Salone Gossip (2025)

16/07/2025

Marking a significant step toward modernizing Sierra Leone’s port and harbour infrastructure, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Yakuba A. Bio, led a high-powered delegation to the Arab Republic of Egypt to strengthen bilateral cooperation in port development, maritime safety and logistics innovation.

The working visit, held from July 8 to 9, brought together key figures including Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, the Ambassador to Egypt and other senior officials. They engaged with top Egyptian maritime authorities, notably Rear Admiral Hussein Elgheziry, Head of the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety. A highlight of the visit was an extensive tour of the Alexandria Port; one of Africa’s most advanced maritime hubs.

DG Yakuba A. Bio described Egypt’s port infrastructure as a model of what is achievable through strategic planning and investment.
(SLPHA)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/dg-yakuba-bio-advocates-modernized-ports-and-regional-integration-in-high-level-egypt-talks/

16/07/2025

Engineers and geologists from the National Minerals Agency (NMA) were among a broad group of stakeholders who gained vital knowledge and tools during the opening of a five-day workshop organized by the Intergovernmental Forum (IGF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency.

The workshop, which began on Monday, 7th July 2025, is focused on the implementation of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Diagnostic Tool and the strengthening of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks within Sierra Leone’s mining sector.

Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Local Councils, engineering and geology students from various universities.
(IGF) (NMA)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-mining-sector-advances-with-new-esg-and-esia-capacity-building-workshop/

16/07/2025

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Demonstrating solidarity and a commitment to national development through responsible journalism, the Executive of the Sierra Leone Guild of Editors (SLGE), led by its newly elected President, Thomas Dixon, paid a courtesy call on the Press Secretary to the President, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi Esq., on Friday, 11 July 2025, at State House in Freetown.

The meeting, described as warm and constructive, focused on deepening collaboration between the media and the Office of the President, while reaffirming the Guild’s dedication to promoting good governance through ethical and balanced journalism.

Welcoming the delegation, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi expressed appreciation for the visit and emphasized the pivotal role editors play in shaping public discourse. “I receive you today not just as Press Secretary to the President, but also as a fellow member of the media fraternity,” he said. “President Bio is a firm believer in press freedom.
(SLGE)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/guild-of-editors-engages-press-secretary-on-strengthening-media-government-collaboration/

16/07/2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) Limited, Sierra Leone’s leading indigenous petroleum marketing company continues to prioritize customer satisfaction at the heart of its operations, reinforcing its position as a trusted name in the energy sector.

Founded in 1996 by thirty-five Sierra Leonean shareholders after the privatization of the petroleum industry, NP (SL) has grown steadily from a local business into a strong regional player, operating not just in Sierra Leone but also in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. Its steady expansion is built on a solid foundation of customer care, transparency and innovation.

At the company’s numerous Filling Stations nationwide, customers enjoy reliable service with the help of modern calibrated pumping machines that ensure accurate fuel delivery.

https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/np-sl-strengthens-customer-care-through-innovation-and-service-excellence/

16/07/2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to strengthen civil society’s involvement in Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSRG) in Sierra Leone, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project, has hosted a three-day national workshop in Freetown.

The workshop, which commenced on Monday, 14th July 2025, at the Atlantic Lumley Beach Hotel, brought together representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Government institutions, development partners and technical experts. It aims to enhance collaboration and promote inclusive, transparent and accountable security governance in the country. The event concludes today, 16th July 2025.

The EPSG Project co-funded by the European Union and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is implemented by GIZ, Expertise France and FIAP, in partnership with ECOWAS.
(EPSG)Project (UNDP)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/undp-eu-ecowas-host-workshop-to-strengthen-civil-societys-role-in-security-sector-reform/

16/07/2025

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on Friday, July 11, 2025, honoured Jeety Group of Companies with a prestigious Certificate of Appreciation for its consistent support to the journalism profession and media development in Sierra Leone. The recognition was presented during the official handing-over ceremony between SLAJ’s outgoing and incoming Presidents at the Bintumani Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown.

Jeety Trading Company, a key subsidiary of the Jeety Group operating in Sierra Leone, was singled out for its ongoing partnership with SLAJ and its demonstrated commitment to promoting Press Freedom and responsible journalism.

Receiving the award on behalf of the company, Tarwinder Singh, a senior representative of Jeety Trading Company, conveyed the company’s heartfelt gratitude and humility.
(SLAJ)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/jeety-trading-company-honoured-by-slaj-for-outstanding-support-to-the-media/

09/07/2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a historic demonstration of political maturity and national solidarity, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Monday, July 7, 2025, welcomed a high-level delegation comprising Members of Parliament from both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) to State House. The purpose of the visit was to jointly congratulate the President on his election as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and to engage in dialogue on key national matters.

