Fritong Post Newspaper

06/06/2026

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05/06/2026

French coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has been named the new head coach of Sierra Leone’s national football team, Leone Stars, replacing Mohamed Kallon. The Frenchman arrives with a track record of leading two national teams to the Africa Cup of Nations. He has pledged to build a disciplined and competitive squad capable of achieving success on the continental stage.

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French national Didier Gomes Da Rosa has been named the new head coach of Sierra Leone’s national football team, Leone Stars, replacing Mohamed Kallon. The Frenchman arrives with a track record of leading national teams to Africa Cup of Nations. He has pledged to build a disciplined and competitiv...

05/06/2026

It’s time to go green on World Environment Day 🌳

Orange SL is planting 5,000 trees at Tacugama Forest Reserve with Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

You can volunteer through Engage For Change

1 tree = 1 step closer to a healthier Salone. Be part of it.

04/06/2026

*Bo Police Investigate Suspected Case of Internet Fraud*

_By Solomon Joe_

The cyber department attached to the Bo-East Police Division is investigating a young man over allegations of internet fraud in Bo.

Speaking to journalists in Bo, the southern regional coordinator of the cyber department, Moses Tommy Ganda, said the suspect made a confessional statement to investigators, admitting his alleged involvement in fraudulent activities linked to one of the complaints received by the police.

According to Mr. Ganda, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect persuaded victims to send money through mobile money services, in some cases amounting to Le10,000 or more. After confirming receipt of the funds, he allegedly withdrew the money without providing the promised services or completing the agreed transaction.

Investigators have described the alleged scheme as a form of internet fraud.

Mr. Ganda reaffirmed the cyber department is committed to combating cyber-related crimes across the southern region and urged members of the public to exercise caution when conducting online and mobile money transactions.

He further encouraged individuals who believe they may have fallen victim to internet fraud to promptly report such incidents to the nearest police station or the cyber department for investigation and possible recovery of lost funds.

He said the suspect is currently in police custody and his identity is being withheld to avoid compromising ongoing investigations. More on this will be revealed as the investigations progress.

04/06/2026

New Kuranko Tribal Head Pledges Peace and Development in Bombali

By Abdul M. Jalloh

The Kuranko community on Sunday gathered in large numbers at Mankneh Community in Makeni to witness the inauguration of their new tribal and regional head, Chief Lahai Marah.

The ceremony brought together traditional authorities and stakeholders , youth representatives, and members of various ethnic groups, including Kuranko, Temne, Yalunka, and Loko, from across the country.

Speaking at the event, Pa Brima Sewa, chairman of Feronsola representing the 14 paramount chiefs of Kurankoya, who also doubles as the chiefdom speaker of Dansogoia, highlighted the rich history and cultural significance of the Kuranko people.

He said the community has a longstanding contribution to the development of northern Sierra Leone and preserving cultural traditions. According to him, the inauguration symbolizes unity and a renewed dedication to safeguarding the Kuranko heritage.

“The Kuranko people have a proud history rooted in unity, respect for authority, and community progress,” he said, urging members of the community to remain united and supportive of development initiatives.

Pa Sewa further stressed that traditional leadership remains vital in promoting peace, resolving disputes, and fostering community development.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Lahai Marah expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, describing the occasion as one of the happiest moments of his life.

“I am very happy and overjoyed today. This is a great honour for me, and I thank everyone for the trust they have placed in my leadership,” he said.

Chief Marah called on community members to work with him in advancing peace, unity, and development among the Kuranko people.

“I hope people will work with me so that together we can promote peace, unity, and development among the Kuranko people,” he added.

The newly inaugurated leader pledged to work closely with elders and stakeholders to address community challenges. He also outlined plans to construct a mosque and a church, establish a school, and undertake other development projects aimed at improving the welfare of community members.

Deputy Head of the National Kuranko Tribal Council, Chief Kelly Marah, expressed confidence in the leadership of Chief Lahai Marah. He assured attendees that the national body would continue to support initiatives geared towards maintaining peace, law and order, and development in Bombali and the northern region.

Also addressing the gathering, Philip Turay, treasury clerk of Gbanti Chiefdom, urged community members to accord the new tribal head the respect and cooperation necessary for effective leadership.

“The tribal head plays a vital role in linking the community with traditional authorities and stakeholders,” he said, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective responsibility.

The ceremony also featured the formal presentation of executive members, tribal council heads and zonal heads, who received identification cards, certificates, and other symbols of traditional authority.

The event concluded with prayers, cultural performances, and goodwill messages from elders and stakeholders. Many participants described the inauguration as a historic moment for the Kuranko people in Bombali district.

Community members expressed optimism that the new leadership would strengthen unity, preserve cultural heritage, and accelerate development efforts for both present and future generations.

04/06/2026

*SLCAA Tightens Airport Safety Measures Over Ebola Concerns*

_By Rose Aba Akafo_

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has announced the introduction of enhanced health and safety measures at the Freetown International Airport (FIA) in response to concerns surrounding the recent Ebola outbreak in the sub-region.

The Authority said the precautionary measures are intended to safeguard passengers, airport personnel, and the general public, while minimizing any potential risk of cross-border transmission through air travel.

