https://www.facebook.com/101501305947520/

The Intern Newspaper, 2nd Floor, 30 Big Waterloo Street, Saint John, NB (2025)

09/15/2025

Premier Legal Tutorial Group prepares students for revolutionary new Criminal Procedure Act

By: Mustapha Momoh

As Sierra Leone prepares for the historic commencement of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 (Act No. 8 of 2024) on September 16, 2025, Premier Legal Tutorial Group (PLT) stands ready to guide the next generation of legal professionals through this groundbreaking transition.

PLT, renowned for preparing students for Bar Finals and Entrance Examinations at The Sierra Leone Law School, recognizes the transformative impact this new legislation will have on legal education. The Criminal Procedure Act 2024 represents one of the most significant evolutionary changes to procedural law in the country's recent history, promising to reshape not only legal practice but the very nature of examinations including LLB assessments, Bar Finals, and entrance examinations conducted by the Council of Legal Education.

Leading PLT's comprehensive approach to the new legislation is Rolandson O. J. Harding, working alongside distinguished colleagues Christian Eyanah Kormoh and Isaiah Waritay. This experienced team of tutors has been meticulously preparing to deliver cutting-edge instruction on the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, ensuring students and legal practitioners alike are fully equipped to navigate the new procedural framework.

"Our tutors have invested considerable time understanding the nuances and implications of this new Act," explains a PLT spokesperson. "We're not just teaching the letter of the law, but helping students understand its practical application and long-term impact on Sierra Leone's legal system."

PLT's expertise extends far beyond criminal procedure, offering specialized instruction across multiple areas of law that are essential for today's legal professionals:

Business Law: Covering the regulatory and commercial frameworks that drive Sierra Leone's economy
Contract Law: Essential foundations for any legal practice, from commercial transactions to personal agreements
Mercantile Law: Specialized knowledge for those entering commercial legal practice
Company Law: Critical understanding of corporate governance and business structures

The tutorial group's reach extends across Sierra Leone's higher education landscape, providing targeted support for students at various institutions. PLT caters specifically to law-related modules offered at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), Fourah Bay College (FBC), and other universities with departments in Banking & Finance and Accounting.

This broad approach reflects PLT's understanding that legal knowledge intersects with numerous professional fields, making solid legal education relevant far beyond traditional law degrees.

The implementation of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 represents more than just a change in procedural rules—it signals Sierra Leone's commitment to modernizing its legal system and ensuring that legal education keeps pace with contemporary needs.

PLT's proactive stance in preparing for these changes demonstrates the institution's dedication to maintaining its position as a leader in legal education. By ensuring both students and the general public have access to expert instruction on the new Act, PLT is contributing to a smoother transition and more effective implementation of this crucial legislation.

As September 16, 2025 approaches, legal students, practitioners, and academics across Sierra Leone can look to Premier Legal Tutorial Group as a trusted resource for navigating the complexities of the new Criminal Procedure Act and building the legal expertise needed for success in an evolving legal landscape.

For more information about PLT's courses and preparation for the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, contact Premier Legal Tutorial Group directly on +232 75048153

09/12/2025

Fulbright Scholar returns home to strengthen history education in Sierra Leone

By: Mustapha Momoh

FREETOWN - A Sierra Leonean who recently completed his master's degree in the United States through the prestigious Fulbright program has returned home to contribute to his country's educational and cultural development.

Francis Musa Momoh, a 2023 Fulbright recipient trained in Anthropology and Historical Archaeology from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, will provide teaching support to the Department of History and African Studies at the University of Sierra Leone's Fourah Bay College.

The returning scholar was warmly welcomed by Professor Alusine Jalloh, Head of the Department of History and African Studies, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. Professor Jalloh expressed gratitude for Momoh's commitment to giving back to his alma mater.

"We are delighted that Francis has chosen to return and share the knowledge and expertise he gained during his studies in the United States," Professor Jalloh said. "His contribution will be invaluable in building the capacity of our future historians and heritage practitioners, both within the university and in the broader public sphere."

Momoh's academic training at Syracuse University's Maxwell School, renowned for its programs in public administration and social sciences, has equipped him with advanced knowledge in anthropological methods and historical archaeology techniques that are expected to enhance the department's research capabilities and curriculum.

The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, promotes mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through educational and cultural exchange. Sierra Leonean recipients of Fulbright scholarships often return with specialized knowledge that contributes significantly to the country's development in various sectors.

Fourah Bay College, founded in 1827, is the oldest university in West Africa and has long been recognized as a leading institution for higher education in the region. The Department of History and African Studies plays a crucial role in preserving and interpreting Sierra Leone's rich cultural heritage while training the next generation of historians and heritage professionals.

