles to national progress.

She also reflected on the contributions of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule to social justice, education, women’s empowerment and equality as India commemorates the 200th anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule’s birth.

According to President Droupadi Murmu, national development programmes have helped lift more than 250 million people out of poverty. She said the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana had connected nearly 590 million account holders to the banking system, while the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana had extended free annual healthcare coverage of up to 500,000 rupees to about 600 million people.

She added that the Kisan Samman Nidhi and Kisan Credit Card initiatives were supporting farmers involved in crop production, dairy farming, poultry, fisheries and beekeeping.

President Droupadi Murmu further pointed to India’s expanding digital infrastructure, noting that electronic payments had become common in rural communities, small shops and among street vendors. She said more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions now take place in India, while technology has improved the transparent delivery of public welfare programmes.

She also cited the expansion of highways, waterways, railways and air transport as important developments creating business opportunities, generating employment and strengthening investor confidence.

Environmental protection featured prominently in the address, with President Droupadi Murmu reminding citizens that future generations have an equal right to natural resources. She called for stronger individual and collective action to preserve the environment and ensure that future generations inherit a healthier and richer natural world.

Turning to national security, President Droupadi Murmu praised the courage and professionalism of India’s Armed Forces. She said the country remains committed to confronting terrorism and other forces threatening peace, justice and humanity.

She also referred to the progress made in regions previously affected by Naxalism, noting that inclusive development is now creating new hope and opportunities in those communities.

President Droupadi Murmu celebrated India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, highlighting the international recognition given to historical sites linked to the Maratha military tradition and Sarnath, where Bhagwan Buddha delivered his first sermon.

The programme featured colourful cultural performances by children and members of the Indian diaspora. A special rendition of the patriotic song Vande Mataram by Ashna Jobin of the Sierra Leone Malayalese Association added to the celebratory atmosphere, while the local Boyzee Group delivered an energetic performance of Bollywood patriotic songs.

Charge d’Affaires a.i. Neeraj Kumar Saini later recognized participants in several activities organized by the High Commission of India to commemorate India’s 80th Independence Day. Those included the Special Independence Day Edition of the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, the Viksit Bharat 2047 Painting Competition, the India Through My Lens Photography Competition and the Madhubani Art Workshop. Certificates and prizes were presented to the winners and other participants.

VP Embarks on Regional Tour to Strengthen Local Governance and Deepens Decentralization

Man in a light-blue traditional outfit speaks at a wooden podium with two microphones, gesturing with his hands.
Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has announced a two-week regional tour aimed at strengthening decentralization, improving public-service delivery and deepening cooperation between central and local government institutions across Sierra Leone.

The tour will take the Vice President to the regional headquarter towns of Kenema, Bo, Makeni and Port Loko, where he will hold consultations with Paramount Chiefs, local councils, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and other key stakeholders.

The engagements will focus on the opportunities and challenges affecting decentralization and local governance, while creating a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical measures for improving coordination and delivering essential services to communities.

Announcing the initiative, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said the consultations would allow him to hear directly from institutions and individuals involved in governance and development at the local level.

“Over the next two weeks, I will be visiting our regional headquarter towns to engage with Paramount Chiefs, Local Councils, Heads of MDAs, and other key stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges facing decentralization and local governance in Sierra Leone,” he stated.

As Chairman of the Interministerial Committee on Local Governance and Decentralization, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said listening to communities and strengthening collaboration among public institutions remain essential to improving governance.

“I look forward to listening, learning, and working together to identify practical solutions that strengthen coordination, improve service delivery, and bring government closer to the people,” he added.

The Vice President emphasised that effective local governance remains a central pillar of the Government’s broader governance and development agenda. He said empowering local institutions would help ensure that citizens experience tangible development benefits within their communities.

The regional consultations are expected to produce recommendations that will support continuing reforms and strengthen collaboration among central government institutions, local councils and traditional authorities.

Sierra Leone revived its decentralization process in 2004 following the enactment of the Local Government Act, which restored democratically elected local councils after more than three decades. The legislation transferred several responsibilities from central government institutions to local authorities.

The country currently has 22 local councils and 190 chiefdoms, which perform significant roles in local administration, community development and public-service delivery.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs regards decentralization as an important mechanism for increasing citizen participation, strengthening accountability and improving access to public services.

The Local Government Act of 2022 further strengthened the legal framework governing devolution and introduced additional reforms intended to improve the operation of local authorities.

Against this background, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said the regional tour would contribute to the Government’s efforts to enhance grassroots participation and ensure that development priorities reflect the needs of communities.

