Gleaner Newspaper SierraLeone

11/13/2025

11/12/2025

Nigeria Customs Service intercepts $20.4M co***ne from Sierra Leone

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, has intercepted a co***ne shipment valued at N29.4 billion. Its Area Controller, Joe Anani, disclosed this to reporters at the port in Lagos on Tuesday. According to Anani, the interception followed a report from the PTML terminal operator, who discovered suspicious packages in one of the 39 empty containers meant for export loading. The 20ft container with serial number GCNU1332851, brought in from Freetown, Sierra Leone, was flagged during a routine disinfection exercise.
“The terminal operator alerted the command immediately, and a joint examination was conducted alongside officers of the NDLEA, Department of State Services (DSS), Police Anti-Bomb Squad, and other agencies,” Anani said.
He stated that 50 packages, each containing 20 parcels, were uncovered during the inspection. Rapid tests confirmed the contents as co***ne, weighing a total of 1,000 kilograms (one tonne), with a duty paid value (DPV) of ₦29,403,738,000. ($20,463,020)
“It is important to note that this container did not arrive in Nigeria as an import consignment. It was part of a batch of empty containers brought in by the terminal operator for export purposes,” he said.
The Customs chief described the incident as one of the most “mysterious co***ne interceptions” in the Service’s history, highlighting that no arrest had been made since the container had no consignee linked to it.”
Anani praised the PTML terminal operator for promptly reporting the anomaly and commended the collaboration between security agencies in handling the operation.
“This seizure underscores the high level of cooperation and vigilance among our officers, terminal operators, and sister security agencies,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s ports and ensuring that PTML remains a “no-go area” for prohibited imports and exports.
“On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we will be handing over the seizure to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary action,” he said.

By Oluwakemi Dauda in Nigeria

Credit: The Nation (Nigeria)

Read more 👉https://thenationonlineng.net/customs-intercepts-n29-4b-co***ne-from-sierra-leone/

11/11/2025

SLRSA Rebukes Yada Williams for 'Unsubstantiated' Post, Demands Retraction

The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has challenged senior lawyer Yada Hashim Williams' recent social media allegation, calling it "unsubstantiated." According to a statement issued today, Mr Williams claimed that a Road Safety Corps officer demanded a bribe of NLe 250 during a routine traffic stop on Wilkinson Road, Cockrill, Freetown, on Monday, November 3, 2025.
The SLRSA stated that the traffic stop was lawful and occurred after it was discovered that Mr Williams' driver was driving an unregistered vehicle, a violation of Section 3(1) of the Road Traffic Act, 2007. The Authority stated that the stop and subsequent fine were part of routine enforcement action.
Following the social media allegation, the SLRSA reported that it promptly contacted Mr Williams and formally requested any evidence he had to support the bribery claim. According to the Authority, the lawyer has not yet provided any supporting evidence. In contrast, the SLRSA claims to have provided Mr Williams with proof of payment for the unregistered vehicle fine.
The Authority expressed concern about the impact of the allegations, stating that Mr Williams' post, published on X, "has the propensity to cause reputational damage to the SLRSA." The statement urges Mr Williams to withdraw from his post and refrain from making further unverified allegations that could mislead the public.
The SLRSA reiterated its position that enforcement actions are lawful and urged members of the public to provide evidence when reporting misconduct so that appropriate investigations can be conducted. Mr Williams has not publicly provided evidence to back up his claim.

11/11/2025

TEC chairman accused of double-dipping over Le1.4 billion in public funds

Professor A.M. Alghali, Chairman of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), has been accused of double-dipping after a document obtained by the Gleaner newspaper alleges he received salary payments totalling one billion, four hundred and seventy-six million, eight hundred and ninety-nine thousand old leones while still on Njala University's payroll. According to the same document, Professor Alghali received monthly allowances while also serving as Chairman of the TEC, with both sources of income reportedly coming from the Sierra Leone government's Consolidated Fund. The allegations call into question the propriety of receiving two government-funded payments for overlapping roles. Attempts to contact Professor Alghali for comment failed, and he could not be reached at the time of publication. More information will follow.

