Sierra Leone News Agency - SLENA

08/10/2025

MoPED and Sightsavers Hold Validation Workshop on the Status of Persons with Disabilities and Other Vulnerable Groups in Sierra Leone

Freetown, Sierra Leone – October 7, 2025:
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), in collaboration with Sightsavers Sierra Leone, held a one-day validation workshop on the status of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone.

The workshop, held at the Buxton Church Hall, 17 Charles Street, Freetown, formed part of the post-2024 Voluntary National Review (VNR) follow-up process. It aimed to assess progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and evaluate how national policies address the needs of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations.

The event brought together representatives from key ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Human Rights Commission, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and other stakeholders.

Discussions were focused on reviewing findings from a rapid assessment conducted after Sierra Leone’s 2024 VNR presentation in New York, sharing experiences, and developing proactive recommendations to promote inclusion and reduce inequality.

In his opening remarks, Development Secretary One, Mr. Usman Cherry Conteh, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to Sightsavers Sierra Leone for their continued partnership and support.

He emphasized the importance of the validation workshop as a platform for engagement on the implementation of the SDGs

Mr. Conteh also highlighted Sierra Leone’s first VNR report, which tracked progress toward SDG targets and indicators aligned with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024–2030.

Speaking on behalf of Sightsavers, Rev. Abubakar Bakay Sesay commended MoPED for its coordination efforts and underscored the need for consistent follow-up mechanisms to promote inclusion and document successful stories for persons with disabilities.

A representative from the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), Pastor Samuel Alpha Sesay, applauded MoPED, Sightsavers, and the Ministry of Social Welfare for their continued engagement on disability inclusion.

He called on responsible institutions to strengthen the tracking of implementation processes to ensure tangible outcomes.

The workshop featured a series of presentations and discussions covering key areas such as infrastructure, housing, education, technology, information access, and justice.

Participants identified existing gaps and proposed actionable recommendations to enhance inclusivity and improve the welfare of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

By: John Farfira Kamara
SLENA Correspondent
Ministry of Planning and Economic Development [email protected]
+232 79 185532

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

Sierra Leone Launches First Biomedical Technology Training Programme

COMAHS, Freetown, Sierra Leone – October 8, 2025: The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), has officially launched the first Certificate Programme in Biomedical Technology during an engaging orientation ceremony held at the COMAHS Nursing Department Conference Hall.

The event marked the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the inaugural cohort of students who would be trained to strengthen Sierra Leone’s growing healthcare technology sector.

Modern healthcare systems rely heavily on efficient and reliable medical technology. This pioneering programme is designed to equip students with both technical and practical skills to maintain, manage, and repair biomedical equipment across hospitals and clinics nationwide.

The one-year Certificate in Biomedical Technology is an intensive training programme that focuses on the installation, maintenance, and calibration of essential hospital equipment — including diagnostic machines, laboratory instruments, and patient monitoring systems. The curriculum blends classroom-based instruction with hands-on experience in hospital environments to ensure practical competence.

By establishing this programme, the Ministry of Health and COMAHS aim to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting and sustaining Sierra Leone’s medical infrastructure.

08/10/2025

SLENA Managing Director Visits Office of the Vice President to Strengthen Collaboration
Freetown, 8th October 2025 (SLENA)
The Managing Director of the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA), Madam Lolo Yeama Sarah Thompson-Oguamah, today paid a working visit to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to strengthen institutional collaboration, assess the performance of SLENA’s correspondent stationed there, and enhance the Agency’s effectiveness in providing accurate and balanced coverage of the Office’s activities.
Madam Thompson-Oguamah, who was accompanied by the Senior Human Resource Officer from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, reaffirmed SLENA’s central role as the country’s primary and most credible source of government news and information. She noted that the Agency’s responsibility extends beyond national borders, as people across the world rely on its website and digital platforms for credible information about Sierra Leone.
She emphasized the importance of equipping correspondents with the necessary tools and support to strengthen their reporting capacity and ensure high-quality output. The Managing Director also commended the correspondent attached to the Office of the Vice President for her professionalism and commitment, encouraging her to remain steadfast in upholding SLENA’s values and reputation for credibility.
Welcoming the delegation, the Secretary to the Vice President, Mr Mohamed B. Daboh, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the OVP’s commitment to continued collaboration with SLENA. He highlighted the strategic importance of the OVP as a high-profile institution with extensive national engagements that require timely, factual, and reliable media coverage.
Mr Daboh commended SLENA’s professionalism and assured Madam Thompson-Oguamah of the Office’s continued support in fostering effective coordination and accurate dissemination of government information.
The visit concluded on a cordial note, with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening cooperation and promoting transparent, factual, and timely reporting on government programmes and initiatives. Aminata Turay, Correspondent , Office of the Vice President

