A major step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to sustainably manage its mineral wealth has been taken as the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR), on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China University of Geosciences (CUG). The agreement, concluded on Thursday, 4 December 2025, marks a new phase of cooperation in geosciences education, research and industry-focused skills development.
The partnership aligns with the Government’s drive to build a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting responsible mineral exploration, extraction and resource governance. CUG, ranked No. 1 globally in Geosciences in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings; brings to the collaboration world-class expertise in geology, mining engineering and applied earth sciences.
Under the MoU, the China University of Geosciences will award annual Master’s and Doctoral scholarships to Sierra Leonean professionals pursuing advanced studies in geosciences and mining-related fields. The agreement further provides opportunities for short- and long-term professional development, tailored training programs, internship placements and collaborative research initiatives.
A key feature of the partnership is the introduction of a dual-supervisor model linked to the China Geological Survey. This arrangement will enable Sierra Leonean students to undertake geological survey projects in Sierra Leone while receiving joint academic and technical guidance from experts in both countries.
To ensure seamless coordination and accountability, the MoU establishes institutional mechanisms between MMMR and CUG for implementation oversight, periodic evaluation and program expansion. The cooperation is also expected to extend to the University of Sierra Leone’s Department of Geology, particularly in areas of curriculum enhancement, academic exchanges, resource-sharing and the provision of modern teaching and learning materials.
Officials from the Ministry described the agreement as a transformative opportunity to strengthen local content, advance scientific capacity and create a pipeline of trained geoscience professionals who will support the nation’s long-term mineral sector development.
The signing of the MoU signals Sierra Leone’s growing commitment to strategic international partnerships that bolster human capital, drive innovation and promote sustainable resource governance.
A High Court in Freetown has sentenced Nigerian national Iwuchukwu Ebere Christian to thirty (30) years imprisonment after he was found guilty of unlawful possession of 900 grams of cocaine, in violation of Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008).
The conviction and sentence were delivered by Honourable Justice Mark Ngegba on Friday, 5th December 2025, at the Main Law Courts Building on Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown. Iwuchukwu Ebere Christian had earlier pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial.
According to the State, the accused was arrested on 25th June 2025 at Lungi, in Sierra Leone’s North-West Region, with 900 grams of cocaine in his possession without lawful authority.
During the trial, Prosecution Witness Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Joseph Stevens, a specialist in drug and chemical analysis attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), testified that he received a laboratory request from Detective Inspector Steven Alpha Turay to examine 46 pellets of a white powdered substance seized from the accused.
Detective Inspector Steven Alpha Turay told the court that after conducting laboratory tests on 30th June 2025, the substance was confirmed to be cocaine weighing 900 grams.
At the close of the prosecution’s case, the accused chose to rely solely on his statement to the police and elected not to call further evidence.
Justice Mark Ngegba noted that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the substance found in the defendant’s possession was cocaine. He stated that the defendant admitted possessing the 46 pellets but provided no lawful justification for holding the prohibited drug.
Having reviewed the totality of the evidence, the judge ruled that the prosecution met its burden of proof and the defendant was guilty as charged.
In his allocutus, the convict appealed for mercy and explained that the drugs were intended for onward transit to Ecuador. He revealed that he had transported the pellets by road from Nigeria to Sierra Leone and that he was to be paid US$5,000 if the delivery was successful.
Defence counsel C. I. Williams urged the court to consider the convict’s status as a foreign national, father and principal caregiver.
However, State Counsel A. Jalloh argued that the seriousness of the offence and its potential impact on Sierra Leone’s international reputation warranted a stringent sentence.
In delivering his ruling, Justice Mark Ngegba declared: “I hold that the prosecution has provided sufficient evidence to warrant a guilty verdict against the defendant. Hence, the defendant is therefore found guilty as charged and is sentenced to thirty (30) years imprisonment.”
The judgment reinforces the judiciary’s strong stance against drug trafficking and its commitment to upholding the country’s drug control laws.
Pavi Fort Al-Associates (SL) Ltd, one of West Africa’s fastest-rising indigenous engineering giants, continues to cement its reputation as a trusted partner in national development, following major endorsements from both the Liberian Senate and Guinean authorities for its quality, speed and engineering competence.
A wholly African-owned firm with headquarters in Sierra Leone, Pavi Fort specializes in a broad range of infrastructure solutions, from highways and bridges to real estate, quarrying, airports and large-scale construction logistics. The company has executed landmark projects across Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and The Gambia, consistently earning praise for delivering durable infrastructure on time and within approved standards.
