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First modern newspaper in Provincial Sierra Leone, Home Times is undeniably an envy in print journalism. Neutral, Objective, Fair and Accurate.

13/02/2026

Gaura Murder Trial Verdict
“Incomplete” as village Erupts

By Joseph Bawoh

On Monday, February 9, 2026, Justice Abdul Sheriff of the Kenema High Court was expected to deliver judgment in the ongoing murder trial involving Mohamed Swaray Kamara, Ibrahim Kamara, Lamin Fatorma, Braima Momoh, and Mustapha Kamara all from Gaura and Tunkia Chiefdoms, Kenema District.
The five accused are standing trial on charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder in connection with the death of Mariama Kanneh. Two weeks earlier, the court had announced February 9 as the date for judgment.

The courtroom was packed to capacity, with many traveling from villages across Tunkia and Gaura chiefdoms to witness the long-awaited verdict. The atmosphere was tense; silence filled the room as Justice Sheriff entered.
However, in a brief statement, the judge announced that the judgment in the murder trial was “incomplete.”

Despite the announcement, many remained seated, hoping the matter might still be addressed later in the day. After presiding over several other cases, Justice Sheriff addressed the court again, this time in Mende, reiterating that the judgment was not ready and that the matter would require additional time.

He explained that he needed to review previous rulings at the Magistrate Court level and examine other legal steps before delivering a final verdict. The case was subsequently adjourned to February 23, 2026.

Counsel representing the deceased, Mariama Kanneh, informed the court that the courtroom was filled with people who had traveled long distances to hear the ruling. Nonetheless, the judge maintained that the verdict remained “incomplete.”
Like a bombshell, the announcement left many visibly disappointed. Gradually, the courtroom emptied as people returned to their communities with heavy hearts.

Reports reaching this medium confirm that tensions escalated in Sembehun Village the following day, February 10, 2026.
Investigations based on video and audio recordings indicate that some youths mobilized and vandalized houses belonging to three of the accused persons who are currently in prison. In a leaked audio recording, a man identifying himself as Vandy Kanneh is heard expressing pride in the youths’ actions and suggesting they were prepared to repeat them if necessary.

The unrest reportedly began after some youths accused two individuals, identified as Koroma and Amadu Bellay of taking food to the accused persons in prison. The youths also allegedly accused local chiefs, including Chief Jibba and Alhaji Bellay, of supporting the accused and failing to attend court sittings.

Audio and video recordings suggest that the youths held a meeting on Tuesday, February 10, after which they proceeded to vandalize three houses belonging to relatives of the accused.
Amid the tension, a voice identified as Abdul Mansaray is heard in one recording appealing for calm. “Trouble starts with one person but engulfs all,” he warned, urging the youths to give peace a chance.

In subsequent recordings, the youths are heard responding positively to Abdul’s appeal, promising to heed his call for restraint.

The situation is now reportedly under control. A team from the Kenema Police Division visited the village on Wednesday and, in collaboration with community elders, succeeded in restoring calm.
Authorities continue to monitor developments as the community awaits the rescheduled verdict on February 23.

13/02/2026

Bonthe District Council in NLe3.2 Million Audit Scandal

By the editorial team

Bonthe District Council has emerged as the worst offender in financial mismanagement among local councils in 2024, according to the latest Auditor General’s Report released by Audit Service Sierra Leone.
The report reveals that the council failed to properly account for more than NLe3.2 million of taxpayers’ money, raising serious concerns over expenditure control and financial transparency.

Under the category “Expenditure Management and Control,” auditors flagged two major irregularities which were “NLe1,225,021”, recorded as ‘payments without supporting documents and “NLe2,013,652” listed as payments without adequate supporting documents.”
However, detailed audit findings show even higher questionable figures.

The report states that auditors observed payments totaling NLe1,348,999.15 made without payment vouchers or other relevant supporting documents.
“Additionally, we observed that payments totaling NLe2,564,040.34 were without adequate supporting documents such as delivery notes, invoices, receipts, back-to-office reports and signed beneficiaries’ lists,” the report further disclosed.