08/10/2025

*NaCSA Commissioner Pays Courtesy Call To Ambassador Gberie*

*_Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, 6 October 2025 –_* Following the symbolic opening of the Plenary Session of the 76th Session of the UNHCR Executive Committee, Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Dr. Lansana Gberie and staff at the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone in Geneva.

During the visit, the two leaders engaged in fruitful discussions centered on Sierra Leone’s numerous legislative and legal instruments designed to deliver essential services to displaced Sierra Leoneans, refugees, and stateless persons. They also reviewed broader humanitarian priorities under the mandate of the UNHCR, emphasizing the importance of effective coordination between NaCSA and the Permanent Mission in advancing Sierra Leone’s humanitarian agenda.

Ambassador Ndomahina is attending the ongoing Executive Committee of the High Commissioner (ExCom) 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, where he is expected to address key issues related to the international protection of refugees and Sierra Leone’s continuing efforts in humanitarian response. His participation highlights the country’s proactive role in global discussions on refugee welfare, protection, and reintegration.

The Government of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to refugee protection and community development. This commitment is reflected in the implementation of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) and aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees and NaCSA’s National Strategic Development Plan.

Commissioner Ndomahina is scheduled to deliver a statement reaffirming the government’s dedication to strengthening community development, enhancing social protection, and supporting refugees and returnees in Sierra Leone. As the government body representing UNHCR’s mandate in Sierra Leone, NaCSA remains a key institution driving national and international partnerships for sustainable humanitarian action.

*For further enquiries, please contact:
Mohamed Sheriff
Information Attaché | Geneva, Switzerland
📞 +41 79 175 66 48
📧 [email protected]*

08/10/2025

Sierra Leone Calls for Bold Action on Women, Peace, and Security at UN Security Council Debate

New York, 6 October 2025 – At the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), held under the theme “Women Building Peace in a Changing Environment,” the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, delivered a compelling statement on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone.

She urged the global community to move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to transformative action that meaningfully advances the WPS agenda.

As the world commemorates the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Dr. Mahoi underscored that, despite notable progress, women continue to bear the disproportionate impacts of conflict and restrictive policies. Their participation in peace processes she added, is essential for achieving lasting peace remains limited..

“Sierra Leone believes our actions must go beyond symbolism,” she stated. “We must confront the structural barriers that exclude women and perpetuate cycles of violence.” Dr Mahoi went on to state.

Dr. Mahoi outlined three strategic priorities for strengthening the Women, Peace, and Security agenda; these she said are:
Centering Protection in Peacekeeping: The protection of women and girls from violence, particularly sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), must remain central to peacekeeping mandates. This includes integrating WPS principles across all peacekeeping operations, political missions, and transitional processes.
Inclusive Peace Processes: Sustainable peace requires inclusive solutions. Women’s meaningful participation must be embedded at every stage of peacebuilding, informed by a deep understanding of conflict dynamics and local realities;
Accountability and Survivors’ Rights: The Security Council must continue to champion the WPS agenda by strengthening accountability mechanisms for survivors. This entails reinforcing legal frameworks and ensuring justice systems are both responsive and survivor-centered.

Highlighting Sierra Leone’s leadership, Dr. Mahoi noted that the country is the first African nation to co-chair the Security Council Informal Expert Group on WPS.

She reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to gender equality as a cornerstone of peace and development, citing the adoption of three National Action Plans on WPS and ongoing legislative reforms.