Liberia’s long-delayed ambition to rehabilitate its critical road corridors received a powerful boost on Thursday, December 4, 2025, when the Liberian Senate unanimously endorsed a landmark concession agreement granting Pavi Fort & Associates the mandate to construct and maintain 255 kilometres of crucial highways.
The Public–Private Partnership (PPP), valued at US$364 million, targets strategic corridors including St. Paul Bridge–Clay, Madina–Robertsport and Clay–Tubmanburg, while also incorporating a four-lane expansion between St. Paul Bridge and Bowaterside; one of the country’s most ambitious road upgrades in recent years.
Under the agreement, the Liberian Government will contribute US$40 million from the National Road Fund and US$100 million from the national budget over a five-year construction period. Pavi Fort will maintain the roads for 25 years before handing them over to the state.
Legislators confirmed that the decision followed a thorough review by six specialized committees, which evaluated the technical designs, financial structure and the company’s track record. Importantly, the project’s cost, averaging US$850,366 per kilometre, was found to fall squarely within Liberia’s approved infrastructure benchmarks.
Senators described the concession as a decisive step toward easing one of Liberia’s most persistent development constraints. With fewer than 1,500 kilometres of Liberia’s 12,000-kilometre road network paved, the project is expected to significantly enhance trade, boost regional accessibility and stimulate economic growth along the western and northwestern corridors.
Just weeks earlier, on November 20, 2025, Pavi Fort earned overwhelming commendation in Guinea for its exceptional execution of the T13 Coyah–Dubréka bitumization project, a key arterial route linking the capital’s outskirts with rapidly expanding districts.
The company’s precision, speed of delivery and deployment of modern engineering equipment have transformed the T13 into a flagship success story. Prior to Pavi Fort’s intervention, the corridor had long suffered from dust pollution, heavy congestion and damaged road surfaces that hampered economic activity and daily commuting.
Engineers supervising the works reported that Pavi Fort’s team has consistently delivered ahead of schedule while maintaining strict adherence to international road construction standards. The firm’s asphalt layering, drainage systems and soil reinforcement have been widely praised for their technical robustness.
Residents and road users say the improvements are already tangible; reduced travel time, smoother traffic flow, increased safety and lower vehicle maintenance costs are among the immediate benefits. Transport operators and traders note that the upgraded stretch has revitalized commerce between Coyah, Dubréka and surrounding communities.
Government monitoring teams have also lauded Pavi Fort’s professionalism, describing the T13 progress as a model for Guinea’s broader infrastructure modernization agenda. The project has strengthened public confidence in local engineering capacity and reaffirmed the company’s ability to handle complex national assignments.
Beyond its regional projects, Pavi Fort continues to expand its footprint through diverse services including quarry operations (notably the Bawa Quarry in Guinea), equipment rental, large-scale project management and real estate development. Its collaboration with institutions such as the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) further underscores its role as a dependable development partner.
As West African Governments intensify infrastructure modernization, Pavi Fort stands out as a homegrown company delivering world-class results. The firm’s rising portfolio, from Liberia’s transformative PPP concession to Guinea’s celebrated T13 project, reflects a commitment to efficiency, innovation and the long-term economic progress of the sub-region.
With its expanding track record and growing regional trust, Pavi Fort continues to redefine what African engineering firms can achieve in shaping the continent’s development future.
The 50/50 Group Sierra Leone on Friday, 5th December 2025, hosted the 13th Annual Rajiv Bendre Women in Public Life Lecture Series at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, featuring distinguished educator and public servant Dr. Staneala Beckley as Guest Lecturer and Honouree.
The event, held under the theme: “One World, Many Lessons,” brought together students, policymakers, activists and professionals to reflect on global experiences and the universal values that hold humanity regime.
In her lecture, Dr. Staneala Beckley spoke about the early influences that shaped her career and values. She recalled her childhood at No. 24 Charles Street in Freetown, where watching the sky in the evenings sparked her interest in travel, maps and different cultures.
She described how her school days at Annie Walsh Memorial School, especially her role as a pianist, helped her develop discipline, responsibility and a strong work ethic.
Dr. Staneala Beckley went on to share stories from her decades-long international career with UNICEF. One of the early experiences she highlighted was living with an elite family in Bogotá, Colombia, where she was the first Black person the family had ever met. Her time there taught her not to rely on assumptions and to always look deeper into people’s true character.