The absence of basic financial records such as vouchers, receipts, and invoices makes it impossible to verify whether public funds were properly utilized.
Financial experts warn that such lapses create opportunities for fraud, misappropriation, and abuse of public resources.

The findings place Bonthe District Council at the top of local councils cited for financial irregularities in the 2024 audit cycle, intensifying calls for accountability and possible investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
As public confidence in local governance remains fragile, residents and civil society groups are demanding urgent action to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that public funds are safeguarded.

13/02/2026

AVDP’s IVS project in limbo as Auditor flags major lapses

By our Editorial Team

Serious concerns have emerged over the implementation of the Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) Project launched in 2024 under the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (AVDP), following damning revelations in the latest Annual Report of the Auditor General.
Under section 4.5.3 – “Outstanding Issues Identified During Audit Field Verification of Inland Valley Swamps (IVS)”, the Auditor General disclosed significant gaps in project delivery across several districts.

According to the report, auditors who visited AVDP operational sites observed that “ploughing machines were not delivered to several beneficiary communities; many communities lacked grain storage facilities to protect harvested produce.
As a result, harvested grains were reportedly left exposed to theft, spoilage, and harsh environmental conditions.

The audit further revealed that “Some IVS sites did not have AVDP signposts; farmer groups failed to maintain proper records of financial and material support received under the project, particularly for grain storage facilities; supplied items lacked unique project identification markings, raising accountability concerns.
The Auditor General warned that these shortcomings pose a serious risk that public funds may have been expended without achieving the intended results — potentially amounting to waste of public resources.

In response to the findings, the Audit Service recommended that the Project Manager “Expedite delivery of ploughing machines to remaining communities; construct and operationalize grain storage facilities at all IVS locations; install AVDP-branded signposts at intervention sites to improve visibility and accountability; prioritize and complete ongoing construction of hand-dug wells” and “Implement strict documentation and tracking systems for distributed items, ensuring all materials are clearly marked with AVDP identifiers.”
The report also accused AVDP of delays in delivering environmental testing devices and in constructing hand-dug wells — key components meant to support sustainable agricultural productivity.

The Auditor General stressed that the Project Manager must ensure that contractors immediately complete the work or enforce recovery of funds already paid.
In a striking development, the Auditor General dismissed AVDP management’s official response to the audit queries.
“Additionally, contrary to management’s response, the detailed work plan and the engineer’s report were not submitted for review. Therefore, the issue remains unresolved,” the report stated.
This contradiction suggests that despite assurances from project management, critical documentation required to clear the audit concerns was not provided.

The IVS Project was designed to boost food security and increase agricultural productivity in rural communities. However, the audit findings now raise pressing questions about project ex*****on, oversight, and value for money.
With millions invested in agricultural development, stakeholders are calling for urgent corrective action to ensure that the intended beneficiaries, local farmers, do not bear the cost of administrative failures.

13/02/2026

Justice delayed is justice denied edition.

10/02/2026

Tackling plastic pollution in Bo:
Advocate Plus (+) launches CassavaCycle-Smart Packaging

By Joseph Bawoh

Advocate Plus (+) Sierra Leone, a local non-governmental organization, has officially launched the CassavaCycle-Smart Packaging to Tackle Plastic Pollution Project in Bo, Kakua Chiefdom, Southern Province. The launch took place on last week, with support from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs-UNDESA and the United Nations Development Programme-UNDP, Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the event, Project Coordinator Mohamed Salia described the initiative as “a major milestone in the fight against plastic pollution, while simultaneously creating sustainable economic opportunities for youth and women at the community level.”

Speaker after speaker underscored that plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges in Sierra Leone. They spoke on the widespread use of single-use plastics and how it has overwhelmed fragile waste management systems, resulting in clogged drainage channels, polluted rivers, and degraded ecosystems.
The challenges, they said pose serious threats to public health, marine life, food security, and livelihoods, particularly in communities dependent on fishing and agriculture.
Despite growing awareness, speakers noted that affordable and environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic remain largely inaccessible, especially in rural districts where plastic continues to be the cheapest option.

