The Calabash Newspaper

The Calabash Newspaper 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

13/10/2025

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13/10/2025

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The Power of Her Voice…Sierra Leone’s Girls Leading ChangeBy Zainab Sunkary KoromaEvery girl carries a story one of resi...
13/10/2025

The Power of Her Voice…

Sierra Leone’s Girls Leading Change

By Zainab Sunkary Koroma

Every girl carries a story one of resilience, ambition, and limitless potential. Across Sierra Leone and beyond, girls are rising above challenges to lead change in their communities, breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a leader. This year’s International Day of the Girl Child, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change We Lead,” celebrates not just the dreams of girls but their power to transform societies.

The day serves as a reminder of the United Nations General Assembly’s Resolution 66/170, adopted on December 19, 2011, which officially declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. The aim is to recognize girls’ rights and the unique struggles they face worldwide, while highlighting their role in building a better future.

From top-level leadership to community-based advocacy, Sierra Leonean women continue to inspire a new generation of girls to dream and lead.

At the forefront is Jeneba Kpaka Bangura, Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) a woman whose career reflects dedication, courage, and vision. With over 25 years of experience in financial policy and administration, Jeneba recently became the first Sierra Leonean woman appointed to the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters (2025–2029).

Jeneba recalls her humble beginnings: “I grew up surrounded by strong women, and I knew education was my greatest weapon. Wherever I find myself, I make sure I’m capable and confident enough to lead.” She believes that every challenge in leadership should be viewed as an opportunity for growth, urging young girls to “develop confidence, build capability, and never limit themselves because of fear.”

Marian Tina Conteh, a project officer at BBC Media Action and Secretary General of Women in the Media Sierra Leone, uses her platform to amplify the voices of women and girls through her radio show “Wae Gyal Pikin Tinap.” Her advocacy stems from personal experience growing up as a girl in a society where opportunities were limited.

“Had I received the guidance I now offer others, my story would have been different,” Tina shared. “But I have no regrets I’m proud to mentor young girls and show them that their voices matter.”

Similarly, Adama Bai Conteh Esq., lawyer and founder of The Media Initiative for Women and Girls Empowerment (MIWGEM), has trained and mentored over 100 girls since 2017. As the first female student union president at Fourah Bay College, she embodies leadership and determination. Her advice to girls is clear: “Be focused, disciplined, and be determined. Break glass ceilings and lead with courage.”

Among the youngest changemakers is Philipa Cride Cole, President of the Children’s Forum Network under the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs. Passionate about child rights advocacy, Philipa has dedicated her voice to fighting child marriage and abuse. “People often respect the position, not the person,” she said. “But I believe in myself and will continue to use my platform to protect children.”

She acknowledges progress through the enactment of the Child Marriage Act, but insists that “implementation remains weak,” emphasizing that awareness and community engagement are essential for real change.

Organizations like SEND Sierra Leone and The Initiative for Peace and Women’s Rights in Africa (IPWRA) are making strides in women’s empowerment.

SEND-SL Country Director Joseph Ayamga highlighted the organization’s work with over 36,000 women across the country, promoting leadership, education, and economic empowerment.

‘I am proud of what Send Sierra Leone has been able to achieve for women and girls in the country’, looking at the number women in politics, the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women’s Act of 2022 and the initiative of the young women governance network across the 16 districts in the country, which has now transition to an NGO that would help them to seek and raise resources to support their advocacy activities.

Another was creating opportunity for young girls to learn through the Nyapui Secondary School for Excellence and the Nyapui Radio Station that focuses on supporting girls find their voices. And finally, the economic empowerment for women’s group with credit unions that provide financial service for women in the rural area.

He concluded that leadership is an act of service to the people, it involves sacrifice and commitment. Empowerment is something we need to paid attention to. ‘I believe that the 30% of the GEWE Act is a good start and girls do not need preferential treatment but needs to realized that they have the skills, talent and ability to get the position and not to be question in their effort to contributed to society. “The world will only be better when women and men are equal partners in development,” he said.