In his opening remarks, President Bio expressed profound appreciation for the show of unity and the warm congratulatory messages from both political parties. He stated that the rare bipartisan show of support sends a powerful message of hope for Sierra Leone’s democratic future.
“Meaningful progress can be achieved when we unite to develop our nation, prioritizing collaboration over party politics,” he emphasized.
’sCongress(APC) (SLPP)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/ecowas-recognition-sparks-national-cohesion-among-political-leaders/

09/07/2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Taking a major step to enhance maritime security and promote unity within its ranks, the Sierra Leone Navy (SLN) hosted a Graduation Ceremony for newly rebadged personnel and celebrated the official reopening of its refurbished canteen at the Murray Town Naval Headquarters in Freetown.

The event, held on Friday 4th July 2025, marked the successful completion of induction training for two sets of Officers and Ratings and reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Sierra Leone’s territorial waters, strengthening regional security in the Gulf of Guinea and upholding national defense.

The graduation signified the formal transition of personnel into their new roles and ranks within the SLN. It emphasized the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces' (RSLAF) core values: discipline, loyalty, service and sacrifice.

Delivering the welcome remarks, Commandant of the Western Naval Command, Captain (Navy) A.K.
(SLN)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-navy-expands-operational-readiness-with-graduation-of-rebadged-officers/

09/07/2025

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has proudly announced the appointment of the Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, as Chairman of the Judicial Council of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking the first time a Sierra Leonean has held this esteemed regional position.

This landmark appointment follows the recent election of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS during the 65th Ordinary Session held in Abuja, Nigeria. In accordance with ECOWAS protocols, the elevation of a Head of State to Chair the Authority automatically confers the Chairmanship of the ECOWAS Judicial Council upon that country’s Chief Justice.

The ECOWAS Judicial Council is a critical regional institution comprising the Chief Justices of all 15 ECOWAS Member States. It serves as the primary legal advisory body for the Community and provides oversight of the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/chief-justice-komba-kamanda-appointed-chairman-of-ecowas-judicial-council/

09/07/2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) convened its national and regional executives for a comprehensive orientation program, officially marking the start of their three-year tenure following the recent elections. The event, held on Friday July 4, 2025 in Kenema City, was organized by the outgoing national executive to equip incoming leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively serve the Association.

In his vision statement, President-Elect Alhaji Manika Kamara expressed gratitude to outgoing President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla (De Monk), former Presidents Umaru Fofana and Kelvin Lewis, and the entire SLAJ family for their trust. Highlighting the guiding principles of his administration, Alhaji Manika Kamara emphasized a new chapter defined by A.C.T.I.O.N. — Advocacy, Commitment, Transparency, Innovation, Organization and Networking.

“Our foundation is solid, built on your hard work and sacrifices.
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slaj-kicks-off-new-era-with-orientation-program-for-incoming-executive-in-kenema/

09/07/2025

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Kasafoni land dispute has emerged as a critical turning point for Sierra Leone’s Parliament, presenting a defining moment for lawmakers to demonstrate their commitment to justice, constitutional order and the protection of community rights in the face of growing public concern over land governance and human rights.

At the center of the controversy is a petition submitted by Paramount Chief Member of Parliament, Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III, on behalf of the people of Dansogoia, Sambaia and Diang Chiefdoms. The petition challenges Statutory Instrument No. 11 of 2024, which granted administrative control of community land in Kasafoni to the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC), bypassing the existing lease agreement with the locally respected Gento Group of Companies.

https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/kasafoni-land-dispute-becomes-defining-test-of-parliaments-commitment-to-justice-rule-of-law/

09/07/2025

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) on Saturday, 5th July 2025, held its Annual Staff Town Hall Meeting under the compelling theme, “Integrity in Tax Administration.” The well-attended engagement brought together staff from across the institution’s departments to reflect on achievements, address challenges and set a clear, collaborative path forward.

The gathering served as a strategic platform for promoting ethical standards, reinforcing staff welfare and enhancing operational efficiency within Sierra Leone’s tax administration framework.

Opening the session, Deputy Commissioner-General I, Ann Marie Baby Harding, emphasized the need for ethical conduct and professionalism in revenue mobilization. She called on staff to remain steadfast in their commitment to the Authority’s mission, urging them to uphold the values of integrity and accountability in every aspect of their work.

Delivering the keynote address, Commissioner-General Madam Jeneba J.
(NRA)
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/national-revenue-authority-champions-integrity-at-2025-staff-town-hall-meeting/

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