“Strong local governance is essential to building a more accountable, responsive, and inclusive Sierra Leone,” Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh declared.

New FAJ Publication Amplifies African Voices in Global Just Transition Debate

Five diverse presenters stand behind a conference table on a stage, each holding a booklet or report and smiling at the camera.

The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has unveiled a continental guide aimed at improving media coverage of climate change, workers’ rights and Africa’s transition towards greener and more sustainable economies.

The publication, titled: A Practical Guide to Reporting Just Transition in Africa, provides journalists and newsrooms with specialized knowledge, ethical standards and practical tools for reporting on climate justice, climate finance, renewable energy, decent work and sustainable development.

It was officially launched during the Conference on African Workers’ Contribution to Energy Sovereignty, Green Industrialization and a Common African Position for COP31, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 5 to 7, 2026.

Presenting the publication, FAJ President, Omar Faruk, described the just transition as one of the most significant public-interest issues facing journalism today because of its implications for employment, livelihoods, workers’ rights and the future of African economies.

He said African countries and their citizens remain among those most affected by a climate crisis they contributed the least to creating. A fair transition, he maintained, is therefore essential to ensuring that climate and energy policies protect vulnerable communities while supporting sustainable economic development.

Omar Faruk emphasized that journalists have a crucial responsibility to explain the choices, opportunities and challenges associated with the transition.

“This guide equips African journalists with the knowledge and practical tools to report on just transition accurately, fairly and responsibly,” he said.

According to him, informed media coverage will help citizens understand climate policies, amplify the voices of workers and affected communities and ensure that African perspectives influence continental and international decision-making.

Chairperson of the FAJ Working Group on Climate Change, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, said the guide was informed by lessons gathered through FAJ’s engagement with journalists and trade unions across Africa.

He explained that engagements in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya and Ethiopia revealed growing interest among journalists in covering the just-transition agenda. However, many media practitioners still face difficulties accessing specialized   knowledge, dependable information and reporting resources suited to African conditions.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla described climate change as one of the most complex and consequential stories of the present era. He said the new publication was developed to bridge existing knowledge gaps and promote accurate, ethical and evidence-based journalism that reflects African realities, experiences and solutions.

Deputy President of the International Trade Union Confederation-Africa (ITUC-Africa), Comrade Rose Omamo, said workers were increasingly seeking clear information about how the transition would affect their jobs, incomes and future security.

She noted that the guide would enable journalists to explain those changes more effectively while helping trade unions strengthen communication with their members.

Rose Omamo described the publication as an organizing instrument that could support unions in expanding their membership and maintaining their relevance. She also stressed the importance of providing workers with opportunities to acquire new skills as industries and labour markets undergo transformation.

She urged journalists and trade unions to make active use of the publication in telling Africa’s story at home and internationally rather than allowing it to remain unused.

ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, commended FAJ for producing the guide and called for stronger collaboration between journalists and trade unions.

Akhator Joel Odigie said trade unions were undertaking valuable work across the continent, but many of their activities and concerns remained underreported. He argued that better media coverage would improve public understanding and encourage Governments to introduce policies that protect workers and communities affected by climate and economic changes.

He also proposed recognizing outstanding journalism on the just transition, noting that quality reporting deserved continental attention and encouragement.

Developed by African journalists with contributions from experts in climate policy, labour and media, the guide contains reporting techniques, case studies and ethical recommendations. It covers climate finance, renewable energy, workers’ rights, information integrity and other issues central to Africa’s just transition.

The publication is available in English, French and Portuguese. It will be distributed through FAJ-affiliated journalists’ unions and media organisations across Africa, while digital copies will be made freely available to improve accessibility.

Its production was funded by Mondiaal FNV, the international solidarity organisation of the Dutch trade union movement, as part of wider efforts to strengthen trade-union engagement in climate justice, decent work and a fair transition.

Joint Security Destroys US$300 Million Drug Consignment in Major Anti-Narcotics Operation

A large pile of broken chocolate bars spilling from a muddy trench at a construction site.

Sierra Leone’s security and law-enforcement agencies have destroyed a large consignment of narcotic and pharmaceutical drugs reportedly valued at more than US$300 million on the illicit market.

The destruction exercise took place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the headquarters of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) in Hastings, outside Freetown.

The joint operation brought together personnel from the Sierra Leone Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Office of National Security, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority.

According to information provided during the exercise, the destroyed substances comprised an estimated 390,000 cartons of narcotic and pharmaceutical products. The operation formed part of ongoing national efforts to prevent controlled and potentially harmful substances from entering communities and fuelling the illegal drug market.