The CassavaCycle project directly responds to this gap through an innovative, youth-led circular economy model. The initiative focuses on producing biodegradable and compostable packaging made from industrial-grade cassava starch-leveraging one of Sierra Leone’s most abundant agricultural resources. By transforming cassava into eco-friendly packaging, the project reduces reliance on imported plastics, strengthens local value chains, and promotes sustainable farming practices.

Cassava starch for production will be sourced from selected farmer cooperatives, providing farmers with stable markets and improved incomes. The enterprise will manufacture a range of eco-friendly products, including biodegradable shopping bags, takeaway food containers, plates, bowls, coffee cups, and innovative edible cutlery infused with local flavors such as cocoa, ginger, and chili.
Additional renewable materials, including sugarcane fiber and corn starch, will be incorporated to enhance durability and functionality. All products are non-toxic and designed to decompose naturally within 180 days.

Beyond production, CassavaCycle places strong emphasis on youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and behavior change. At least 70 percent of the trained workforce will be girls and young women, who will acquire skills in green manufacturing, quality control, business management, and sustainable production techniques.

The project also includes community awareness and behavior-change campaigns targeting schools, markets, and households to promote plastic-free lifestyles, responsible consumption, composting, and recycling.
During the launch ceremony, key youth beneficiaries were pre-selected to participate in the production process, while cassava out-grower farmers were identified to supply raw materials—ensuring strong community participation and local ownership.

With the backing of UNDESA and UNDP Sierra Leone, the CassavaCycle project will also engage in policy advocacy and dialogue with municipal authorities and environmental agencies to promote plastic regulation reforms and support green innovation.
By combining community engagement, innovation, and sustainability, Advocate Plus (+) Sierra Leone aims to reduce plastic pollution, create green jobs, and contribute to a resilient circular economy.

The launch brought together local authorities, traditional leaders, community stakeholders, youth, and women from Kakua Chiefdom, providing a platform for dialogue, awareness, and collective action on environmental sustainability and green innovation.

30/01/2026

2000 children benefit from Orange Foundation’s Back-to-School Program

Orange Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to education through its annual Back-to-School donation program, benefiting 2,000 vulnerable children across the country.
The official handover ceremony, held at the Kingtom Police Barracks, brought together representatives from the media, the Sierra Leone Police, community leaders, and the Minister of Basic Education.

Welcoming guests, Director of the Orange Foundation, Annie Katta, emphasized that every child matters and that transparency remains central to the Foundation’s work. She noted that the donation exercise was conducted openly, with journalists and partners present to witness the distribution of learning materials.

She highlighted the Foundation’s broader efforts to strengthen education nationwide, explaining that schools in several districts have been equipped with tablets and projectors, reaching more than 30,000 learners. According to her, education and culture remain powerful tools for empowering young people and creating lasting opportunities.
“This Back-to-School donation reflects our shared vision—where education becomes a shield against poverty and a bridge to opportunity,” she said.

Through the Orange Foundation Network, more than 35,000 children across 16 African countries benefit from education-focused interventions. This year alone, 2,000 children in Sierra Leone were supported under the program.
At the Kingtom Police Barracks event, 150 pupils each received a complete learning kit consisting of seven branded exercise books, an Orange Foundation backpack, four branded pencils, one mathematical set, and four branded pens.

Although the items may appear simple, speakers noted that in the hands of a child they become tools of hope, focus, and possibility. By easing the financial burden on families, the initiative allows parents to meet other essential needs while enabling children to concentrate fully on their education.
“This initiative sends a powerful message,” Annie Katta added. “Every child here is not forgotten. Your education matters. Your future is important.”

Orange Foundation, working in partnership with organizations that support vulnerable women and children, reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to education through innovation and community-based support.
Also addressing the gathering, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aicha Touré, said education is at the heart of the company’s social mission.