Momoh's return represents part of a broader effort to strengthen Sierra Leone's educational institutions through knowledge transfer and capacity building, ensuring that international academic experiences benefit the local community and contribute to national development goals.

08/26/2025

Presidential Spokesman urges Political Parties to adopt Proportional Representation

By: Mohamed Kamara

Presidential Spokesman and Special Adviser Dr. Alpha Khan has called on political party members to carefully consider adopting the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral model during an engagement with the All Political Parties Association (APPA), All Political Parties Women Association (APPWA), and the All Political Parties Youth Association (APPYA).

Dr. Khan referenced President Dr. Julius Maada Bio's challenge during the state opening of Parliament on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, where the President urged Sierra Leoneans to choose between continuing the current adversarial political system or embracing one that promotes inclusion, fairness, and national unity.

The Presidential Spokesman emphasized that adopting the PR model, supported by a modified form of consociationalism tailored to Sierra Leone's socio-political context, represents the best path to restoring peace and unity in the country.

"The essence of PR is simply to ensure that every vote counts, and that every voice matters," Dr. Khan explained. He contrasted this with winner-takes-all electoral systems that often exclude significant portions of the population from meaningful representation, noting that PR better reflects the true diversity of the electorate in both Local Councils and Parliament.

Dr. Khan cited successful implementations of PR in countries emerging from conflict and ethnic divisions, including South Africa, Rwanda, Northern Ireland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also pointed to its effectiveness in Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Germany, France, and most European Union countries, where PR has helped reduce political tensions, broaden participation, and strengthen democratic legitimacy.

"Our journey as a democratic country has been oscillatory and fractious most of the time. We have known the bitterness of division, but we have also tasted the sweetness of unity," he stated.

The Presidential Spokesman highlighted practical benefits of PR systems, including significantly reduced election costs and the elimination of by-elections when vacancies arise in national legislative and local government assemblies, thereby freeing up scarce financial, logistical, and human resources.

Concluding his address to the political parties, Dr. Khan noted that Sierra Leone's 16 tribes make PR a wise choice, given its proven success in other advanced nations.

08/07/2025

INTERNTORIAL

Musa Tombo’s Termination of Three International Contracts: A Call for SLFA Action

By: Mohamed Kamara

The recent trend of Musa Noah Kamara, popularly known as Musa Tombo, unilaterally terminating three international contracts is deeply troubling. If the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) fails to take decisive action, it could have damaging consequences for aspiring local footballers hoping to play abroad.

The Intern Newspaper notes that Musa Tombo’s pattern began with his exit from Swedish club Trelleborgs FF, which he claimed was due to the cold weather. He later signed with Al-Ittihad Tripoli in Libya in August 2022 on a two-year contract. However, shortly after, he requested a termination, citing security concerns and reportedly threatening self-harm if the club did not comply.

The third incident was with Tunisian side CS Sfaxien, where Tombo ended the contract, complaining about the club’s double training sessions, saying he preferred one session per day.

These repeated, abrupt contract terminations not only cast Sierra Leone in a negative light internationally but also discourage foreign clubs from scouting Sierra Leonean talents. Many young players now face an uphill battle securing contracts abroad due to this growing skepticism.

We at the Intern Newspaper strongly believe that the SLFA, under the leadership of Babadi Kamara, must take firm action. Musa Tombo should be suspended from all football-related activities in Sierra Leone. His actions, which appear to lack merit, must not go unpunished.

As the saying goes, “Kill dog before dog eye, make dog know say die dae” – in other words, precedent must be set. If no measures are taken, others may follow suit, damaging the credibility of Sierra Leonean football.

One pressing question remains: If Musa Tombo knew he couldn’t fulfil the terms of these contracts, why did he sign them in the first place?

International contracts don’t just benefit the player – they also uplift the image of Sierra Leone and can bring in revenue through transfer fees and visibility. That’s why this matter goes beyond personal behavior and becomes a national concern.

We also recommend that the SLFA consider placing Musa Tombo in a mental health and counselling program, as his repeated decisions to terminate life-changing contracts raise serious concerns about his psychological well-being.

Strong leadership requires tough decisions. The SLFA must act – for the sake of Sierra Leone’s football future.

06/27/2025

Today on the Intern Newspaper!!

06/18/2025

Today on the Intern Newspaper!

06/05/2025

Today, Thursday 5th June, 2025 publication on the Intern.