“Our journey is one of resilience and resolve,” she concluded. “We are investing in women not just as beneficiaries of peace, but as architects of it.”

Dr. Mahoi’s address received strong support from member states and civil society representatives, further reinforcing Sierra Leone’s position as a regional leader in promoting inclusive peace and gender-responsive governance.

MoGCA Communications Unit
[email protected]

08/10/2025

5th October 2025
Office of the Vice President
Tel: 099776914
Email: [email protected]

VP Jalloh Celebrates Nation Builders at the 2025 Presidential National Best Teacher Award

Bombali District, Makeni: 5th October, 2025: The University of Makeni (UNIMAK) auditorium came under the spotlight on Saturday, 4th October 2025, as the nation gathered to honour its educators at the Presidential National Best Teacher Award Ceremony.

In his Keynote address, the Hon. Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, described the event as a “noble and innovative occasion” dedicated to celebrating the men and women who hold the future of Sierra Leone in their hands.

“Teachers are not just instructors of knowledge; they are builders who shape the destiny of our nation,” he said, as the audience applauded warmly.

In a moment of deep appreciation, the Hon. Vice President invited all teachers present to stand, earning a rousing ovation from dignitaries, parents, and policymakers in the hall. He praised their dedication and sacrifices, emphasizing that their impact extends far beyond the classroom.

“Teachers play a crucial role in shaping not just knowledge but values and discipline,” he noted.

Highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to education, Dr. Jalloh reaffirmed that the Presidential National Best Teacher Award, initiated by President Julius Maada Bio, symbolizes the nation’s appreciation for teachers’ contributions to development. He cited government’s progress in expanding access to education, training teachers, improving school infrastructure, and providing essential learning materials.

“The future of Sierra Leone is not only shaped by political action but by the daily commitment of teachers,” he stated, saluting educators across the country.

Concluding his address, the Vice President declared that,

In his statement, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Mr. Conrad O. Sackey, emphasized the transformative power of collaboration and digital innovation in strengthening the country’s educational system.

He revealed that through initiatives such as the Subject Teachers Association, educators are now connecting and sharing ideas across borders—citing an example of a physics teacher in Bo sharing a breakthrough with a colleague in Kabala through a digital platform.

Mr. Sackey noted that such partnerships have fostered mentorship programs and “communities of practice” where experienced teachers coach their peers.
“When children work in groups, they learn that problems are shared, and when teachers learn together, they grow together,” he said, adding that, this collective learning spirit reflects the lesson that no single hand can tie a bundle.

He further stressed that the Ministry’s success lies in building resilience, resourcefulness, and strong partnerships. Collaborations with organizations like the MasterCard Foundation, he explained, are helping unite all stakeholders to amplify impact.

“We are building the future of this nation not with a begging bowl, but with a blueprint, one designed by us and for our children,” he stated passionately.

Concluding his remarks, the Minister reflected: “A teacher builds the mind of a nation, but who builds the builders? The answer is you—teachers, principals, and education officials—who continue to support, inspire, and uplift one another. The builder is never alone.”

The Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Mr. Lans W. Keifala, described the ceremony as a “landmark occasion” celebrating the vital role of teachers in shaping Sierra Leone’s future.

He explained that the decision to rotate the award ceremony across regions, after three years in Freetown, was made to give it a truly national character and ensure inclusivity.
"This year’s event coincided with World Teachers’ Day, celebrated under the theme “Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.” He stated

Mr. Keifala emphasized that since its establishment, the TSC has worked tirelessly to promote collaboration, shared learning, and professional development among teachers.
“We are moving from isolated instruction to shared expertise and joint responsibility, building communities of practice that enhance both teaching quality and learner outcomes,” he said.

Presenting what he termed the TSC’s “scorecard,” Mr. Keifala outlined major achievements, including:
Registration and licensing of over 78,000 teachers nationwide;
Introduction of digital teacher management systems;
Implementation of structured performance evaluations, leading to salary increases for more than 3,000 educators in 2025;
Progress in leadership training, gender safety policies, and teacher deployment equity

He acknowledged the government’s continued support and partnerships with the World Bank, GPE, Irish Aid, and the MasterCard Foundation, all of which have strengthened the Commission’s impact.