Meanwhile, IPWRA’s continental project, themed “My Role in My Community,” spotlights young women leading grassroots change. The Initiative for Peace and Women’s Rights in Africa (IPWRA) is a pan-African organization dedicated to advancing women’s rights, peacebuilding, and inclusive development. Through advocacy, mentorship, and grassroots initiatives, IPWRA empowers women and girls to play active roles in shaping Africa’s future.

Earlier this year the organization launched project invited girls aged 15–20 to present projects addressing local needs while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Applications poured in from across the continent, showcasing how young women are leading practical, community-driven solutions, with the theme “My Role in My Community” in celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child.

Out of 15 countries and 35 applications received, Susie Hannah Bangura from Makeni is one of the top nine finalists, with her project “Awakening the Girl Within” that provides mentorship, sexual health education, and life skills to girls. “When you awaken the mind of a girl, you change the future of a whole community,” she said passionately.

A Call to Believe, Lead, and Inspire

The stories of these remarkable women and girls symbolize strength, courage, and transformation. They remind us that empowerment begins with belief, belief in oneself and in the collective potential of girls everywhere.

As we celebrate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, one message echoes through every story: Girls are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are leading today.

Together, they represent the power within her, a generation of girls determined to shape a world where equality is not a dream, but a shared reality.

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Cocoa Barometer 2025 Exposes Harsh Reality: Record Cocoa Prices, Yet Farmers Still Trapped in PovertyBy Ibrahim SesayDes...
13/10/2025

Cocoa Barometer 2025 Exposes Harsh Reality: Record Cocoa Prices, Yet Farmers Still Trapped in Poverty

By Ibrahim Sesay

Despite record-breaking global cocoa prices, millions of smallholder farmers across West Africa remain locked in poverty, according to the newly released Cocoa Barometer 2025, published by the VOICE Network and a consortium of Civil Society Organizations. The report presents a sobering analysis of a sector at once thriving and failing; where high prices and policy attention have not translated into real improvements for the farmers who produce most of the world’s cocoa.

Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, which together account for over 60 percent of global cocoa production, remain the backbone of the world’s chocolate industry. Nigeria has also emerged as a rising player, with projections of 350,000 tonnes for the 2024/25 season. Yet, despite this dominance, most cocoa farmers have not benefited from the ongoing price surge. The report highlights that forward-selling mechanisms, which lock in prices in advance, have delayed gains for farmers, while productivity continues to fall due to aging plantations, plant diseases, and climate-related shocks.

The Cocoa Barometer 2025 identifies farmer poverty as the central cause of nearly all major challenges in the industry; from deforestation and child labor to gender inequality. The report warns that while European human rights and environmental legislation was designed to address these structural issues, recent political resistance within the EU could roll back the hard-won progress made toward ethical and sustainable cocoa sourcing.

“Paying farmers a living income is not only a moral obligation but also a legal requirement,” the report emphasizes. “Without fair pricing, every other sustainability effort becomes cosmetic.”

Paradoxically, the high cocoa prices of recent years have sparked a new production boom that is driving deforestation into previously untouched regions of West Africa. Analysts warn that this expansion, if unchecked, will lead to oversupply and another market crash similar to that of 2016, when cocoa prices collapsed, leaving farmers devastated.

The Barometer notes that an estimated 1.5 million children continue to work in hazardous conditions on cocoa farms in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Meanwhile, women, who perform much of the daily labor, remain excluded from decision-making roles and receive minimal returns from cocoa profits. The report also sheds light on the plight of tenant farmers and hired laborers, who are often overlooked in discussions about farmer welfare but remain the most vulnerable group within the cocoa economy.

According to the report, weak governance and lack of transparency continue to undermine sustainability efforts. Supply management mechanisms remain ineffective, leaving farmers exposed to volatile global markets. The absence of transparency in farmgate pricing and cocoa sales has also weakened accountability, allowing exploitation to persist along the supply chain.