11/09/2025

Sierra Leone Shines at WTM London 2025 — Strategic Alliances, Music, and Cuisine Place Freetown on a World Map

At ExCeL London's Royal Docks, Sierra Leone concluded a lively three-day presence at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025 with a showcase that combined culture, food, and business.
By combining festive public moments with focused industry engagement, the West African nation left a lasting impression on nearly 200 countries and over 4,000 exhibitors.

One of the highlights was when Deputy High Commissioner Yvonne King Odigboh and Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Farida Tunis unexpectedly took to the pavilion floor and danced to the classic song "Let Me Love You (…FOREVER)" by Bunny Mack.
Their spontaneous performance, which was full of joy and rhythm, attracted a receptive audience and perfectly captured Sierra Leone's friendly hospitality and cultural self-assurance.
Nearby, as guests waited impatiently to try traditional dishes, the smell of cassava and potato leaves filled the stand. The food tasting highlighted a broader plan: promoting Sierra Leonean food as a source of cultural heritage and a draw for tourists. Culinary tourism, according to organisers, will play a bigger role in drawing in curious foreign tourists and boosting local economies.

Delegates conducted serious business beneath the friendly atmosphere. As part of a proactive effort to increase awareness of Sierra Leone, Minister Tunis emphasised the delegation's multitasking style, saying, "That is why the team is here; working efficiently on many different things at once." Together with private-sector partners, the delegation included representatives from the Monuments and Relics Commission, the National Tourist Board (NTB), and the Ministry of Tourism. They organised meetings, interviews, and memorandum signings aimed at establishing long-term collaborations.

Tourism entrepreneurs Anthony Moiforay (CEO, https://wwwhattssl.com), Peter Momoh Bassie (Tour Manager, www.tourismislife.com), Jacqueline Tschinkel (CEO, hellosierraleone.com), and Muctaru Rogers (Operations Manager, www.visitsierraleone.org) kept the stand lively and approachable while Permanent Secretary Judith C. Jones and NTB General Manager Fatmata Mida Carew oversaw a jam-packed schedule of engagements. The delegation's work was given depth and continuity by supporting personnel like Francis Momoh, a Fulbright Fellow who recently returned from the United States after earning an MA in Anthropology, Lucinda Kargbo, the NTB Marketing Manager, Ann-Marie Kamara, the Administrative Head of the Monuments and Relics Commission, and Fatmata Samura, the Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.

Additionally, Minister Tunis promoted innovation through WTM. In an effort to establish Sierra Leone as one of Africa's tech-forward travel destinations, she emphasised the ministry's growing use of AI to promote travel destinations and improve visitor experiences. In an effort to promote regional cuisine, draw culinary tourists, and create job opportunities, she declared that Freetown will host the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy the following year.

The Minister gave a sneak peek at the One Nation Reggae Festival, which will kick off on November 25 at the Bintumani Hotel. Headliners from Jamaica, including Sizzla Kalonji, Jah Thunder, Queen Ifrica, and Christopher Martin, will perform alongside Sierra Leonean artists at the festival, which is being promoted as a celebration of connection, culture, and rhythm across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic.

As WTM 2025 came to an end, Sierra Leone's fusion of strategic diplomacy, cuisine, and music sent a strong message: the nation is open to connections, business, and culture. In line with President Julius Maada Bio's Big Five Game Changers agenda, Minister Tunis declared, "We are aggressively expanding our international space and purposefully growing our domestic infrastructure."
"Sierra Leone has more than enough to dance for," said NTB's Kai Bockarie Saquee, grinning.

Credit: Abdulai Braima in London.

11/08/2025

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐢 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 $𝟏𝟓𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞

In another remarkable stride for women’s football, the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐢 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚, has secured a $𝟏𝟓𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 with 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 (𝐌𝐌𝐋) in support of the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓/𝟐𝟔 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞. The historic deal, unveiled at the SLFA Secretariat in Freetown, represents the 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of Marampa Mines Limited Graig Dean expressed pride in partnering with the SLFA under President Kamara’s leadership, describing the sponsorship as a long-term commitment to the growth of women’s football. He emphasised that MML’s support goes beyond a single season, reaffirming its intent to stand with the SLFA in developing the women’s game.