“At Orange, we believe education is the strongest network we can build. It connects children to opportunity, communities to progress, and the nation to a brighter future. Every book and pen we give carries a message: we believe in you,” she stated.
She thanked teachers for their dedication, community leaders for their collaboration, and families for trusting the Foundation.
Minister of Basic Education and Senior Secondary School Education, Conrad Sackey described the event as a moment of renewed hope for the children.
“Hope is the foundation of learning,” he said. “And today, we are building that hope together.”

30/01/2026

Southern Arena undergoing refurbishment

By David Lebbie

Manager, Southern Arena Stadium, Saidu Sesay, has disclosed that management is accelerating renovation works currently underway at the facility.

In an interview with Home Times at his Hanci Road office, he outlined progress made so far and assured the public that efforts are being intensified to restore the stadium to a high standard.

According to him, renovation works on the accommodation areas have been completed, with standard stadium seats now installed. He also confirmed that the stadium’s toilet facilities have been remodelled and upgraded to improve comfort and hygiene.

Sesay further revealed that Turkish engineers have arrived in Bo to commence the reinstallation of the stadium’s floodlights, scoreboard, and advertising boards, in line with international standards.
“We are working hard to conclude this renovation work by February, and our goal is to deliver a standard and professional facility,” he said.

He also announced that the stadium’s canteen, popularly known as Southern Rendezvous, has reopened and is now accessible to the public.

In conclusion, Sesay appealed for patience from the public, noting that while progress is steady, it is difficult to provide an exact timeline for the full completion and upgrading of the stadium.

30/01/2026

AI in Mining in SL:
Who Wins, Who Loses?

“The discussions were heavily focused on human capital development, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence. Right now, Sierra Leone has yet to meaningfully tap into AI in mining—but we must,” Aminata Kamara said, reflecting on her participation at the just-concluded Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The forum, which brought together global mining leaders, policymakers, and investors, was held under the theme: “The future of mining will be shaped as much by human capital as by AI.” Kamara spoke on “Why AI is Critical to Sierra Leone’s Mining Future.”
Her argument is informed not by theory but experience. In 2016, when Australia-based Iluka Resources acquired Sierra Rutile, Kamara visited mining operations in Australia and witnessed firsthand how highly automated systems allow a single operator to monitor and control entire mining processes—sometimes remotely. Productivity was higher, safety risks were lower, and decision-making was data-driven.

According to Kamara, Sierra Leone’s biggest constraint is not the absence of mineral wealth, but the structure of its mining workforce. She estimates that nearly 80 percent of workers in the sector are unskilled, low-skilled, or semi-literate, making the industry heavily dependent on manual labour and vulnerable to inefficiency, safety lapses, and exploitation.

To her, the government has a role to play to enhance the use of AI in mining so that the use affects no worker. She believes governments also have a critical role to play, not through heavy-handed regulation, but through targeted incentives.
Drawing from her experience in the U.K., she cited vocational training schemes where employees received tax breaks and other incentives at national level for employers who commit to ‘Investors in People’ through job creation and investing in practical certification programmes for their employees from apprenticeship to senior level roles.

She argues that similar incentives could encourage mining and other companies in Sierra Leone to take on apprentices, graduate trainees, and semi-skilled workers; particularly engineers who graduate with limited practical exposure to mines.
“You have graduate engineers who have never been to a mine, let alone have practical experience prior to gaining their degrees. That gap can be closed if companies are incentivized to train and build capacity.”

She is clear-eyed about timelines. Sierra Leone, she estimates, may be 10 to 15 years away from fully-automated mining systems. But preparation cannot wait.
“Human capital development is never short-term. If you want results in 10 years, you must invest now.”
For Kamara, this is not a technical issue, it is a governance and strategic leadership one. Extractive industries, she argues, often fall into a “mine and move” mindset, overlooking the long-term value of people.

“You see why some mines last 50 years. It’s because the development of individuals is paramount to the success of a company.”