Despite these gaps, the Cocoa Barometer insists that systemic change is possible if Governments, corporations and Civil Society Organizations collaborate more effectively. The report outlines key reforms, including fair farmer compensation, protection of forests, gender equality in leadership and full transparency across the cocoa value chain.

The Chocolate Scorecard 2025, which ranks companies based on sustainability performance, reveals a worrying lack of accountability within the private sector. According to the Barometer:

• 47% of cocoa and chocolate companies cannot confirm whether any of their farmers earn a living income.

• Nearly half of all cocoa sourced globally lacks verifiable proof of being deforestation-free.

• Although 87% of companies have committed to ending deforestation, only 56% of their cocoa supply meets that standard.

These findings highlight the continued disconnect between corporate pledges and on-the-ground realities for cocoa farmers.

Across West Africa, aging plantations, erratic rainfall and rising input costs are eroding farmers’ margins. Ghana’s cocoa output dropped by 25.3% between 2022–23 and 2023–24, while Nigeria’s fell by 12.9%. In contrast, Cameroon and Ecuador recorded production increases of 11.1% and 18.5%, respectively. Experts warn that without renewed investment in farm renovation and soil regeneration, West Africa risks losing its dominance in global cocoa supply.

The Barometer further identifies climate change, mining expansion and deforestation as competing pressures that continue to reduce available farmland and threaten rural livelihoods.

The 2025 edition of the Barometer calls for urgent action and shared responsibility across the cocoa value chain. Its core recommendations include:
• Ensuring living incomes for all cocoa farmers.

• Imposing a global moratorium on deforestation linked to cocoa cultivation.

• Recognizing both women and men farmers as equal decision-makers.

• Implementing transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.

The report stresses that the only way forward is through genuine collaboration between Governments, companies and Civil Society Organizations.

The Cocoa Barometer is the leading independent sustainability review of the global cocoa industry.

Published every three years by the VOICE Network and its partners, it combines aggregated and country-level data to assess progress toward fairer and more sustainable cocoa systems. The 2025 edition is accompanied by two consultation papers; Good Purchasing Practices and Good Governance for Living Income; both designed to advance dialogue on fair pay and responsible procurement.

Available in English, French and Spanish, the Barometer serves as both a watchdog and a reform tool, empowering stakeholders across the value chain to build a more just, transparent and sustainable cocoa sector for generations to come.

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Jusu & Jusu & Tamburo Family Empowers Oba Funkia Students with School MaterialsBy Stephen V. LansanaThe Jusu & Jusu & Ta...
13/10/2025

Jusu & Jusu & Tamburo Family Empowers Oba Funkia Students with School Materials

By Stephen V. Lansana

The Jusu & Jusu & Tamburo Family has reaffirmed its commitment to education by distributing school materials to nineteen (19) scholarship beneficiaries in Oba Funkia, Goderich, on Sunday, October 5, 2025. The gesture forms part of a scholarship initiative launched in April this year in memory of the late Kumba Lucinda Jusu-Jackson, who passed away on April 10, 2024, at Choithram Hospital.

The distributed items included school bags, shoes, books, pencils, pens, erasers, crayons and markers, among other essential learning materials. The initiative, according to organizers, aims to provide meaningful educational support to children within the Oba Funkia community and sustain the legacy of the late Madam Jusu-Jackson through investment in youth development.

Speaking on behalf of Sando Jusu, who resides in the United States,. Tamba Jusu-Koiyia, the youngest son of Cecilia Mamie Jusu, described the scholarship scheme as a “valuable opportunity for the children of Oba Funkia to pursue their education with pride and purpose.” He acknowledged that the distribution experienced some delays due to unforeseen logistical challenges but assured parents and beneficiaries that the family remains steadfast in fulfilling its promise.

He further clarified that the scholarship is partial and not fully funded, encouraging parents to continue supporting their children’s academic journey. “Education is a partnership between families and the community. We urge parents to play their part by ensuring their children remain dedicated, disciplined and hardworking,” he emphasized.