She also gave a vivid account of her five-week stay in North Korea in the mid-1980s. She described the restricted environment, the intense propaganda and the strict control of information. One incident that stood out was when her interpreter nervously admired a Western magazine, constantly glancing over her shoulder to ensure no one saw her. Dr. Staneala Beckley said that moment showed how human curiosity persists even under oppressive regimes.
Her work in Pakistan further strengthened her belief in humanity and tolerance. She shared the story of a local imam who personally funded a school for Christian children in a minority community, something she described as a powerful example of religious coexistence.
She said those experiences strengthened her belief that “humanity stands above race, religion, gender or class.”
Dr. Staneala Beckley also reflected on her experience in the occupied Palestinian territory, where she worked closely with teachers and education authorities under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions.
She noted the strength of Palestinian teachers who had to protect children during air raids and resist attempts to militarize schools. A tense moment occurred when she introduced peace education materials and was met with anger from an official, a reminder of how sensitive and emotional the conflict was.
After many years abroad, Dr. Staneala Beckley returned home to serve as the first Chair of the Teaching Service Commission. She revealed that her early period in office was extremely challenging.
Despite that, she remained committed to public service. “Working with different Governments taught me patience and the importance of impartiality,” she added.
She ended her lecture by acknowledging her father’s influence and expressing gratitude to God for guiding her through dangerous assignments, noting that some colleagues in the field lost their lives.
Following the lecture, a brief panel discussion brought additional insights from distinguished education leaders.
The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, praised Dr. Staneala Beckley’s strong values and professional legacy. Having succeeded her as Chair of the Teaching Service Commission, he said her decisions were so principled and thoughtful that he often found himself making similar choices.
He emphasized her ability to work across political divides, calling it a lesson for the nation. “She reminds us that unity is stronger than partisanship and that national progress demands humility and the courage to put Sierra Leone first.”
The Minister urged young people to recognize the shared humanity that lies beneath our differences and to meet adversity with courage and vision.
Also speaking was the Chair of the Tertiary Education Commission and former Vice-Chancellor of Njala University, who said Dr. Staneala Beckley’s story showed dedication, focus and tolerance. He noted that her ability to work in challenging countries reflected her strength and ability to adapt.
He added that young people should take from her story the importance of hard work and determination, saying “if you are focused, nothing is impossible.”
The event also featured the distribution of prizes to 50/50 school clubs who participated in the “16 Days of Activism Against GBV” essay competition. Winners include pupils from St Joseph Secondary School, Annie Walsh Memorial School and Rokel Senior Secondary School.
The event concluded with renewed hope, particularly for young people to pursue leadership with integrity and to contribute meaningfully to a more just and inclusive society.
Director General of the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA), Isaac Ken-Green
By Foday Moriba Conteh
As part of their effort towards shaping new rules that will guide public transportation across the country, Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) has on Friday 5th December, 2025 concluded a one-day stakeholders’ consultation meeting on the draft Public Transport Tariffs and Fare Regulations 2025 and the Public Transport Licences Regulation held at the SLPTA Office at the Bus Station in Freetown.
The meeting brought together representatives from transport unions, Civil Society Organizations and the media to review the draft regulations that will guide future operations within the public transport system.
Addressing the gathering, Isaac Ken-Green, Director General of the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA), expressed appreciation to stakeholders and institutions including the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and the media for supporting national dialogue on transport sector reforms. He underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping effective and inclusive regulations, noting that transport remains one of the largest sectors in the country but had long operated without a specific regulatory authority.
Isaac Ken-Green explained that the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority was established through an Act of Parliament passed on 24 April 2023, after Government and international development partners, including the World Bank, recognized the urgent need to address gaps in regulation, operational standards and public safety.
“For a long time, transport operators were functioning without a proper regulatory body,” he noted. “While telecommunications, aviation and other sectors have established regulators, transport did not have any institution responsible for setting rules, monitoring compliance or ensuring safety. This created a vacuum in which anyone could operate without clear standards.”
He said the new Authority has been mandated to regulate all forms of public transport including buses, taxis, tricycles, Okadas, trucks and other motor transport operators while building a structured framework for licensing and tariff administration.
According to him, the drafted regulations are designed to “put flesh on the mandate” given to the Authority by Parliament by outlining rules governing operations, tariffs, safety obligations and stakeholder relations.
Isaac Ken-Green informed participants that the proposed regulations are still preliminary and would undergo further review, including parliamentary scrutiny, before adoption. He described the consultation as a crucial stage in gathering public input and ensuring that the final regulations reflect the concerns and realities of operators and passengers across the country.