06/01/2025

Read the Intern Newspaper for more breaking news and human interest stories

04/25/2025

JSCO, Carter Center lead GEWE Act progress review

The Justice Sector Coordination Office (JSCO), in partnership with The Carter Center, convened a high-level review meeting with justice sector stakeholders to assess the progress of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, 2022, within the justice sector. The meeting, held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to building a gender-responsive and inclusive justice system in Sierra Leone.

Senior representatives from the Sierra Leone Judiciary, the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Human Rights Commission, the Law Reform Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General, L.A.W.Y.E.R.S, and Advocaid were in attendance. The platform provided an opportunity to reflect on key achievements, identify emerging challenges, and chart actionable steps to advance gender equality across the justice sector.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Shahid M. Korjie, Coordinator of JSCO, highlighted the strategic importance of the GEWE Act within the Justice Sector Reform Strategy (2024–2030), particularly under Strategic Objective 3: “Enhanced Adherence to Human Rights and the Rule of Law.” He emphasized ongoing efforts across 17 justice institutions, including implementing the Act, strengthening responses to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and building capacity for gender-sensitive practices.

Mr. Jalloh, Project Coordinator at The Carter Center, presented findings from the Gender Diagnostic Study conducted under the Center’s Gender Equality and Rights (GEAR) Project. Originally focused on magistrate courts, the study drew calls from participants for broader surveys to reflect the realities across all levels of the judiciary and related institutions.

Representing the Hon. Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Alusine Sesay (JSC), joined by Justice Bintu Alhadi (JA), Justice Tonia Barnette (JA), and Justice Simeone Alieu (J), underscored the Judiciary’s longstanding commitment to gender parity. Justice Sesay noted that Sierra Leone had appointed a female Chief Justice even as other jurisdictions struggled to do the same. Justices Alhadi and Barnette raised concerns about the study’s narrow scope and reaffirmed that judicial appointments and promotions are based on merit and fairness, with gender never being a barrier.

Stakeholders acknowledged that while institutional policies appear equitable, challenges remain around awareness, training, and public confidence in justice delivery. The Ombudsman, Tejan Ahmed Israel Jah Esq., noted that many gender-related complaints originate from administrative lapses rather than overt discrimination, calling for a deeper review of HR practices and workplace culture.

Despite resource constraints, notable progress was highlighted. The Judiciary has established a Communications Directorate and incorporated GEWE-related content into its official website to enhance public awareness. The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs confirmed that regulations for the GEWE Act have been laid before Parliament and await a Certificate of Maturity. Additionally, the Sierra Leone Police, Fire Force, and the Military have developed gender policies aligned with the Act’s provisions.

Civil society organizations, including AVOCAID, continue to support CSO capacity-building for effective gender mainstreaming. Cross-sector collaboration has also strengthened, with JSCO coordinating efforts to develop a national work plan and monitoring framework.

Nonetheless, stakeholders identified critical challenges, including limited financial and technical resources for gender training and reforms, inadequate data systems for tracking progress, and institutional silos hindering cross-sector coordination.

Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, stressed the urgency of moving from policy to action: “For every law passed, it is the justice sector that breathes life into it. Lack of resources cannot be an excuse for inaction.”

Key recommendations from the review included revising institutional policies for gender sensitivity, expanding public sensitization using existing platforms, and conducting regular GEWE Act review meetings with wider stakeholder participation.

Ms. Kari Machey, Associate Director at The Carter Center, reaffirmed the Center’s support: “The GEWE Act is not just about representation—it is about institutionalizing gender equality and transforming judicial culture.”

The meeting concluded with a shared vision: to build a justice system that is inclusive, equitable, and truly representative of all Sierra Leoneans. JSCO and its partners remain committed to transforming policy into tangible outcomes for women and girls across the country.

11/17/2024

Major International Financial Fraud Uncovered

Fraudsters are exploiting Sierra Leone's mineral resources in elaborate schemes designed to defraud investors. One such company, Qommodity, registered in Sierra Leone as Tandem Liber Holding, claimed to engage in gold mining while soliciting large sums of money from investors. The company's founders, Edward Meijers and Henri Lechner, are also associated with Qommodity, a cryptocurrency firm operating internationally.

Edward Meijers, the CEO who was previously conducting business in the Netherlands, is now reportedly on the run and believed to be hiding in Lesotho. Tandem Liber Holding initially obtained mining licenses in Sierra Leone to attract investors; however, the Sierra Leone National Mineral Agency has since canceled all their licenses after determining that no mining activities had taken place in the three years since the licenses were issued.

Hundreds of investors, including a group of former professional footballers, now fear they have been deceived by Qommodity. According to an investigation by the Dutch newspaper Financieele Dagblad (FD), the athletes claim they are collectively owed €10 million. Research by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) has uncovered that funds collected by Qommodity were likely misappropriated for personal use rather than legitimate business purposes. Evidence suggests that Henri Lechner and Edward Meijers may have diverted the funds toward private expenses.