According to the SLCAA, all passengers arriving at or departing from the airport will undergo routine temperature screening and mandatory hand sanitization at designated points within the terminal. They added that healthcare personnel stationed at the airport have been sensitized on Ebola symptoms and response protocols for handling any suspected cases.

As part of the preventive campaign, Ebola awareness and public health information materials have been displayed throughout the airport terminal to educate travelers on symptoms, prevention measures, and reporting procedures.

The airport clinic has also been placed on heightened alert and equipped to respond promptly to any health-related emergencies that may arise.

In addition, social distancing measures will be encouraged in waiting areas and passenger processing zones where necessary, while an ambulance has been stationed at the airport to ensure rapid emergency response.

The SLCAA emphasized that the measures are consistent with national public health guidelines and international aviation safety standards aimed at preventing the spread of infectious diseases through air travel.

The Authority has called on all airport users to remain calm, adhere to health and safety directives, and cooperate fully with airport and health officials as the measures are implemented.

"The safety and wellbeing of passengers, staff, and the wider public remain our highest priority," the SLCAA stated, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure airport environment.

The latest measures form part of broader national efforts to strengthen disease surveillance and preparedness as health authorities continue to monitor developments across the region.

04/06/2026

Orange Foundation Breaks Ground for Digital Learning and Health Village in Bo

A major step toward transforming lives and communities has begun.

Last Friday, the Orange Foundation officially launched the construction of the Orange Foundation Village at Felei Tech City in Jorborhun Village, Tikonko Chiefdom, Bo District.

The landmark project will include:
📚 A Digital and Innovative Learning Centre
🏥 A Modern Medical Centre

Designed to expand access to quality education, digital skills, innovation, and healthcare, the project is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months.

Speaking at the ceremony, Orange Foundation Director Annie Wonnie Katta described the initiative as a strategic investment in people, particularly young people, while Orange Sierra Leone CEO Aicha Toure reaffirmed the company's commitment to empowering communities through impactful social investments.

The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, and community members, highlighting a shared vision for digital transformation and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.

As part of the launch, the Foundation donated educational materials to more than 100 pupils and students, including school bags, exercise books, and mathematical sets.

When completed, the Orange Foundation Village will serve as a hub for innovation, learning, healthcare, and opportunity for generations to come.

04/06/2026

Why is Sierra Leone’s international reputation taking a serious hit.

The country has come under heavy pressure and criticism for sheltering the Dutch co***ne kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, one of ’s most wanted criminals.

Leijdekkers has been served multiple convictions in Belgium and the Netherlands for large-scale co***ne trafficking and other crimes.

Dutch authorities are reportedly pushing to block a €352m EU development aid to after an extradition request was rejected.

Dutch Justice Minister calls it a “bizarre” thing for the EU bloc to support “a country harbouring one of the world’s biggest drug criminals.” He says Leijdekkers criminally acquired wealth could “corrupt” the entire country’s system.

Ambassador has publicly urged the government to surrender Jos to face justice, warning that this case has severe implications for the country’s global perception.

02/06/2026

*Dutch Government to Block €352m EU Aid to Sierra Leone Over Refusal to Extradite Jos Leijdekkers*

Dutch media outlet NOS Nieuws has reported that the Netherlands government has moved to block European Union aid to Sierra Leone, following the West African nation’s repeated refusal to surrender Jos Leijdekkers to European authorities.

Leijdekkers has been served multiple convictions in the Netherlands and Belgium for large-scale drug trafficking and ordering a murder.

According to the report, the Dutch government is intensifying efforts to secure support from other EU member states to halt the bloc’s development aid to Sierra Leone. Dutch authorities say Freetown has rejected every diplomatic effort to extradite the fugitive.

“It is of course bizarre that we facilitate or support a country that simultaneously offers a safe haven to one of the biggest drug criminals we know worldwide,” Minister of Justice David van Weel was quoted as saying.

The EU has allocated €352 million in subsidies to Sierra Leone for 2021–2027, plus additional funding through regional and international EU programs, the report states.

The report further stated that Minister van Weel considers the arrest of Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Omar Sheriff, one of his top priorities.

“We estimate that this man has an income of hundreds of millions of euros per month in a country with a gross national product lower than his income. That is, of course, going to completely corrupt such a country,” Weel said.

“That is why the cabinet wants to remove him from there,” the minister added, emphasizing that Leijdekkers must serve the combined 80-year prison sentence handed down in the Netherlands and Belgium.

In early May, van Weel said he tried to exert diplomatic pressure by speaking with his Sierra Leonean counterpart. He received the same response he has heard for six months: “Working hard on it, procedures are underway, police report almost finalized.”

The minister said he has “no illusion” that political dialogue alone will produce results. “So we are looking more broadly,” van Weel stated, pointing to European development funds as leverage.

01/06/2026

A partnership between Orange and UBA has transformed the maternity ward at York community health centre, providing modern delivery equipment and oxygen support to improve maternal healthcare and encourage more women to seek skilled birth attendance.

A partnership between Orange Foundation and UBA Foundation has transformed the maternity ward at York community health centre, providing modern delivery equipment and oxygen support to improve maternal healthcare services and encourage more women to seek skilled birth attendance.