“We expect your ideas and contributions, because the regulatory process must involve the people it will affect,” he added. “That is why we have called this open discussion to listen, clarify and improve the documents before they are taken to Parliament.”
On his part, the Deputy Director General of the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA), Christian N. Ngombu Esq., presented the draft Public Transport Tariffs and Fares Regulations 2025 and the draft Public Transport Licenses Regulation.
Delivering the first presentation, Christian N. Ngombu explained that the Tariffs and Fares Regulations are being formulated in accordance with Section 41 of the SLPTA Act of 2023 and are aimed at ensuring affordability, transparency and financial sustainability in the public transport system. He said the regulations will apply to all public road transport services, including buses, minibuses, taxis, tricycles and commercial motorbikes.
He noted that the draft regulations outline categories of fares, including urban commuter services, inter-district travel, rental services and special transport services, with a standardized approach to fare setting. The proposed framework also introduces concessionary fares for students, elderly citizens, persons with disabilities and beneficiaries of social protection programmes.
Christian N. Ngombu further highlighted that the regulations provide for an annual review mechanism using a price-cap formula that takes into account inflation and fuel price movements, while also allowing for extraordinary reviews in situations such as major fuel price changes, natural disasters or emergencies that significantly affect transport operations.
The second presentation focused on the draft Public Transport Licenses Regulation, which establishes a licensing regime for operators based on service classification and vehicle type. According to Christian N. Ngombu, the objective is to set transparent rules for licensing, promote fair competition and ensure safe, reliable and efficient public transport services.
He noted that public transport vehicles will be classified into three main categories buses and minibuses, taxis and rental vehicles, and motor tricycles and motorbikes while specific operational requirements such as electronic ticketing, digital metering and tracking systems will apply to different vehicle types.
Representing the CSOs, Alphonso Manley, National Coordinator, Civil Rights Coalition, welcomed the draft regulations, describing them as a long-overdue step toward cleaning up a sector that has operated for years without a central regulatory framework, noting that the introduction of clear rules on licensing, fare structures and operational standards would help reduce exploitation, improve transparency and promote fairness between transport operators and commuters.
He called for wider public consultations beyond Freetown, continuous stakeholder engagement and effective monitoring systems to prevent abuse of power, arbitrary fare increases and weak enforcement once the regulations come into force.
On the transport union, the representative said the proposed regulations as timely, particularly in addressing long-standing concerns around licensing, standard operating procedures and fare determination mechanisms.
He pointed out that with the expansion of public transport services nationwide, operators need a coordinated system that clarifies roles and responsibilities while promoting professionalism across the industry.
At the same time, he urged the SLPTA to ensure that the new framework does not impose excessive financial burdens on drivers and transport owners.
The consultation ended with a question-and-answer session, during which participants provided additional feedback. The Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) committed to sharing soft copies of the draft regulations with all stakeholders to enable further review and submission of written inputs.
Africell Sierra Leone has on Friday December 6, 2025 officially launched a groundbreaking partnership with NBA Africa, marking a historic expansion of the global basketball brand’s youth development initiatives into Sierra Leone for the first time. The collaboration, unveiled as part of the broader Africell Group–NBA Africa framework, positions Sierra Leone as a rising hub for basketball talent in West Africa; unlocking transformative opportunities for thousands of young athletes.
The partnership builds on the achievements of the Africell/NBA Africa programme introduced in Angola in 2022, which has since provided world-class training, competitive structures and improved facilities to young basketball players. With Sierra Leone now added to the initiative, the country joins Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and The Gambia in benefiting from NBA Africa’s expanding development footprint.
A symbolic signing ceremony was held at the NBA’s global headquarters in New York City on 23 September 2025, where Africell CEO, President and Founder, Ziad Dalloul, and NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, Mark Tatum, signed the expanded agreement. The moment underscored a shared mission: to use sport as a platform for youth empowerment, community development and social transformation.
The introduction of NBA Africa programming promises to elevate the standard, visibility and reach of basketball nationwide. The partnership will roll out a comprehensive suite of youth-focused interventions, including:
High-quality training programmes and clinics led by qualified coaches.
Talent exposure opportunities, including a major Africell-supported 3-on-3 tournament in early 2026, with professional highlights to be shared directly with NBA Africa scouts.
Creation of training academies to support long-term development of promising young athletes.
Refurbishment and upgrade of basketball courts to improve access to standard playing surfaces.
