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The Calabash Newspaper was established in 2017 as a print media news and general information dissemination platform... News
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=ABOUT THE CALABASH NEWSPAPER=

The Calabash Newspaper was established in 2017 as a print media news and general information dissemination platform that targets a wide-ranging Sierra Leonean audience at home and abroad via social media presence. The medium seeks to engage its various reading communities in discussions about topical news happenings in Sierra Leone complemented with editorials and

commentaries on burning issues of the day. The medium ventures further to take on board topics of general interest to the continent as published and commented on in various international publications that focus on continental political, economic, and social development issues. Issues that interest The Calabash Newspaper that finds space in its pages include the following:

1. Politics
4. Culture and Entertainments
6. Sports
7. Environmental
8. Health

15/04/2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A high-level international delegation of Moral Guarantors, led by former Gambian Vice President H.E. Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang, has intensified diplomatic engagements with both the Government of Sierra Leone and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) in a decisive effort to assess progress on the implementation of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) and address lingering governance concerns threatening the country’s democratic stability.

The delegation brought together key regional and international peace actors, including H.E. Barrie Freeman, Deputy Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel; Tanmaya Lal, Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat; the ECOWAS Ambassador to Sierra Leone; United Nations Resident Coordinator Ms. Seraphine Wakana; Reverend Shodanke Johnson, Chairman of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion and the Executive Secretary, Hawa Samai.
’sCongress(APC)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/moral-guarantors-deepen-engagements-with-government-apc-over-tripartite-agreement-progress/

15/04/2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Julius Maada Bio has called for stronger collective global and African action to address the political and security challenges confronting fragile states, with particular focus on Guinea-Bissau and South Sudan, during a high-level virtual meeting of G7+ Eminent Persons held on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, at State House in Freetown.

The strategic meeting, convened by Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, brought together eminent leaders from fragile and conflict-affected states to strengthen solidarity, deepen cooperation, and enhance strategic engagement among G7+ member countries. The engagement also marked an important diplomatic milestone, culminating in the decision to establish formal bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste.
+EminentPersons
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/at-g7-eminent-persons-meeting-president-bio-calls-for-stronger-global-response-to-guinea-bissau-and-south-sudan-crisis/

15/04/2026

By Ibrahim John Sesay

The National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS) on Friday, April 10, 2026, successfully hosted the National 70 Most Influential Students Awards at City Hall in Freetown, bringing together student leaders, Government officials and distinguished guests to celebrate academic excellence, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship among students across the country.

Held under the theme: “Celebrating Academic Excellence, Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” the event highlighted NUSS’s continued commitment to promoting holistic student development and recognizing young people whose impact extends beyond the classroom into community service, creativity, problem-solving and national development.

The awards ceremony, described as one of NUSS’s flagship initiatives, served as a powerful platform to inspire students nationwide to emerge as innovators, change-makers and visionary leaders.
(NUSS)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/nuss-honors-70-most-influential-students-at-national-awards-2026/

15/04/2026

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The National Secretariat of the All People’s Congress (APC) has officially announced that its Constituency Lower-Level Elections will be conducted nationwide on Saturday, 16 May 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening the party’s internal democratic structures ahead of future political engagements.

According to a public notice dated 13 April 2026 and issued by the party’s National Secretary-General, Lansana Dumbuya Esq., the elections will involve party members, aspirants, delegates and other stakeholders across all regions of Sierra Leone.

The notice stated that the exercise is intended to engage all key organs of the party, including the National Advisory Committee (NAC), National Executive Committee (NEC), Regional Executives, District Executives, Constituency Executives and Ward Executives, alongside all relevant individuals and bodies involved in the electoral process.
’sCongress(APC)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/apc-sets-16-may-for-nationwide-constituency-lower-level-elections/

15/04/2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s ambition to significantly expand its electricity generation capacity has received a major boost following the arrival of the first turbine for the landmark Nant Energy power plant in Freetown over the weekend.

According to the United States Embassy in Freetown, the delivery of the turbine marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Nant Energy project, a transformative energy initiative expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s power infrastructure and improve national energy reliability. The Embassy disclosed that electricity generation from the plant is projected to commence in early 2027, a development widely seen as a major step toward addressing the country’s persistent energy challenges.

The Nant Energy project, financed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, underscores the United States Government’s commitment to promoting strategic trade and investment partnerships in Africa.

https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/nant-energy-project-moves-sierra-leone-closer-to-early-2027-power-generation-as-first-turbine-lands-in-freetown/

15/04/2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The latest online citizen opinion poll conducted by the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has revealed that corruption and lack of integrity remain the single biggest reasons citizens are losing trust in politicians and public institutions.

According to the 2026 findings of the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) poll, a commanding 53 percent of respondents identified corruption and a lack of integrity as the single biggest factor undermining their confidence in leadership and governance systems, significantly outweighing all other concerns highlighted in the survey.

The findings present a stark picture of public sentiment, suggesting that concerns over accountability, honesty and ethical leadership now dominate citizens’ perceptions of national governance.
(CHRDI)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/53-of-citizens-blame-corruption-for-loss-of-trust-in-politicians-institutions-chrdi/

15/04/2026

By Ibrahim John Sesay

At a colourful and inspiring ceremony held on April 10, 2026, at City Hall in Freetown, the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS) honoured Rtd. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, former ECOWAS Parliament Speaker, at the National 70 Most Influential Students Awards 2026, where he also delivered a thought-provoking keynote address that challenged young leaders to translate recognition into measurable national impact.