Stephen V. Lansana, Administrator of the scholarship program, commended the Jusu & Jusu & Tamburo Family for their sustained commitment to youth empowerment and educational advancement in the area. He announced that payment of school fees for all beneficiaries is scheduled for late October or early November, ensuring that students remain in school without disruption.

“This scholarship is not just about materials; it’s about creating a pathway for these children to achieve their dreams. The family’s commitment demonstrates that when communities come together, education thrives,” Francis Lahai Lansana noted.

Residents of Oba Funkia expressed gratitude for the continued support and described the initiative as a timely intervention that eases the financial burden on many struggling families.

The scholarship initiative, named in honor of the late Kumba Lucinda Jusu-Jackson, continues to inspire hope and educational growth in Oba Funkia, reinforcing the belief that investing in children’s education is the most powerful tribute to a life well lived.

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As Part of CSR Commitment…Karpowership Invests Over $70,000 to Transform Variety Children & Family Services Home in King...
13/10/2025

As Part of CSR Commitment…

Karpowership Invests Over $70,000 to Transform Variety Children & Family Services Home in Kingtom

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Karpowership has officially handed over the newly renovated Variety Children and Family Services Home in Kingtom, Freetown. The ceremony took place on Friday, 10th October 2025, marking another milestone in the company’s ongoing community development efforts in Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the event, Emre Durmusoglu, Karpowership’s Commercial Operations Director, disclosed that the company invested approximately $70,000 in the renovation, which included the complete renewal of the building’s structure and facilities. He explained that every component of the orphanage, furniture, equipment and utilities, had been replaced to provide a more conducive environment for the children.

Emre Durmusoglu noted that Karpowership would continue to cover the monthly consumables of the Home through its local partner, reaffirming the company’s commitment to long-term social investment. He added that Karpowership has supported similar humanitarian projects across Africa and plans to expand its CSR footprint further. He emphasized that since beginning operations in Sierra Leone in 2018, the company has been proud to supply reliable and affordable electricity to the nation while contributing to social welfare.

Nour Hashim, Karpowership Representative, said the initiative reflects the company’s belief that true progress goes beyond providing electricity to empowering communities. He emphasized that investing in the welfare of children is an investment in the nation’s future, and Karpowership remains committed to initiatives that improve lives and strengthen hope across Sierra Leone.

Yankay Sawaneh, Karpowership’s Project Manager in Sierra Leone, highlighted that the renovation of Variety Children and Family Services aligns with the company’s “One World” vision, a philosophy of creating meaningful change in communities where the company operates. He said the refurbishment will bring new life to the orphanage and improve the living standards of the children.

The Project Manager disclosed that Karpowership’s support extends beyond infrastructure, as the company has pledged to pay school fees, supply monthly food items and sanitary materials and ensure continuous care for the children. He cited previous community engagements, including donations during the COVID-19 pandemic and annual Ramadan giveaways, as evidence of the company’s sustained dedication to social impact.

Yankay Sawaneh reiterated that Karpowership values giving back to communities as much as it values delivering power, adding that seeing the smiles of the children in their renewed home reflected the company’s purpose-driven mission.

Francis Lahai, Director of Variety Children and Family Services, commended Karpowership for its intervention, describing the renovation as timely and transformative. He explained that managing the orphanage has been financially demanding, with feeding and electricity among their major expenses. Francis Lahai disclosed that the home currently supervises over 675 children and works with more than 300 foster parents across Sierra Leone and neighboring countries, including Guinea and Liberia.

He also revealed that some of the children are now in universities, citing an Ebola orphan in her final year studying Accounting and Finance as an example of their success. However, Francis Lahai noted that space remains a major constraint and appealed for continued partnership to develop a 3.6-acre “Kids’ Village” at Kerry Town, which he said would serve as a lasting legacy for vulnerable children.

In his remarks, Burak Rende, the Turkish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, commended Karpowership for its commitment to social development, noting that the company’s CSR efforts go beyond business operations to touch the lives of Sierra Leoneans. He said the Turkish Embassy will continue to support such initiatives, particularly those undertaken in partnership with the Ministry of Energy.