“Many, including policymakers, fear that if you increase the use of AI technology, you risk putting people out of work, especially in mining communities where mining companies are often the only employer or main source of income.”
She rejects the idea that technology and employment must be in conflict. She, instead, argues that poor planning and lack of medium/long term vision, not AI, is the real threat.

“It’s a company’s deficiency if workers become redundant as a result of enhanced technology. That means poor manpower planning and lack of long term strategic vision,” she says plainly.

A Global Conversation Sierra Leone Cannot Afford to Miss
Across panels at FMF, artificial intelligence (AI) was framed not as a distant concept, but as an inevitable force that will redefine exploration, operations, and efficiency in mining.
Worldwide, mining companies are seeing AI work for them. About 65 percent of mining companies are already investing in AI technologies to improve operational efficiency. AI-driven automation has been shown to reduce labour costs by up to 30 percent while boosting productivity in parts of the mining operations.
From shortening exploration timelines to enabling remote-controlling operations, AI is already reshaping how mines function globally.

Why Governance, Not Just Technology, Matters
Kamara’s perspective is shaped by years in senior leadership roles at Sierra Rutile Limited and later Marampa Mines Limited, where she oversaw corporate affairs, human resources, government relations, and ESG engagement during periods of ownership transitions and regulatory scrutiny.
Her experience has taught her that governance and leadership failures often masquerade as technology problems.

At FMF, there was a clear message: AI adoption must be governed by long-term workforce strategy, not short-term efficiency gains. Kamara also emphasized that even the most technologically advanced mines still require people.

“There are no fully automated mines in the world; not even in Australia or Canada that are more technically advanced. You still need boots on the ground.”
Rather than replacing workers, Kamara advocates for re-skilling and multi-skilling them. She offered practical examples:

While some processing roles may become automated, human labour will remain essential in areas such as sampling, instrumentation, fabrication, electrical work, plumbing, and maintenance. These are tasks technology cannot perform independently.

“You move people. You build their capacity. You train them across departments so they are productive throughout their shift.”
Kamara has seen this work, albeit with a select few.
“It starts with mindset. The individual has to want to grow. Then the organization must identify and invest in them.”
Kamara’s reflections at the Future Minerals Forum are grounded not in theory, but in lived leadership shaped by her background in banking, mining, corporate governance, and people policy.

As Sierra Leone positions itself for future investment in the extractive sector, her message is clear: technology without people is not progress.

The future of mining, she argues, belongs to countries and companies that understand that governance, skills, and human capacity must evolve alongside innovation; not after it.

30/01/2026

Flag bearer aspirants: Just Rhetoric or Sincerity?

By Joseph Fomolu

As Sierra Leone approaches another crucial electoral season, familiar promises once again echo across podiums and airwaves: “I will transform the economy,” “I will improve the lives of all citizens,” “I will fight corruption and create opportunities.”

For the grassroots Sierra Leonean—the market woman in Wellington, the unemployed graduate in Bo, the farmer in Kabala, the struggling parent in Freetown—these words are met not with excitement, but with weary skepticism. We have heard them before.
The question burning in the hearts of many Sierra Leoneans is no longer what you promise, but how sincere you truly are.

The potential of Sierra Leone is not in doubt. Our country is blessed with abundant natural resources, fertile agricultural land, a resilient youth population, and a strategic coastal location. Yet decades of governance have delivered an economy that feels, for most citizens, like a constant uphill struggle.
Inflation relentlessly erodes meagre incomes. Youth unemployment remains a dangerous tinderbox. Electricity is unreliable, healthcare is under-resourced, and quality education remains a privilege rather than a right. The gap between the political elite and the everyday citizen has widened into a chasm.

Therefore, to every aspiring flag bearer, we ask not for another manifesto filled with grand visions, but for tangible, credible evidence of sincerity. Well-written manifestos—polished in elegant grammar and impressive layouts, have been presented at every election cycle. Yet too often, their promises prove true only on paper, not in practice.
Our people deserve more than poetry. They demand concrete, actionable plans matched by proven character.

