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03/06/2026

Leone Stars Step Up Preparations for Liberia Friendlies

The Leone Stars have commenced intensive training at the SLFA Football Academy ahead of their upcoming FIFA-sanctioned international friendlies against Liberia’s Lone Star, as preparations gather pace for the two-match series.

The national team is currently under the guidance of SLFA Technical Director John Edward Keister, who has been appointed caretaker coach pending the recruitment of a substantive head coach. Team Manager Abdul Karim Bangura (AKB) attended training and urged players to remain focused, disciplined, and fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

The first match will be played on June 6 at the Southern Arena in Bo City, while the return fixture is scheduled for June 9 at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. Although friendly encounters, both matches are FIFA-recognized fixtures that will contribute to the world rankings of the two nations and serve as important preparations for the TotalEnergies AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

Foreign-based players have begun arriving in camp, with additional arrivals expected as the squad intensifies preparations. Excitement is already building among Sierra Leonean football supporters, who are eager to see Leone Stars return to action on home soil ahead of the highly anticipated clash with Liberia. ⚽🇸🇱🇱🇷

03/06/2026

Electoral Commissioners Begin Regional Orientation Programme in South Africa

The 13th New Commissioners’ Orientation (NCO) Programme has officially opened in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing together newly appointed Electoral Commissioners and senior election officials from across the SADC region to strengthen electoral leadership and democratic governance.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, IEC South Africa Commissioner Janet Love described the programme as a platform for shared learning and institutional strengthening, while International IDEA’s Gram Matenga emphasized that Electoral Management Bodies are custodians of public trust and must safeguard electoral integrity throughout the entire electoral cycle, particularly in the age of social media and artificial intelligence.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development, Hon. Andries Carl Nel, reminded participants that Electoral Commissioners are guardians of public confidence in democracy. Addressing the gathering virtually, SADC Secretariat official Prof. Kula Ishmael Theletsane highlighted the importance of credible elections and strong electoral management institutions across the region.

Organised by ECF-SADC and International IDEA, hosted by the Electoral Commission of South Africa, and supported by the European Union, the programme will focus on electoral leadership, integrity, and democratic resilience in Southern Africa.

03/06/2026

FirstBank Sierra Leone Commissions Solar-Powered Science and Computer Laboratories at Albert Academy

FirstBank Sierra Leone has officially commissioned and handed over newly renovated solar-powered Science and Computer Laboratories to Albert Academy Secondary School in Freetown under its Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP 3.0) Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

The upgraded facilities, equipped with modern science equipment, computers, and sustainable solar energy systems, are designed to enhance practical learning, strengthen digital literacy, and promote innovation among students. The intervention is expected to provide learners with improved access to technology and hands-on scientific education in a conducive learning environment.

The project reflects FirstBank Sierra Leone’s continued commitment to supporting education and youth development by investing in initiatives that empower the next generation with the skills needed for academic and professional success.

By providing modern learning infrastructure powered by renewable energy, the bank is contributing to efforts aimed at improving educational outcomes and expanding opportunities for students in Sierra Leone.

📸 In Pictures: The commissioning and handover ceremony of the newly renovated solar-powered Science and Computer Laboratories at Albert Academy Secondary School in Freetown.

03/06/2026

Guild of Newspaper Editors Condemns Police Visit to Voice of Salone Office

The Guild of Newspaper Editors (GoNE) has strongly condemned the reported visit by Sierra Leone Police officers to the offices of Voice of Salone Newspaper and their request for Editor David Johnson to accompany them to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over a story concerning an alleged co***ne seizure at Portee Wharf.

In a statement issued on June 2, the Guild described the incident as a serious threat to press freedom and democratic governance, warning that actions perceived as intimidation could undermine investigative journalism and discourage reporters from covering matters of public interest.

While acknowledging the Sierra Leone Police's mandate to investigate criminal allegations, GoNE stressed that such powers must be exercised within the law and with full respect for constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and press freedom. The Guild maintained that journalists are not investigators for the State and should not be compelled to provide evidence in support of stories published in the public interest.

The editors’ body called on police authorities to provide a clear explanation of the circumstances surrounding the incident and reassure the public of their commitment to protecting media rights. Reaffirming solidarity with David Johnson and the Voice of Salone team, GoNE pledged to continue defending press freedom, editorial independence, and the rule of law in Sierra Leone.

"The freedom of the press is not a privilege granted by the State; it is a constitutional right and an indispensable pillar of democratic governance," the Guild stated.

03/06/2026

Former IGP Ambrose Sovula Returns to National Service Following Parliamentary Approval

The Parliament of Sierra Leone has approved the appointment of former Inspector General of Police, Ambrose M. Sovula, as Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the National Commission on Arms and Ammunition.

Sovula was among five presidential nominees who received parliamentary approval after Members of Parliament from both sides of the House endorsed their qualifications, experience, and suitability for public service.

During the proceedings, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, encouraged the newly approved officials to serve with dedication, integrity, and commitment to national development.