Ambassador Burak Rende underscored the importance of investing in children, describing them as the future leaders of Sierra Leone’s social, economic and political spheres. He praised all stakeholders involved for their dedication to creating a better environment for vulnerable children.

The renovation of Variety Children and Family Services adds to Karpowership’s expanding portfolio of community support initiatives across Africa, reinforcing the company’s belief that sustainable development is achieved through both energy and empathy.

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NRA Probes Alleged Unauthorized Clearing of Containers at Queen Elizabeth II QuayBy Amin Kef (Ranger)The National Revenu...
13/10/2025

NRA Probes Alleged Unauthorized Clearing of Containers at Queen Elizabeth II Quay

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has on October 10, 2025 launched a full-scale investigation into allegations of unauthorized container clearance at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, an incident the institution describes as a serious breach of national revenue procedures.

In a Press Release issued by the Public Affairs and Tax Education Unit, the NRA disclosed that it received reports of a fraudulent practice involving the clearing of containers from the Cline Town port without following the proper customs process or paying the required duties and taxes. The Authority stated that the matter, which has been widely discussed on social media, has now prompted immediate administrative and legal action.

According to the release, the Commissioner-General of the NRA has ordered a comprehensive probe into the allegation and confirmed that the Authority is collaborating with relevant institutions, including the Sierra Leone Police, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The aforementioned institutions will work jointly to determine the authenticity of the claims, identify those involved and ensure accountability.

The statement warned that any individual or company found culpable of evading taxes or engaging in unauthorized clearance will be compelled to repay the full amount of lost revenue, along with interest, penalties and potential criminal prosecution.

“The National Revenue Authority remains committed to generating the much-needed revenue that the Government relies on to carry out its development programmes. We will continue to uphold our mandate with integrity, due diligence and professionalism consistent with the laws of Sierra Leone,” the release stated.

The NRA used the opportunity to remind members of the business community, importers and clearing agents that any attempt to bypass lawful customs procedures not only violates national laws but also threatens their business credibility and could result in severe financial and legal consequences.

It further urged all stakeholders to ensure compliance with established customs and tax regulations, assuring that the Authority will continue to operate transparently and update the public as the investigation progresses.

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RSLAF Nears Return to Peacekeeping Stage After UN AssessmentBy Amin Kef (Ranger)A four-man United Nations Assessment and...
13/10/2025

RSLAF Nears Return to Peacekeeping Stage After UN Assessment

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A four-man United Nations Assessment and Advisory Visit (AAV) team, accompanied by British and Canadian observers, recently concluded a comprehensive evaluation of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF)’s preparedness for international peacekeeping missions.

The mission, led by James D’Ercole from the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in New York, was carried out between 1st and 2nd October 2025. It formed part of ongoing global efforts to strengthen troop-contributing countries’ compliance with UN standards and operational readiness for future deployments.

According to the UN’s Statement of Unit Requirements (SUR), the evaluation covered the RSLAF’s capabilities in training, personnel, gender inclusivity, logistics, equipment readiness and medical response systems. The team inspected various military hardware, including armored vehicles, arms and ammunition, assessing their suitability for peacekeeping operations.

The visit follows through on a pledge made by President Brigadier (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio, Commander-in-Chief of the RSLAF, during the 2021 Armed Forces Day celebrations, to return Sierra Leone’s troops to the international peacekeeping arena. Since then, President Bio has secured critical equipment and logistical support through diplomatic engagements and international partnerships.

Recently, the African Union (AU) donated military hardware valued at approximately US$10 million to the RSLAF. The donation includes armored infantry carriers, armored ambulances, troop carriers, protective assault vehicles, heavy-duty cargo trucks, water and fuel bowsers, SUVs, combat jeeps, forklifts and related logistics vehicles; all aimed at enhancing the country’s operational capacity in peace missions.

Under the leadership of Lieutenant-General Amara Idara Bangura, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the RSLAF has established a 200-person peacekeeping contingent currently undergoing specialized training at the Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC). Upon nearing the completion of their training, the CDS formally invited the UN AAV team to assess the force’s readiness for deployment.