The prestigious event, which brought together students, lecturers, policymakers and development stakeholders from across Sierra Leone, celebrated 70 exceptional students from universities nationwide who have distinguished themselves in academics, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. Held under the theme: “Celebrating Academic Excellence, Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” the ceremony reinforced the critical role of young people in shaping the country’s future through knowledge, creativity and responsible leadership.
(NUSS)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/dr-sidie-mohamed-tunis-honored-at-national-70-most-influential-students-awards/

15/04/2026

By Ibrahim Sesay

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) on Monday, April 13, 2026, officially commenced its two-day Civic Day Series in Karene District with an engaging inter-school quiz and debate competition aimed at strengthening civic awareness among secondary school pupils and bringing governance closer to the people.

Held at the Karene District Council Hall in Kamakwie, the event forms part of the Ministry’s broader nationwide public engagement drive under the theme: “Government at Your Doorstep,” a people-centered initiative designed to create direct interaction between citizens and Government leaders on national development issues.

Delivering the opening statement, Permanent Secretary of MoICE, Andrew Seannie Kamara, described the Civic Day engagement as a vital democratic platform that allows citizens, particularly young people, to directly interface with decision-makers while improving their understanding of civic responsibilities.
(MoICE)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/karene-civic-day-opens-with-quiz-and-debate-competitions-deepens-youth-civic-engagement/

15/04/2026

VP Juldeh Jalloh Engages APC-Led Councils on Resolving Governance Impasse

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, held a crucial engagement with Mayors and District Chairpersons from APC-led councils and municipalities as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the current local governance stalemate.

Speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance (IMC), the Vice President disclosed that the meeting focused on finding a swift and practical solution to the political impasse currently affecting the operations of several local councils.

He emphasized that the discussions were driven by a shared commitment to ensuring that councils across the country remain fully functional and continue delivering essential services to citizens without disruption.

According to him, both sides expressed a strong mutual desire to see an urgent resolution of the issues at hand, noting that the ability of local councils to effectively serve communities must remain a top national priority.

The Vice President further revealed that the meeting ended on a positive note, with all parties demonstrating strong commitment to sustaining dialogue through continued engagements aimed at fostering consensus and strengthening cooperation.

He encouraged all stakeholders to make full use of the distinct role of the IMC as a credible platform for dialogue, mediation, and joint problem-solving in pursuit of Sierra Leone’s broader local development objectives.

Dr. Jalloh stressed that decentralization remains central to improving service delivery and advancing development at the grassroots level, urging political actors, council leaders, and institutional stakeholders to place the interests of citizens above partisan considerations.

He reminded all parties that leadership at both national and local levels must remain rooted in public service, underscoring that the ultimate responsibility of governance is to improve the lives of the people.

“We must always remember that we are in service to our citizens,” the Vice President stated, reinforcing the need for collaboration, peace, and institutional dialogue in addressing governance challenges affecting local councils.

(C) The Calabash Newspaper

15/04/2026

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Orange Mobile Finance Sierra Leone Limited has officially unveiled the Orange Money Mastercard virtual card, a landmark innovation expected to significantly broaden digital payment access for customers across Sierra Leone. Powered through a strategic partnership with Zenith Bank Sierra Leone and global payments giant Mastercard, the new product marks a major step forward in the country’s evolving digital finance ecosystem.

The launch introduces a seamless bridge between Orange Money wallets and Mastercard’s international payment network, allowing customers to make secure local and international transactions directly from their mobile wallets. With the virtual card, users can now pay for goods and services at any merchant point worldwide where Mastercard is accepted, while also enjoying easier access to online shopping platforms, subscription services, travel bookings and other digital services.

https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/orange-money-launches-mastercard-virtual-card-unlocking-global-payments-for-sierra-leoneans/

15/04/2026

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has intensified diplomatic and economic engagements at the 2026 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., seeking urgent international backing to cushion the country against the potential economic shocks arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Leading a high-powered Sierra Leone delegation, the Finance Minister is participating in the global meetings taking place from April 13 to 18, where finance leaders, central bank governors, development institutions, investors, academics and civil society actors are reviewing the state of the world economy and emerging international risks.

The Sierra Leone delegation includes senior Government officials such as the Ministers of Energy and Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Financial Secretary, the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, alongside top economists from both the Ministry of Finance and the central bank.

https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/finance-minister-seeks-imf-world-bank-support-as-middle-east-crisis-threatens-sierra-leones-economy/

15/04/2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone is set to make history as it prepares to host the prestigious ECOWAS Judicial Council Conference for the first time, a landmark event expected to further elevate the country’s growing influence in regional judicial cooperation and legal reform.

According to a statement issued by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, the high-level conference will take place from 20th to 24th April 2026 at the Atlantic Hotel, Lumley Beach, Freetown, bringing together some of the most senior judicial figures from across West Africa.

The five-day gathering is expected to attract approximately 12 Chief Justices, 15 judges and several distinguished judicial officials from member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The meeting is being convened under the current chairmanship of Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, marking a major milestone for Sierra Leone’s justice sector.
(ECOWAS)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-to-host-ecowas-judicial-council-conference-for-the-first-time/

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