With the approval secured, Ambrose Sovula officially returns to public service, taking on a key advisory role in supporting national efforts on arms control, security, and governance.

03/06/2026

NRA Engages Citizens at Pujehun Civic Day Series

The National Revenue Authority (NRA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), participated in the Civic Day Series in Pujehun District, reinforcing Government’s commitment to citizen engagement, transparency, and accountability.

Representing the NRA, Dr. Philip Kargbo, Director of Monitoring, Research and Planning, highlighted the impact of the modern Jendema Border Post in strengthening revenue mobilisation, facilitating trade, and enhancing border security.

He also emphasized the importance of tax compliance, encouraging citizens to fulfill their tax obligations and request GST receipts as a means of promoting transparency and accountability within the tax system.

Dr. Kargbo further disclosed plans by the Authority to establish an NRA presence in Solima, bringing essential tax services closer to residents and supporting economic growth within the region.

The engagement provided a valuable platform for dialogue between Government institutions and citizens, fostering greater public awareness, participation, and shared responsibility in advancing national development.

03/06/2026

ECOWAS Marks 51 as Sierra Leone Strengthens Early Warning and Response Systems

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has marked its 51st anniversary with renewed calls for stronger regional cooperation, preventive governance, and sustainable development across West Africa.

Speaking during the commemoration held at Parliament, ECOWAS Country Representative, Ambassador John Azunah, highlighted the bloc’s achievements in regional integration, peacebuilding, economic cooperation, democratic governance, humanitarian support, and youth and women’s empowerment over the past five decades.

The event also featured the presentation of Sierra Leone’s 2025 National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Centre Annual Report by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay.

Ambassador Azunah commended Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening preventive governance and conflict prevention, noting that regional solidarity remains critical in addressing challenges such as insecurity, climate change, economic pressures, and food insecurity.

Presenting the report, Minister Kenyeh Barlay described the Early Warning and Response Mechanism as a vital tool for identifying emerging risks, supporting evidence-based decision-making, and enabling timely interventions before crises escalate.

She revealed that the Centre produced 52 reports during the reporting period, covering issues related to national security, social cohesion, economic stability, and community resilience, further strengthening Sierra Leone’s proactive approach to governance and risk management.

As ECOWAS enters its sixth decade, stakeholders emphasized the importance of resilient institutions, early action, and regional cooperation in building a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa.

03/06/2026

Orange Foundation and Communications Ministry Launch Transformative Village Project in Bo

The Orange Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, has officially launched the Orange Foundation Village project in Jorborhun Village, Tikonko Chiefdom, Bo District.

The initiative, unveiled through a sod-turning ceremony at Felei Tech City, will deliver a Digital and Innovative Educational Learning Facility alongside a modern Medical Centre, aimed at expanding access to technology-driven education and quality healthcare services in rural communities.

The project, expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months, reflects a shared commitment to digital inclusion, youth empowerment, innovation, and sustainable community development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Orange Foundation and Government officials highlighted the project’s potential to create learning opportunities, strengthen healthcare delivery, and improve livelihoods for residents across the district and surrounding communities.

The Foundation also donated educational materials, including school bags, exercise books, and mathematical sets to more than 100 pupils and students, further supporting access to education.

Once completed, the Orange Foundation Village is expected to become a hub for innovation, learning, healthcare, and community empowerment, contributing significantly to socio-economic development in the region.

03/06/2026

WEP sierra leone and EU conclude consultation on women’s and children’s rights

The Women Environmental Programme (WEP) Sierra Leone, with support from the European Union, has concluded a multi-stakeholder consultation aimed at strengthening policy advocacy and improving the protection of women’s and children’s rights across Sierra Leone.

The engagement brought together lawmakers, policymakers, civil society organisations, development partners, and representatives of vulnerable groups to identify policy gaps, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and promote more effective implementation of existing legal frameworks.

Discussions highlighted progress made through key legislation, including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act and the Child Rights Act, while acknowledging persistent challenges related to enforcement, coordination, public awareness, and access to justice.

Stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger collaboration, inclusive policymaking, improved accountability systems, and greater protection for women, children, and persons with disabilities.

The consultation forms part of the WomenPower2030 initiative, which seeks to advance gender equality, strengthen feminist organisations, and promote evidence-based policy reforms that improve the lives of women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

Participants concluded with a shared commitment to transforming policies into action and advancing inclusive, sustainable development across Sierra Leone.

03/06/2026

Idris Elba awarded knighthood for services to young people

Congratulations to Sir Idris Elba on being awarded a knighthood by His Majesty King Charles III in recognition of his outstanding service to young people.

As the son of a Sierra Leonean father, Sir Idris Elba’s achievement is a moment of pride for Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, and the global African diaspora.

Through his work, particularly with the Elba Hope Foundation, he has championed education, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for young people, helping to inspire and empower future generations.

His journey reflects the power of leadership, service, and the enduring ties between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom, built on shared history, talent, and a commitment to youth development.

This well-deserved honour stands as an inspiration to young people everywhere to dream boldly, work diligently, and make a positive impact in their communities.

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