This initiative represents a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s renewed commitment to international peacekeeping after a decade-long hiatus. The last contingent was withdrawn in 2014 following the Ebola outbreak, which disrupted troop rotations and international operations.

Sierra Leone boasts a long and distinguished history in peacekeeping, dating back to 1961, when it first participated in the United Nations Operation in the Congo (UNOC); Africa’s first major UN mission following independence movements across the continent.

The nation’s subsequent contributions include:
• Liberia (1990) under ECOMOG, supporting the Government of President Samuel Doe against rebel incursions.

• Darfur, Sudan (2010) under the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), where Sierra Leone deployed reconnaissance contingents and produced the late Brigadier-General Komba Sylvester Mansa-Musa Mondeh, who later served as Acting Force Commander — the first Sierra Leonean to hold such a role.

• Somalia (2013) under AMISOM, where the 850-strong LEOBATT 1 Contingent served in Kismayo, Tabda and Dobley. Due to their exceptional performance, Sierra Leone was authorized to command Sector 2, led by the late Brigadier-General Tamba Rodnic Allieu.

The recent UN assessment marks the first major step toward Sierra Leone’s re-entry into peacekeeping operations. With the successful completion of the AAV process and continued support from the international community, the RSLAF could soon redeploy to global peace missions;

reaffirming Sierra Leone’s reputation as a resilient and dependable partner in promoting international peace and security.

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Magistrates Trained on Sierra Leone’s New Criminal Procedure Act 2024By Amin Kef (Ranger)The Judiciary of Sierra Leone, ...
13/10/2025

Magistrates Trained on Sierra Leone’s New Criminal Procedure Act 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone, through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI), commenced a two-day professional training for 38 Magistrates across the country on the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) 2024, marking another milestone in Chief Justice, Komba Kamanda’s judicial reform agenda aimed at strengthening justice delivery and efficiency.

The training, which began on October 10, 2025, at the Sierra Palm Hotel, Lumley Beach Road, Freetown, is designed to deepen Magistrates’ understanding of the new Act and enhance their capacity to apply its provisions effectively in court proceedings.

In his keynote address, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, underscored the importance of continuous professional development within the judiciary, emphasizing that effective implementation of the CPA 2024 requires a well-informed and competent bench.

“From the agenda, the topics are rich and when I looked at the facilitators, I realized they were carefully selected by the Judicial and Legal Training Institute,” the Chief Justice said, commending the JLTI and partners for their contributions to the training initiative.

He further acknowledged the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Justice Sector Coordination Office (JSCO) for their unwavering partnership and support in advancing judicial reforms.
Delivering remarks, Supreme Court Judge, Honourable Justice Eku Robert, lauded the Chief Justice for his exemplary leadership and commitment to institutional growth.

“Thank you, my Lord Chief Justice, for promoting the capacity of Judges, Magistrates and judicial staff through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute,” he said, extending appreciation to his colleague Judges for their continued support.

The Coordinator of the training, Honourable Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi (JSC), highlighted that the session aims to promote professionalism and ensure that Magistrates are fully acquainted with the innovations contained in the CPA 2024. She also expressed gratitude to the UNDP and JSCO for facilitating the training.

Addressing the gathering, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., outlined major improvements introduced by the new Criminal Procedure Act, which replaces the outdated 1965 legislation. He explained that the reform focuses on modernizing the justice system, aligning it with international human rights standards and ensuring fair and transparent judicial processes.

To make justice delivery more swift, efficient and humane, the Attorney General noted that the new Act provides for alternative sentencing mechanisms such as community service, suspended sentences and deferred sentences for offences not exceeding two years. He commended the Chief Justice and JLTI for their dedication to capacity building and reform implementation.

The training, which continued through Saturday, October 11, 2025, concluded with practical sessions and discussions aimed at ensuring a unified judicial approach to applying the new criminal justice provisions across Sierra Leone’s courts.

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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.