The severity of this case has raised concerns among fraud investigation authorities in the Netherlands and across Europe due to the large sums of money involved and the devastating impact on investors, some of whom have faced financial ruin and, tragically, even loss of life.

Victims of this fraud are now calling for public support to bring these alleged perpetrators to justice. More updates on this investigation will follow in the next publication.

The Qommodity Team

08/26/2024

Joseph M. Conteh: S/Leonean scholar to Peking University speaks on behalf of MOFCOM scholarship recipients

By: Mustapha Momoh

In a poignant speech that resonated deeply with the audience, Mr. Joseph Momoh Conteh, the sole recipient from Sierra Leone admitted to Peking University’s doctoral program in National Development, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of all MOFCOM scholarship awardees. His words underscored the significance of the scholarship, not just as financial aid, but as a symbol of China’s commitment to global education and the strengthening of ties between Sierra Leone and China.

Mr. Conteh's speech highlighted the profound impact of the MOFCOM scholarship, describing it as a *"beacon of hope"* and a testament to China's dedication to fostering global education and cultural exchange. He praised the Chinese government and the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone for their unwavering support throughout the application process, ensuring the success of the scholarship program.

He went on to emphasize the broader implications of the scholarship, viewing it as a critical element in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and China. *"As we prepare to begin our studies in China," Mr. Conteh said, "we understand that we must strengthen these ties further. We are committed to being ambassadors of this relationship and fostering mutual understanding and respect."*

Mr. Conteh also spoke of the potential impact their education in China would have on Sierra Leone, expressing a vision where their newly acquired knowledge and skills would be harnessed to address the nation's pressing challenges. He envisioned a future where innovative agricultural techniques, infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, entrepreneurial growth, educational enhancement, and environmental conservation would all benefit from the expertise they bring back to their homeland.

In closing, Mr. Conteh made a series of commitments on behalf of the awardees, pledging to excel academically, engage in cultural exchange, and return to Sierra Leone equipped with the knowledge needed to drive the country's development *"We are not just students; we are ambassadors, catalysts for change, and torchbearers for a brighter future for Sierra Leone,"* he concluded, leaving a lasting impression on all who heard his speech.

In his address, Ambassador Wang Qing congratulated the scholarship recipients on their academic achievements and emphasised the strategic importance of the scholarships in supporting Sierra Leone’s development goals. "These scholarships reflect the Sierra Leonean government's commitment to transformational development under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership," Ambassador Qing remarked. He urged the students to embrace their roles as cultural ambassadors, reminding them that their responsibilities extend beyond academic excellence. "You are not just students; you are ambassadors of Sierra Leone. Represent your country with pride and dignity while immersing yourself in Chinese culture and academia."

Ambassador Qing also highlighted the long-standing educational cooperation between the two countries, noting that over the past 20 years, more than 1,300 Sierra Leonean students have benefited from Chinese scholarships. He encouraged the new batch of scholars to build on this legacy, working hard to achieve their personal goals and contributing to Sierra Leone’s progress upon their return.

Haja Ramatulai Wurie, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, echoed these sentiments, praising the students for their dedication and hard work, which led to their selection for the MOFCOM scholarships. "Today marks an important milestone in your academic journeys," she said. As you embark on this new chapter, remember that you carry with you the hopes and aspirations of Sierra Leone. We expect you to return home with knowledge and skills that will contribute to the development of our nation."

Ambassador Victoria Sulaimani, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also took to the podium to commend the students and to emphasise the significance of Sierra Leone's relationship with China. She pointed out that this partnership, which has flourished over the past five decades, is a testament to the enduring mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations. "This scholarship program is a shining example of what can be achieved through international cooperation," she stated, adding that the students' success would further solidify the bond between Sierra Leone and China.
The farewell reception ended on a high note, with the students visibly inspired and eager to embark on their academic journey in China. The event was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and the enduring friendship between Sierra Leone and China. As the 189 scholars prepare to leave for China, they carry with them the hopes of their nation and the promise of a future where international cooperation leads to shared success.

"May the friendship between Sierra Leone and China strengthen, and may our shared commitment to education and understanding light the path to a brighter future," Mr Conteh concluded, his words a fitting end to an event that celebrated both the students' individual achievements and the collective bond between two great nations.

The Intern Newspaper

09/15/2025

09/12/2025

08/26/2025

08/07/2025

06/27/2025

06/18/2025

06/05/2025

06/01/2025

04/25/2025

11/17/2024

08/26/2024

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category