“The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) remains strong and will only grow stronger with sustained government support and collaboration,” he declared, extending gratitude to President Bio, the Vice President, and the Minister of Education for championing teachers as the backbone of national development.

Presenting an overview of the 2025 Presidential National Best Teacher Award selection process, Mr. Samuel Johnson explained that the exercise was launched on 2nd July, 2025, with participation from key education stakeholders including the Ministry of Education, the Sierra Leone Teachers Union, and development partners.

This year's edition he said featured three main categories which include, :
Best School Teacher

Best School

Special Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to the Education Sector

Building on the lessons from previous years, Mr Johnson said TSC has enhanced the selection process to ensure fairness, transparency, and merit-based recognition, aligning with both national and international standards.

Speaking on the Eligibility requirements, he said, applicants should pass the Teachers' Licensing Examination under the 2020 Education Act.

Mr Johnson went on to state that, teachers have submitted portfolios demonstrating innovation, creativity, community impact, and professional growth for over two months..

Mr. Johnson revealed that 296 applications were received nationwide and reviewed by an independent panel of education experts. Following rigorous assessments, 45 applications advanced to detailed evaluation. Winners emerged from various regions, including the Western Area and the Northern Region, with all finalists receiving certificates for their exceptional service.

Concluding, Mr. Johnson reaffirmed the TSC’s commitment to professionalism, continuous assessment, and performance-driven recognition—ensuring the award remains a symbol of excellence, equity, and national development.

One of the proud winners, Mr. James Idriss Bangura from the Western Rural District, expressed deep joy and surprise at being recognized among the nation’s best.“Many people didn’t even know Mr. Bangura existed in Sierra Leone, hidden in the corner of Lompa, Waterloo—but today, the whole nation knows,” he said emotionally.

He thanked the organizers and government for the recognition, noting that it had inspired him to continue shaping young minds with greater passion and commitment.

The 2025 Presidential National Best Teacher Award ceremony concluded in grand style under the theme “Advancing Strategies for Teacher Training, Recognition, and Professional Development.”

The Vice President officially announced the two national winners and presented certificates, awards of recognition, and special packages to six national finalists.

In the climax of the event, cheque cards worth 60 million Leones each were presented to Mr. James Idriss Bangura, School Head from the Western Rural District, and Mr. Hassan Turay, School Teacher from the Western Area Rural.

07/10/2025

Algerian Ambassador Visits SLENA, Pledges Support for Media Cooperation

The Algerian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Hachem Abdelhafid, has paid a courtesy visit to the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) to explore avenues for collaboration between the two countries’ news agencies.

Discussions centered on capacity-building, professional exchanges, and technical cooperation to strengthen state-owned media institutions in Africa.

SLENA’s Managing Director, Madam Lolo Yeama Sarah Thompson, commended the Algerian News Agency as one of Africa’s most reputable media institutions and expressed SLENA’s desire to learn from its experience as part of the agency’s ongoing transformation into a modern, credible, and digitally driven public information service.

Ambassador Abdelhafid reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to supporting media development and training initiatives in Sierra Leone.

06/10/2025

Ambassador Salamu Koroma Hosts UNFPA Country Representative, Pledges Stronger Partnership

Tehran, Iran.
Monday , October 6, 2025.

The Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Ohashi Keita, has paid a courtesy visit to Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Iran, His Excellency Salamu Koroma.

During the meeting, Mr. Keita commended Ambassador Koroma for his positive diplomatic engagements, noting that many of his diplomatic colleagues have spoken highly of the Sierra Leonean envoy. He said this motivated him to reach out and explore ways to strengthen collaboration between the Embassy and UNFPA.

Mr. Keita highlighted the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and UNFPA, which spans over five decades. Through this collaboration, the organization has provided comprehensive technical support to the Government of Sierra Leone and its partners in implementing programs that enhance sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, population management, and youth empowerment. He reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to continue strengthening these areas of cooperation.

In his response, Ambassador Koroma expressed deep appreciation for the visit and the kind sentiments shared by Mr. Keita. He noted that diplomacy is a continuous learning process and emphasized his readiness to work closely with UNFPA on matters of mutual interest and concern.