Support to strengthen existing local basketball structures, helping expand grassroots participation.
These components are designed to cultivate the next generation of basketball stars while aligning with broader national goals for youth development, education and social growth. The initiative is expected to advance Sierra Leone’s position within Africa’s rapidly developing basketball ecosystem.
The collaboration resonates strongly with the Africell Impact Foundation’s strategic pillars: sports, health, education and community wellbeing. Through basketball, Africell hopes to inspire values such as teamwork, professionalism, discipline and healthy living among Sierra Leone’s youth.
“It is difficult to overstate the magnetic pull that the NBA brand enjoys in Africa,” Africell CEO Ziad Dalloul remarked. “The NBA represents excellence and aspiration; qualities that deeply inspire young Africans. Extending this collaboration to Sierra Leone reflects our ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and we are excited to see the long-term impact this partnership will have across communities.”
NBA Africa CEO, Clare Akamanzi, echoed those sentiments, noting that the success of the collaboration in Angola demonstrated the powerful role that basketball can play in shaping lives.
“Expanding into Sierra Leone, where Africell has deep community roots and where passion for sports runs high, gives us an opportunity to foster meaningful and lasting youth development,” she stated.
The partnership aligns with NBA Africa’s efforts to broaden its programmes across the continent, including its flagship projects under the Basketball Africa League (BAL). With vibrant youth demographics and a rising interest in sports, Sierra Leone stands to become a valuable contributor to Africa’s growing basketball story.
Africell is one of Africa’s fastest-growing telecommunications companies, providing reliable, affordable mobile and digital services to nearly 20 million customers across Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Angola and the DRC. Through the Africell Impact Foundation, the company supports initiatives in sports, health, education, entrepreneurship, arts and culture—aimed at narrowing opportunity gaps and empowering communities.
NBA Africa is the African regional affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), focused on expanding the league’s footprint and growing the sport across all 54 African countries. Its work spans youth development programmes, social impact initiatives, partnerships, media distribution and the management of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
President Bio interacting with journalists at the Annual Presidential Media Cocktail at State House
By Amin Kef (Ranger)
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Friday, 5th December 2025, hosted the sixth edition of the Presidential Media Cocktail on the State House Lawn, State Avenue, Freetown, an exclusive annual engagement that has become one of the country’s most anticipated events for the fourth estate. Commencing at 6:00 p.m., the gathering brought together editors, journalists, media executives, bloggers and communication stakeholders for an evening dedicated to reflection, dialogue and the deepening of partnership between the Presidency and the national media fraternity.
Held under the theme: “Strengthening Partnership and Empowering Media,” the 2025 edition provided a platform for candid exchanges on the state of media freedom, information access, emerging technologies and the collective responsibility of Government and journalists in nurturing Sierra Leone’s democracy. Entry was strictly by invitation, underscoring the high-level nature of the occasion.
Addressing the audience, President Julius Maada Bio expressed honour and appreciation for the tradition of engaging media practitioners, stating that the event not only celebrates a partnership but acknowledges a fundamental pillar of democracy. Quoting Maya Angelou, “All great achievements require time”, he remarked that the country’s media transformation has been long and sometimes challenging, but the progress achieved is both tangible and historic.
He recalled that in 2018, discussions about Sierra Leone’s media environment were dominated by concerns about shrinking press freedom, limited capacity, weak institutional structures and funding gaps. Today, he said, the landscape has been dramatically transformed.
President Bio highlighted Sierra Leone’s rise in the World Press Freedom Index, noting that in 2025 the country ranked 56 out of 180 nations, one of the most significant regional improvements and a testament to deliberate reforms and constructive collaboration with media institutions. Sierra Leone, he noted, is now widely recognized as a regional model for media freedom and journalist protection.
A central point in the President’s address was the approval of Sierra Leone’s first-ever National Information and Media Policy, described as a landmark framework modernizing the entire information ecosystem. The policy establishes standards for digital media regulation, outlines guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence, strengthens media sustainability and protects citizens’ rights to accurate and verified information.
He also announced Sierra Leone’s 95% Freedom of Information Compliance Score, one of the highest in Africa. To further entrench transparency, he disclosed that the Right to Access Information Commission would be transformed into a stronger Access to Information Authority with enhanced enforcement powers.
The President further revealed that nationwide consultations for a new Data Protection and Privacy Bill have been completed, with full regulatory mechanisms set for finalization in early 2026. This framework, he said, will safeguard citizens’ data as the Government accelerates its digital transformation agenda.