Officials described the destruction as a significant intervention against criminal networks involved in the importation, distribution and sale of prohibited substances. They said removing the drugs from circulation would disrupt illicit supply chains and reduce the availability of substances that pose serious threats to public health and national security.

The exercise also highlighted the importance of cooperation among security, intelligence, military, port and drug-enforcement institutions in confronting organized criminal activities. Drug trafficking frequently involves networks operating across borders, making intelligence-sharing and coordinated enforcement essential.

Authorities said Sierra Leone remains committed to strengthening surveillance at ports and other entry points, improving intelligence gathering and pursuing individuals and networks suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade.

The Government and its security partners have intensified efforts to combat narcotic and pharmaceutical drug trafficking amid growing concern about the impact of substance abuse on young people, families and communities.

Illicit drugs have been linked to addiction, health complications, crime, violence and the breakdown of social and economic opportunities. Officials therefore stressed that tackling the problem requires not only enforcement but also public education, treatment and rehabilitation for people affected by substance abuse.

The destruction of the consignment represents one of the country’s most substantial reported actions against illicit drugs. However, authorities maintained that sustained monitoring, investigations and prosecutions would be necessary to dismantle the networks responsible for trafficking such substances.

Security agencies reaffirmed their determination to work collectively to protect communities, preserve public safety and prevent Sierra Leone from being used as a destination or transit point for illegal drugs.

The Hastings operation sends a strong warning to individuals and organized groups involved in drug trafficking that the country’s security institutions are prepared to act jointly against the trade.

ILRAJ Questions Voting Threshold Used to Pass Constitutional Amendment Bill

Logo for ILRAJ (Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice) featuring Lady Justice with scales and a sword, green leaves, and a banner.

The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has expressed serious concern over the circumstances surrounding Parliament’s passage of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, questioning whether the voting threshold prescribed by the 1991 Constitution was properly applied.

ILRAJ outlined its concerns in a press statement issued in Freetown on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, arguing that Section 108(2)(b) of the Constitution requires certain constitutional amendment bills to secure the support of at least two-thirds of all Members of Parliament during their second and third readings.

The organisation said the constitutional language is clear and should not be treated as a routine procedural matter determined by parliamentary convention or ordinary voting practices.

According to ILRAJ, Section 108(3) imposes a further requirement that constitutional amendments protected under the provision must first be approved through a referendum before receiving presidential assent. It maintained that those safeguards were designed to protect the country’s supreme law from being altered without broad national support.

ILRAJ said it was deeply troubled that Parliament reportedly declared the Bill passed based on a different interpretation of the required voting threshold. It further raised concern over the Speaker’s decision to refer the matter to the Supreme Court only after announcing that the Bill had passed.

The organisation argued that seeking judicial interpretation before the vote would have provided Parliament with clear guidance and reduced the possibility of uncertainty surrounding the validity of the process.

“When stakes are consequential, anticipating complications is better than seeking to remedy them after the fact,” ILRAJ stated, adding that constitutional safeguards should be applied before disputed actions are completed.

The institute also demanded a transparent explanation of reports that representatives of Civil Society Organisations and members of the public observing the parliamentary proceedings were removed from the Well of Parliament because of an alleged security threat.

ILRAJ asked the authorities to disclose the nature of the alleged threat, who conducted the security assessment, the information on which the decision was based and the legal authority under which observers were removed. It also questioned why the public was reportedly excluded when parliamentary business continued.

According to the organisation, Parliament belongs to the people and deliberations on major constitutional reforms should be conducted openly unless specific and credible security concerns justify restrictions.

ILRAJ called on the relevant authorities to provide a full account of the circumstances surrounding the removal of observers and identify which members of the public and civil society were affected.

The institute acknowledged the Supreme Court’s constitutional responsibility to interpret and enforce the country’s laws, noting that questions regarding the Bill had been referred to the Court for determination within the prescribed period.

It, however, cautioned that politically sensitive constitutional and electoral cases have sometimes generated public debate over institutional independence. ILRAJ said the current controversy would test not only Parliament and the Executive but also the Judiciary.

Beyond the passage of the Bill, ILRAJ restated its earlier reservations about some of the proposed amendments. Those include the permanent adoption of proportional representation, the electoral recommendations of the Tripartite Committee and the reduction of the presidential election threshold from 55 per cent to 50 per cent plus one.

The organisation also questioned whether the reforms adequately reflected the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee chaired by the late Justice Edmund Cowan.