The Ambassador, while acknowledging Mr. Keita’s Japanese nationality, extended appreciation to the Government of Japan for its support in capacity-building efforts and other development initiatives through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He also commended the vital role played by UNFPA in advancing reproductive health and addressing demographic challenges — areas, he noted, that remain central to Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.

Mr. Keita expressed delight at the strong ties between his country and Sierra Leone, reaffirming Japan’s and UNFPA’s continued commitment to deepening cooperation with African nations, particularly Sierra Leone.

The meeting ended on a note of mutual understanding, with both sides expressing optimism for stronger collaboration in the years ahead.

Elizabeth Mamie Campbell
Information Attaché
Sierra Leone Embassy
Tehran/Iran
[email protected]

04/10/2025

MoGCA ENDS 3-DAY COMPETENCY AND DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP ON FGM

FREETOWN, Western Urban, 1st–3rd October 2025 — The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA), in partnership with UNFPA, concluded a three-day competency and development workshop on Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM).

The event brought together key health professionals, social workers, and representatives from the Family Support Unit (FSU), including the Director of Planning and Policy, Ibrahim Kamara; Director of Gender, Marian Goodie Sowonie; President of the Midwifery Department, COMAHS, and lead facilitator, Dr. Joan H. Shepherd; and Ibrahim Sorie Conteh, Information Officer at FSU.

Dennis Koroma, Assistant Director from MoGCA, in his welcome address, emphasizing the importance of the training and its significance in the national effort to end FGM practices.

He described the initiative as a platform for fruitful discussions, allowing participants to share ideas and insights as pathways toward addressing FGM.

Highlighting the objectives and expected outcomes, Koroma led the first day’s session where participants shared their expectations and reflections on the issue.

Lead facilitator Dr. Joan H. Shepherd shared her professional expertise and experience in handling FGM programs. She spoke about the ideology and prevalence of FGM, its devastating health impacts, and its link to maternal mortality.

Her presentation highlighted the consequences, health risks, and stigma faced by survivors at the community level.

“We are here to listen and discuss, so, let us consider this training a step forward in addressing FGM issues,” she affirmed.

Director of Gender at MoGCA, Marian Goodie Sowonie, shared real- life stories illustrating the psychological trauma and social consequences of FGM, encouraging participants to share their own experiences to deepen understanding of its impact.

Director Ibrahim Kamara presented on legal frameworks from the African Union, citing the Maputo Protocol and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which call on member states to prohibit harmful practices such as FGM.

During group discussions, participants explored preventive mechanisms to combat FGM.

Representatives from the FSU, Grace Mansaray and Susan M. Morsay highlighted strategies such as community engagement, sensitization campaigns tailored to FGM-prone areas, and collaboration with local child protection agencies, NGOs, and legal institutions.

Health professionals led by Halimatu Kamara emphasized the importance of stakeholders' engagement, awareness-raising, and advocacy for strong policy enforcement.

Social workers pledged to support prevention through media engagement, partnership programs, and providing psychosocial support to survivors.

The second day featured brainstorming and group analysis sessions on strategies, successes, challenges, and key recommendations at district level.

Health professionals from the Western Area, Urban suggested continuous consultations, partnerships with women-led organizations, and public education to promote awareness.

Social workers recommended strengthening and enacting specific laws against FGM, empowering girls and women through education and mentorship, and fostering open dialogue to challenge harmful traditional beliefs.

The final day provided a recap of key outcomes and recommendations. Bamie J. Sesay, Deputy Director of MoGCA, underscored the importance of collaboration and coordination among stakeholders in the fight against FGM. “Sharing key roles and responsibilities is essential to ending FGM,” he stated.

He highlighted the benefits of coordinated action — shared strength, stronger impact, and improved survivor support — and reaffirmed MoGCA’s commitment to work with NGOs, the Ministry of Health, health facilities, and other partners to eradicate FGM.

The three-day development session concluded with a unanimous call for zero tolerance to FGM, marking a significant step forward in ensuring that women and girls live in safety, dignity, and empowerment.

MoGCA Communications Unit [email protected]