President Bio underscored his Government’s commitment to broadening civic space through weekly press briefings, Civic Day Series and the National Civic Festival; mechanisms that have Institutionalised openness in governance.
He catalogued several initiatives undertaken in 2025 to enhance media independence, including increases in Government subvention to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), capacity-building initiatives in fact-checking and digital literacy for over 500 journalists and information officers and extended support to community radio stations nationwide.
He further commended the Media Reform Coordinating Group and the Multi-Stakeholder Board for awarding the first set of grants to 14 media outlets under the National Fund for Public Interest Media.
The President used the occasion to highlight Sierra Leone’s achievements in 2025 on the global stage, including:
His election as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, the first time Sierra Leone has held the position in over four decades.
The endorsement of the USD $2.2 billion Mission 300 Energy Compact, the largest infrastructure investment in the nation’s history.
Sierra Leone’s leadership during its final presidency of the United Nations Security Council, where it spotlighted food insecurity, terrorism in the Sahel, and successfully guided the adoption of historic Resolution 2803.
Participation for the first time by a sitting Sierra Leonean President in both the G20 Leaders’ Summit and the AU-EU Summit.
“These achievements are not self-praise,” he said. “They demonstrate Sierra Leone’s growing stature and underscore the importance of a strong media to tell our story with pride and accuracy.”
In a lighter segment, President Bio reflected on headlines throughout the year that captured national attention, from political debates on proportional representation to the opening of Sewa Grounds Market and even the dramatic episodes of Housemates Salone Season 4. The jokes drew warm laughter, reinforcing the convivial nature of the event.
Looking ahead, the President outlined key priorities for 2026, including promoting media entrepreneurship, advancing media sustainability, deepening media literacy, ensuring enhanced protection for journalists and strengthening civic education.
He announced an increase in Government subvention to SLAJ to Le 2.7 billion old Leones in 2026, a significant rise from the Le 200 million allocation in 2020. “For SLAJ, Christmas gift always comes early,” he joked.
Delivering his statement, SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara thanked the President for sustaining the annual engagement and emphasized that partnership must never come at the expense of truth or independence. He stressed that the media is not an opponent of the State nor an extension of it but a development partner tasked with informing, educating, questioning and amplifying the voices of citizens.
He outlined SLAJ’s ACTION Manifesto; Accountability, Capacity Building, Transparency, Innovation, Open Collaboration, and National Cohesion, as the strategic guide for strengthening the media sector.
Alhaji Manika Kamara called for sustained support in improving journalists’ welfare, strengthening access to information, advancing media reform and promoting responsible journalism in the digital age.
This year’s Presidential Media Cocktail also recognized the exceptional leadership of the Presidential Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi Esq., whose meticulous coordination ensured the seamless execution of the event. His dedication, many attendees agreed, has been instrumental in institutionalizing this tradition of engagement.
As the evening concluded, participants described the 2025 Presidential Media Cocktail as a resounding success that reinforced mutual respect, trust and collaboration between the Presidency and the media. Anticipation is already building for December 2026, with confidence that under Yusuf Keketoma Sandi’s stewardship, the platform will continue to flourish.
President Bio ended by reaffirming his belief that a nation’s story must be told by its media, urging practitioners to remain committed to truth, accountability and nation-building.
“A President without a strong media is like Freetown without Cotton Tree; missing its heart, its identity and its voice.”
Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, is currently in Paris on an official working visit, where he held a series of high-level engagements with senior French Government officials, state institutions and major development partners. The visit forms part of Sierra Leone’s continued diplomatic and economic outreach aimed at strengthening international partnerships and expanding investment opportunities.
Upon arrival in France, the Vice President was warmly received by Deputy Ambassador, Mamadi Gobeh Kamara and staff of the Sierra Leone Mission in Paris. His schedule includes a strategic engagement with the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), the country’s largest private-sector federation representing more than 750,000 companies across all sectors. Discussions with MEDEF will centre on boosting bilateral investment flows, enhancing trade and identifying new partnership frameworks to support Sierra Leone’s economic transformation agenda.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s mission to France follows his departure from the Kingdom of Morocco, where he participated in the 2025 Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days held under the theme: “Bridging the Gap: Mobilizing Private Capital to Unlock Africa’s Full Potential.” The high-level gathering brought together representatives from nearly 80 countries, including Governments, global financial institutions, entrepreneurs, multilateral bodies and private investors.