In his address, President Babadi Kamara thanked MML for their confidence and generosity, assuring that the funds will be used for their intended purpose. He described the partnership as a symbol of 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, adding that football continues to serve as one of Sierra Leone’s strongest tools for social cohesion. He also highlighted the recent achievements of the 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐔𝟏𝟕 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬, both winners of the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐖𝐀𝐅𝐔 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, noting that this support will further strengthen the women’s league and national teams.

Sports Minister 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬-𝐓𝐞𝐢𝐦𝐚 praised President Kamara’s visionary leadership, saying the partnership reflects how the private sector can meaningfully contribute to sports development. “𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞,” she said.

The ceremony, attended by 𝐒𝐋𝐅𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝟐 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐞, 𝐍𝐒𝐀 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐚, was highlighted by the presentation of a $150,000 mock cheque and the official signing of the agreement.

In appreciation, President Kamara presented the national team jersey to the MML Chairman, officially naming him an Ambassador for the Sierra Leone Football Association.

The event ended with a vote of thanks from Sierra Queens and FC Kallon captain, 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚, who expressed deep gratitude to President Kamara and Marampa Mines for their unwavering support to women’s football in Sierra Leone.

Credit: SLFA

11/08/2025

Ministry confirms evidence of "grave abuse of office" by TEC Chairman, but says it lacks the power to remove him

Mohamed Sheick Kargbo, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, admitted in a formal letter that there is documentary evidence pointing to a "grave abuse of office" by Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Chairman Prof. A.M. Alghali. Kargbo stated that the allegations against the chairman are serious and supported by the documents provided to the ministry. Despite this finding, the Permanent Secretary clarified that the ministry lacks the authority to fire the chairman because the position is a presidential appointment. "Because the Chairman is a presidential appointee, the Ministry is constrained to consider any further action without reference to his employer," according to the letter. The ministry's response confirms receipt and recognition of the complaints but states that any disciplinary or removal proceedings must be initiated by the appointing authority, not the ministry.

11/07/2025

Sierra Leone’s ecotourism dream goes up in smoke

The west African country has attracted ecotourists for decades, but foreign extraction companies threaten its idyllic landscape

By Olivia Acland

Kicking back in front of his cocktail stand on a white-sand beach in Sierra Leone, Jacob Koroma (better known as “Jalex Sweet Mouth”) takes a long swig on a Moscow Mule.
“I’ll tell you the truth: this is the most beautiful beach in the world,” he says, shaking the ice cubes around his glass. “We have the park behind us, the sea is great for swimming and I make amazing cocktails.”

It’s easy to see what he means. River Number 2 Beach is fringed by Western Peninsula National Park, an 18,000-hectare (44,000-acre) sweep of forests and hills that roll down the coastline for 20 miles. Swimmers can splash in the tepid, glistening waters of the Atlantic while gazing back at its emerald slopes.
But several of those hills, once carpeted in rainforest, are turning bare. Even as Koroma gets up to mix a Dark and Stormy for a new customer, smoke curls out of the park behind him. Every so often a crack and thud indicates that another smouldering tree has crashed to the ground. Workers are clearing land to build houses – extending the spread of illegal villas whose grey shells stud the half-stripped hillsides.
Sierra Leone, often described as Africa’s “best-kept secret”, is eager to sell itself as a sanctuary for ecotourism. Last year, officials from the tourist board attended trade fairs in London and Madrid, promoting the country’s pristine beaches, forests and wildlife. They spoke of sustainability and untouched beauty.

Read more 👉 https://observer.co.uk/news/international/article/sierra-leone-heads-to-cop30-to-plead-for-cash-to-restore-its-razed-rainforest

11/06/2025

Dr Ibrahim Bangura donates Le 500 million to APC Northwestern Region and pledges Le 1 billion to the National Executive

Dr Ibrahim Bangura, the presumptive flagbearer of the All Peoples Congress (APC), made a significant financial and material contribution on Thursday, November 6, 2025, to strengthen party structures in the Northwestern Region and across the country. Dr Bangura, speaking at the APC National Party Headquarters in Freetown, handed over Le 500 million to the APC Northwestern Regional Executive via the party's National Executive and announced an additional Le 1 billion pledge to support the party's preparations for the upcoming lower-level elections.