Despite its concerns, ILRAJ welcomed some provisions in the Bill, particularly the proposed constitutional guarantee of a minimum 30 per cent representation for women in political nominations.

It stressed that constitutional reform should not be judged solely by whether individual provisions favour the Government or the Opposition. Instead, the process must strengthen democracy, command constitutional legitimacy and enjoy broad public confidence.

ILRAJ called on all constitutional authorities to avoid taking irreversible actions while questions surrounding compliance with Section 108 remain unresolved. It also demanded a comprehensive explanation of the alleged security threat and the removal of parliamentary observers.

The organisation urged the Supreme Court, should the matter come before it, to approach the dispute with independence, courage and a firm commitment to constitutional principles.

“The Constitution belongs neither to the Government nor to the Opposition,” ILRAJ stated. “It belongs to the people of Sierra Leone.”

ILRAJ said it would continue monitoring developments, engaging stakeholders and supporting public-interest litigation and advocacy in defence of constitutional supremacy and Sierra Leone’s sovereignty.

CHRDI Warns Parliament Against Bypassing Constitutional Safeguards

Professional man in a blue suit speaking into a microphone at a podium, with a green backdrop behind him.

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has called for strict compliance with Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment procedures, warning that the safeguards contained in the 1991 Constitution cannot be ignored, weakened or replaced by ordinary parliamentary rules.

The organisation made the call in a civic education briefing titled, “The Rules for Amending the Constitution: Why They Cannot Be Bent, Skipped or Repackaged.”

The briefing explains the constitutional amendment process under Sierra Leonean law and highlights relevant court decisions from Kenya and South Africa. It was intended to help lawmakers, voters, journalists, Civil Society Organisations and other citizens understand the legal requirements governing amendments to the country’s supreme law.

CHRDI stated that the Constitution is not an ordinary law and cannot be amended through the same procedures used to pass regular legislation. It cited Section 171(15), which provides that any law inconsistent with the Constitution is void to the extent of that inconsistency.

According to the organisation, Section 108(2) establishes two mandatory requirements that Parliament must satisfy before the Constitution can be lawfully amended.

The first requires the full text of a constitutional amendment Bill to be published in the Government Gazette on at least two occasions before its first reading in Parliament. A minimum of nine days must pass between the first and second publications.

CHRDI said the publication requirement is intended to give citizens adequate time to read the proposed amendments, participate in public discussions and communicate their views to their parliamentary representatives.

The second requirement is that the Bill must receive the support of not less than two-thirds of all Members of Parliament during its Second and Third Readings.

With Sierra Leone’s Parliament comprising 149 members, CHRDI calculates that the required two-thirds threshold is 100 votes. The organisation maintains that the threshold does not change because some lawmakers are absent, abstain or stage a walkout.

It stressed that Section 108(2) refers to two-thirds of all Members of Parliament and not merely two-thirds of members present and voting.

CHRDI also rejected suggestions that Parliament’s Standing Orders could permit clauses in a constitutional amendment Bill to be approved by a simple majority during the Committee of the Whole House stage.

Although Standing Order 44(1) provides a general rule for deciding questions by a simple majority, the organisation cited Section 94(1), which allows Parliament to formulate its Standing Orders only subject to the provisions of the Constitution.

On that basis, CHRDI argued that parliamentary rules remain subordinate to the Constitution and cannot override the special voting requirement governing constitutional amendments.

The civic education briefing further explains that Parliament cannot independently amend every provision of the Constitution.

According to CHRDI, Section 108(3) protects certain entrenched provisions and requires amendments affecting them to be approved through a national referendum after securing the necessary parliamentary support.

Such provisions include Section 108 itself, Chapter III on fundamental human rights and freedoms and sections covering presidential tenure, the composition and life of Parliament, elections, public finance, the Judiciary and certain constitutional commissions and councils.

For amendments affecting entrenched provisions to receive referendum approval, CHRDI said at least half of eligible voters must participate, while at least two-thirds of the valid votes cast must support the proposed changes.

The organisation urged lawmakers and citizens to carefully compare every clause of any proposed amendment Bill with the official text of the 1991 Constitution to determine whether it affects an entrenched provision.

To reinforce its position, CHRDI referred to constitutional decisions from Kenya and South Africa where courts examined compliance with mandatory law-making and constitutional amendment procedures.

The briefing cited the 1995 South African case, Executive Council of the Western Cape Legislature v President of the Republic of South Africa, as demonstrating that Parliament must comply with constitutionally prescribed procedures when making laws.