Throughout the three-day event, the Vice President engaged key development partners to strengthen Sierra Leone’s investment pipeline and widen opportunities for strategic cooperation. He highlighted Africa’s capacity to attract long-term capital in high-growth sectors and called for deeper collaboration between Governments, investors and development institutions. He praised the AIF for its impact in accelerating the bankability of projects and driving sustainable development across the continent.
While in Morocco, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also paid a courtesy visit to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Rabat where he was received by Ambassador H.E. Alhaji Momodu Koroma and Embassy staff. Ambassador Alhaji Momodu Koroma conducted him on a tour of the Chancery and reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Morocco. Addressing Embassy staff, the Vice President reflected on longstanding cooperation between the two nations, noting Sierra Leone’s support for Morocco’s diplomatic initiatives, including the Autonomy Plan for the Sahara and the recent UN Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025). He recalled President Julius Maada Bio’s pledge to establish full diplomatic representation in Morocco fulfilled through the opening of Sierra Leone’s Embassy in Rabat and the reciprocal establishment of the Moroccan Embassy in Freetown.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, however, pointed out the slow implementation of several bilateral agreements and MOUs. He pledged to engage relevant Ministries upon his return to ensure accelerated action, particularly in education, investment promotion and technical cooperation. He also expressed concern over the limited benefits derived from Moroccan scholarships and committed to engaging the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to improve student outcomes.
In Rabat, the Vice President joined African leaders and global development partners for the African Development Bank’s High-Level Investment Forum, where he stressed the need for stronger collaboration to expand Africa’s pipeline of bankable projects. Against a backdrop of tightening global development financing, he urged partners to use their catalytic tools, risk guarantees, policy support and de-risking instruments, to help African countries unlock capital and accelerate development.
“The continent needs accelerated support to grow the pipeline of bankable projects across critical sectors,” he stated. “This is essential to unlock economic growth and ensure that Africa’s opportunities translate into tangible development outcomes.”
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s engagements in Morocco and his ongoing working visit in France reflect the Government of Sierra Leone’s foreign policy direction under President Julius Maada Bio; one that prioritizes economic diplomacy, investment mobilization and strategic partnerships as engines of national progress. His schedule in Paris continues as he meets development stakeholders, deepens private-sector cooperation and advances Sierra Leone’s global engagement agenda.
The Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., has called for a comprehensive rethink of global corruption measurement methodologies, stressing the need for fairness, transparency and data-driven accuracy. He delivered the remarks on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, at the 2nd Global Conference on Harnessing Data to Improve Corruption Measurement held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States of America.
Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala began by conveying warm greetings from the President and people of Sierra Leone, stating that the nation welcomes ongoing global efforts to “re-imagine and redefine” how corruption is assessed. He noted that current measurement tools, especially Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI), have remained controversial for years, particularly among developing countries which repeatedly receive low rankings despite making visible progress.
Drawing from his experience as a former Board Member of the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption (AUABC) and former President of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), he observed that discussions about the CPI often generated “disapproval to outrage.” Many African Governments and anti-corruption advocates, he said, view the index and its commentaries as unfair and, at times, part of a “purpose-driven smear campaign.”
Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala highlighted several limitations inherent in perception-based indexes. He argued that measuring perception rather than actual prevalence of corruption makes the CPI vulnerable to subjective opinion and unreliable judgments, especially when the identities and qualifications of contributing “experts” remain unclear. Moreover, he noted that major indices often fail to capture critical dimensions of corruption, such as illicit financial flows, tax fraud, money laundering and other sophisticated practices that significantly impact developing economies.
“These gaps result in inaccurate or unfair representations of the efforts anti-corruption agencies are making; especially in Africa,” he said. “It is discouraging for institutions that work tirelessly when their successes are overshadowed or discounted by perception-driven metrics.”
He stressed that this global initiative to improve corruption measurement is timely and invaluable to nations like Sierra Leone. A more robust and objective measurement framework, he said, would help countries learn from others performing better, replicate effective strategies and identify areas requiring improvement using reliable, country-specific data.
Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala emphasized the need for constructive engagement with credible global assessment bodies and domestic civil society. Such collaboration, he argued, would help ensure that corruption measurements more accurately reflect realities on the ground while supporting continuous institutional improvement.
He also underscored that despite their flaws, indices remain important accountability tools. They enable anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations and international partners to highlight persistent governance issues and advocate for stronger reforms.
“What we need now is a new methodology; one that captures real prevalence, incorporates genuine effort and moves beyond perception alone,” he stated. “Complaining about flawed methodologies will not change the negative outcomes they sometimes produce. Instead, we must work together to build a more balanced and acceptable system.”