First, prove your understanding. Do you genuinely grasp the daily realities of ordinary Sierra Leoneans? Transformation does not begin with mega-projects announced in Freetown; it begins with lowering the cost of living, stabilizing the Leone, ensuring food security, and making credit accessible to small businesses. Do your policies speak directly to these pains, or are they generic templates drafted by international consultants?

Second, prove your integrity. The greatest drain on our economy is not the absence of resources, but the absence of trust. Corruption has siphoned off the wealth of generations. Will you commit to unprecedented transparency—publishing government contracts, openly declaring assets, and empowering anti-corruption institutions without political interference? Will accountability apply equally to your allies and financiers, or only to your opponents?

Third, prove your commitment to inclusive growth. Economic transformation cannot be enjoyed solely by a connected few in the capital. How will you move agriculture beyond subsistence? What is your strategy for value addition to our minerals and crops? How will you harness the digital economy to create jobs in every district? And will you invest seriously in healthcare and education—not just buildings, but doctors, teachers, medicines, and systems that work?

Fourth, prove your political courage. Genuine transformation demands difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions. It requires breaking with patronage politics, saying “no” to powerful interests, reforming wasteful subsidies, and prioritizing long-term national gains over short-term political favors. Are you prepared to risk your political capital for the true good of Sierra Leone, or will corruption and kickbacks continue to masquerade as governance?

To the citizens, your skepticism is justified—but your engagement is essential. Demand specifics. Scrutinize records. Look beyond rallies and slogans. Examine past actions, associations, and consistency. Ask not only “What will you do?” but “What have you already done that proves your heart for service?”
To aspiring leaders, this moment demands more than ambition. It demands patriotic sincerity.

The people of Sierra Leone are not asking for miracles. They are asking for dignity—the dignity of decent jobs, stable incomes, reliable electricity, functioning hospitals, quality schools, water flowing consistently from Guma taps, and a future they can believe in.
The true test of sincerity will not be measured by the volume of speeches, but by the clarity of plans, the transparency of governance, and tangible improvements in the lives of the poorest among us.
We have endured enough promises. Now, we demand proof.

The future of Sierra Leone is not a campaign slogan—it is the collective dream of a people who have waited too long. It is time for leaders whose sincerity is as solid as the rocks of the Lion Mountains, and whose commitment flows as steadily as the Jong River.
Anything less is an insult to a nation that deserves far more.

30/01/2026

BoDFA Kicks Off SLFA Federation Cup

By David Lebbie

The Bo District Football Association (BoDFA) on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, kicked off the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Federation Cup at the Bo Coronation Field.
The competition features more than sixty teams nationwide, with matches being played across various districts. On Day One of the Bo District fixtures, Tucker FC defeated Rocky FC 2–0, while Vision Stars overwhelmed Rising Stars with a convincing 4–0 victory.

In Bo District, twelve teams, divided into three groups, are participating at the preliminary stage. Five teams will advance to the second round, where they will be joined by another five teams. From that stage, six teams will qualify for the third round.

At the third stage, the six qualified teams will be joined by four First Division teams from Bo District, competing for places in the round of 32, which features elite Premier League clubs.

Meanwhile, the Federation Cup remains one of the oldest football competitions in Sierra Leone, owned and organized by the Football Association of Sierra Leone (SLFA). The tournament continues to serve as a vital platform for lower-division teams to test their strength against the country’s top-flight sides.

30/01/2026

Sierra Roads: theatre of unbearable tragedy

By Joseph Fomolu

The roads of Sierra Leone have become our most recent theatre of unbearable tragedy.
Week after week, headlines scream of horrific collisions, overturned vehicles, and needless loss of life. From the bustling streets of Freetown to the winding highways linking our provinces, a relentless wave of fatal road accidents is claiming lives, shattering families, and inflicting deep wounds on our nation. This is no longer a series of isolated incidents—it is a full-blown national emergency that demands immediate, decisive, and sustained action.