It also referenced Kenya’s Building Bridges Initiative litigation, which was decided by the country’s Supreme Court in 2022. CHRDI said the case underscored the importance of observing constitutional procedures, including public participation and applicable approval requirements.

The organisation argued that constitutional procedures should not be dismissed as mere technicalities because they form part of the protections established to prevent unlawful or politically convenient changes to the supreme law.

CHRDI consequently called for disputed questions surrounding the interpretation and application of Section 108 to be placed before the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone.

It cited Section 124(1), which gives the Supreme Court original and exclusive jurisdiction over matters relating to the interpretation and enforcement of the Constitution.

According to the briefing, an aggrieved Member of Parliament or a citizen with the necessary legal standing may seek a binding interpretation from the Court where compliance with the constitutional amendment process is in doubt.

CHRDI said obtaining judicial clarification at an early stage could help prevent a constitutional crisis or a situation in which a disputed amendment is passed, assented to and implemented before subsequently being challenged in court.

The organisation concluded by urging Members of Parliament, journalists, civil-society organisations and citizens to verify whether every constitutional requirement has been satisfied.

It maintained that the Gazette publication rule, the two-thirds parliamentary threshold and the referendum requirement for entrenched provisions are safeguards designed to protect Sierra Leoneans from having the country’s permanent democratic rules changed by a temporary political majority.

“The Constitution belongs to the people of Sierra Leone. It is not the property of any Parliament,” CHRDI stated, calling for constitutional reform to be conducted transparently, lawfully and in full compliance with Section 108.

Afrimoney Launches ‘Next of Kin’ Service to Safeguard Customers’ Wallets

Eleven diverse professionals posing indoors in front of a teal banner that says 'NEXT OF KIN' and 'Secure Today, Safe Tomorrow'.

Afrimoney has launched a Next of Kin Service aimed at helping customers protect funds held in their mobile money wallets and enabling their families to obtain essential account information in the event of death or incapacity.

The service was unveiled on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, at Africell’s headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown. Afrimoney Chief Executive Officer Martison Obeng Agyei said the initiative establishes a formal procedure for handling customers’ wallets when account holders are no longer able to manage them.

According to him, requesting next of kin information is consistent with practices across regulated institutions, where individuals are commonly required to nominate a trusted person when opening bank accounts, completing employment documents or accessing other formal services.

He explained that an Afrimoney wallet functions similarly to a bank account and may contain significant funds. The company therefore considered it necessary to introduce a reliable mechanism through which a designated person could receive relevant information about a customer’s wallet if the account holder dies or becomes incapacitated.

“The Next of Kin feature allows customers to nominate a person who can be contacted and provided with information about their Afrimoney wallet in circumstances where the account holder is no longer available,” Martison Obeng Agyei explained.

The CEO, however, clarified that registration as a next of kin does not automatically authorise the nominated individual to withdraw or receive money from another person’s wallet.

He said that when a wallet holder dies, Afrimoney will require appropriate legal documentation confirming an individual’s authority to administer the deceased customer’s estate before any funds can be released.

The nominated next of kin may assist the family by obtaining relevant financial information and facilitating the legal process required to access funds held in the deceased person’s wallet.

Martison Obeng Agyei urged customers to ensure that the personal information attached to their accounts is accurate and regularly updated. He advised customers to provide their full names, correctly spelt details and current addresses to help Afrimoney verify account ownership and ensure that wallet-related transactions are handled with the appropriate individual.

Customers were also encouraged to review their next of kin information periodically and update it whenever their personal or family circumstances change.

The Afrimoney CEO cautioned customers against nominating children or people who may lack the legal capacity to participate in the administration of an estate. He recommended choosing a trusted person who is at least 18 years old and capable of taking part in the necessary legal procedures.

He further advised customers not to ignore the service simply because they currently have little or no money in their wallets. Financial circumstances, he noted, can change over time, making it important for every customer to nominate someone who could assist their family in the future.

Martison Obeng Agyei also reminded customers that funds left unclaimed for a specified period may be subject to regulatory procedures governing their transfer. He therefore encouraged account holders to make proper arrangements that would enable their families to establish their entitlement and follow the required process when necessary.

The launch forms part of Afrimoney’s broader efforts to strengthen customer protection and establish a transparent process for managing wallets when account holders become unavailable.

Martison Obeng Agyei called on the media to support public education about the initiative. He also encouraged Afrimoney customers to access their wallet settings and complete their next of kin details.

He said the service is ultimately intended to assure customers that, in the event of death or incapacity, their families will be able to obtain necessary information and pursue the appropriate legal process to access any funds held in their wallets.

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