The ACC Commissioner concluded by reaffirming Sierra Leone’s support for the ongoing global review. He expressed optimism that the outcomes of the conference would contribute to a more credible, equitable and evidence-based approach to assessing corruption worldwide.
“We welcome this process,” he declared, “and look forward to new measurement tools that strengthen global integrity and support the fight against corruption in all its forms.”
The Judiciary’s new Practice Direction on drug-related offences, issued by Chief Justice Komba Kamanda on 1 December 2025, continues to generate strong national debate, with several senior lawyers defending the directive as timely, lawful and essential for restoring order amid Sierra Leone’s worsening drug crisis. Leading this position is Joel Tejan Deen-Tarawally Esq., who argues that the directive has been widely misunderstood and that claims of constitutional violations are rooted in flawed interpretations of both the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 and the National Drugs Control Act 2008.
According to him, the directive in no way abolishes the presumption of innocence or bans bail, but simply reinforces the correct application of Section 76 of the CPA, which already guides courts on when bail may be withheld based on affidavits from the prosecution. He insists the Chief Justice acted fully within his authority to streamline procedures, promote consistency and reduce delays at a time when drug abuse, particularly Kush, has become a national emergency.
Support for the directive has also come from other senior legal voices. Austina Abioseh Thompson Esq., writing from Toronto, described the Chief Justice’s action as a bold continuation of a long-standing judicial tradition in Sierra Leone and elsewhere, where Practice Directions are used in emergency situations to ensure courts respond effectively to major threats to public safety. She noted that during Ebola, COVID-19 and the surge in sexual offences, similar directions were issued to guide Judges and Magistrates, and none were found to violate the law. She cautioned that resistance to the current directive appears driven by ill-motivated interests rather than a genuine concern for constitutional order, adding that no part of the directive prohibits bail absolutely. Instead, it merely restricts the power to grant bail to the High Court; an approach she likens to how murder, treason and life-sentence offences are handled.
In the United States, Dr. Abdul Rahman Bangura also defended the Judiciary, arguing that the directive provides necessary clarity for sentencing and ensures that drug manufacturers, traffickers and transporters face penalties commensurate with the gravity of their offences. He expressed concern that some critics may be attempting to shift public attention away from the severity of the drug epidemic for reasons he described as self-serving. For him, the directive neither undermines judicial independence nor contradicts existing laws, but instead helps close gaps that have long been exploited by those profiting from the drug trade.
However, despite strong backing from several legal practitioners, significant opposition has emerged from the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) and the Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone, both of which argue that the directive is inconsistent with statutory provisions and risks weakening constitutional guarantees. CHRDI maintains that the National Drugs Control Act already grants Judges wide discretion to impose life sentences, minimum terms or suspended sentences depending on the facts before them. It argues that the new directive effectively limits those powers by introducing procedures not provided for in the Act, thereby elevating administrative instructions above the authority of Parliament. CHRDI further notes that Section 76 of the Criminal Procedure Act permits bail even in capital offences, provided certain conditions are met and warns that treating drug offences as non-bailable by default undermines due process, exacerbates prison congestion and could produce long-term economic and security challenges.
The Lawyers’ Society echoes those concerns, emphasizing that Practice Directions only carry legal force when supported by explicit statutory authority, which they say does not exist in the NDCA 2008. They argue that the Act assigns regulatory power to the Minister of Internal Affairs, not the Judiciary, and contend that the directive’s requirement that all drug cases be tried exclusively in the High Court contradicts provisions allowing summary trials for certain offences. According to the Society, treating all drug offences as High Court matters and tightening bail to the extent implied in the directive may amount to amending an Act of Parliament through administrative decision-making—an action they insist cannot stand under constitutional scrutiny. They caution that even in the fight against drugs, the presumption of innocence must remain intact, and judges must retain full discretion to determine bail and sentencing based on the individual circumstances of each case.
As both sides continue to press their positions, what emerges is a deeply felt national conversation on how Sierra Leone should confront its escalating drug crisis while preserving the rule of law. Supporters believe the Practice Direction strengthens the Judiciary’s capacity to respond decisively to a national emergency, while critics warn that no matter how dire the crisis, reforms must remain firmly within the bounds of constitutional and statutory authority. The debate is expected to continue as citizens, legal experts and policymakers weigh the delicate balance between urgent state action and the enduring principles of justice.