The consequences of this carnage are devastating. Every fatality represents a father, mother, daughter, son, or breadwinner lost forever. Families are plunged into grief and economic hardship. Survivors often suffer life-altering injuries, placing additional strain on an already overburdened healthcare system. The economic cost—lost productivity, medical expenses, damaged vehicles, and infrastructure—is enormous, slowing national development. Beyond the statistics lies a deeper crisis: a growing fear that grips families every time a loved one sets out on the road.

This crisis is multifaceted, born of a deadly convergence of factors. Reckless driving, speeding, dangerous overtaking, and impatience, remains a leading cause. Vehicular neglect is widespread, with many cars, buses, and lorries operating with bald tyres, faulty brakes, and non-functional lights. Poor road infrastructure, including potholes, inadequate signage, and missing road markings, turns routine travel into a gamble with death.

Compounding these dangers is a culture of indiscipline fueled by weak enforcement of traffic laws, perceived corruption, and inconsistent driver education. The rapid growth of commercial motorbikes (okadas), often operated by poorly trained riders, has added yet another volatile layer to an already fragile road safety environment.
We cannot—and must not—accept this as our fate. Concrete and enforceable measures must be implemented without delay.

First, ruthless enforcement of traffic laws. The Sierra Leone Police Traffic Division must be empowered to carry out relentless, corruption-free enforcement. This includes strict speed monitoring, sobriety checks, and mandatory roadside inspections to immediately impound un-roadworthy vehicles. Penalties must be severe enough to deter reckless behavior, not merely inconvenience offenders.

Second, zero tolerance for un-roadworthy vehicles. A rigorous, transparent vehicle fitness certification system must be enforced nationwide. All public transport vehicles—especially buses and heavy trucks—must undergo regular mechanical inspections. Roadworthiness must be a verifiable fact, not a document for sale.

Third, urgent investment in road infrastructure. Government must prioritize the repair of critical road networks, install clear signage and reflective markings, and create safer pedestrian crossings and protective barriers. Particular attention must be given to known accident black spots where tragedies recur with alarming frequency.

Fourth, comprehensive driver education and licensing reform. The driver licensing process must be overhauled to genuinely test competence, knowledge of traffic laws, and defensive driving skills. Mandatory retraining and certification for professional drivers, including okada riders, is essential. Public road-safety education campaigns must be continuous, visible, and impactful.

Finally, legislative and institutional strengthening. Parliament must review and update traffic laws to impose stiffer penalties for offenses that result in injury or death. Adequate support must be given to establish a well-resourced National Road Safety Authority capable of coordinating policy, enforcement, and education beyond political cycles.
Yet the responsibility does not rest with government and law enforcement alone. As citizens, we must change our behavior. Passengers must refuse to board overcrowded or visibly defective vehicles.

Communities must speak out against reckless driving. We must cultivate a new culture of patience, responsibility, and respect for human life on our roads.
Every life lost on our tarmac is a stain on our national conscience. The time for committees and hollow condolences is over. We need action—now. Let us unite to affirm that the people of Sierra Leone deserve safe passage. Let us steer our nation away from this deadly path and toward a future where our roads lead to opportunity and prosperity, not premature graves.

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This newspaper was established in 2014 with the sole aim of reporting stories that happen in the Provinces of Sierra Leone, as most times they are not reported by our national newspapers that are all based in Freetown. Home Times was also established to serve as the trusted voice of the people of the people of Sierra Leone, more so at a time when journalists have rejected ethics for ‘brown-envelopes. Additionally, the establishment of the newspaper provides answer to the question: ‘Why are all the newspapers in Sierra Leone found only in the capital city Freetown?’ And that is the challenge.

Operating a newspaper in a country like ours where Decentralization is only a lip-service, seems impoosible; where all big businesses have their offices in Freetown is killing; where adverts even for jobs to be done in the provinces are advertized in the city newspapers is unbelievable; where even those responsible for improving journalism profession don’t care or feel jealous to share the sweet art of newspaper journalism with the provincials. No wonder newspapers have been established in the provinces and closed later. But Home Times is here with a new powerful tide. Tide that has seen the newspaper survive over these three years with no major source of advert.

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