Dr Bangura, speaking to a large crowd at the party offices, said the donation fulfilled a prior commitment to support the refurbishment of Port Loko's historic Bai Bureh Hall. He described the hall as an important symbol of the APC's political heritage and a lasting legacy of the late S.I. Koroma, whose name he proudly bears. The Le 500 million is intended to expedite renovations to the landmark facility and strengthen the party's institutional footprint in the Northwest.

Aside from the cash donation, Dr Bangura described a package of tangible supplies to be distributed to party youth, women, and student wings, as well as materials to support the construction of a new APC office in the Kambia District. The announced items include 300 bags of rice for the APC Youth Congress, 300 bags of rice for the APC Women's Congress, 100 bags of rice for the National Union of APC Students (NUAS), and 500 bags of cement for the new party office in Kambia. Party officials stated that the resources would be distributed through established party channels to ensure widespread benefit across the region.

The Le 1 billion pledged to the APC National Executive is specifically intended to strengthen the party's ability to organise and run the upcoming lower-level elections, which are set to begin later this year. Dr Bangura emphasised that this intervention aims to improve logistics, mobilisation, and administrative readiness, enabling APC structures to participate in the electoral process effectively. He framed the donation as part of a larger national effort to foster unity, institutional cohesion, and a more resilient party organisation.

Dr Bangura took the opportunity to express his gratitude for the enthusiastic support he has received from supporters in the Northwestern Region and Western Area. He described the outpouring of support as evidence of the APC's unwavering solidarity and urged members to continue working together to rebuild and strengthen party institutions at all levels.

The latest contributions come after Dr Bangura made a similar high-profile donation to the APC's Kono District branch last week to support the ongoing construction of a new party office.
Party leaders and local members have publicly welcomed the cash and material injections, stating that they will help complete priority projects and prepare the party for the upcoming election cycle.
According to party sources, the funds and materials delivered this week will be routed through the National Executive to regional and district committees for disbursement and project supervision, with timelines for refurbishment and construction projects funded by the donations to be announced.

11/05/2025

Africell and IPAM Seal Landmark MoU to Advance Digital Learning and Student Connectivity

Africell Sierra Leone and the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen digital education, enhance connectivity, and empower students with practical skills for the job market.
The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, and was attended by Professor Aiah Lebbie, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone; Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh, Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM; senior administrative staff; Lecturers; faculty members; and a large number of IPAM students.
The MoU establishes a strategic partnership between Africell and IPAM focused on education, innovation, and empowerment through digital transformation. It aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by creating opportunities for students to gain both academic and professional experience within a technology-driven framework.
In his statement, Africell’s Chief Operating Officer, Malek El Koussa, described the partnership as a milestone that reflects Africell’s commitment to education and national development.
“This MoU marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration focused on education, innovation, and empowerment,” he said. “At Africell, we believe connectivity is not just about technology; it is about creating opportunities and empowering people to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. Through this partnership, we are taking another bold step in building a more connected and informed Sierra Leone.”
El Koussa disclosed that Africell, through its Impact Foundation, will establish a state-of-the-art E-Learning Centre on the IPAM campus to serve as a modern digital hub for students and lecturers. The centre will provide access to advanced learning resources, virtual classrooms, and research tools to support academic growth.
He further explained that Africell will introduce a Closed User Group (CUG) system offering affordable, customised voice and data plans for students and lecturers. The initiative will ensure continuous academic connectivity and collaboration both on and off campus.
Additionally, Africell will open a customer service office on campus to provide instant assistance with SIM registration, Afrimoney services, and data support. The agreement also includes an internship program through which IPAM students will help manage SIM distribution and related services. This component, according to El Koussa, will give students hands-on experience in marketing, customer relations, and digital operations.
“We want this partnership to also serve as a learning opportunity,” he emphasised. “When the private sector and academia work hand in hand, real transformation happens. To the students of IPAM, this is your opportunity, make the most of it.”
Delivering remarks at the signing, Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh, Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM, commended Africell for its continued investment in education and described the initiative as a step toward building a digitally empowered student community.
He explained that the newly introduced connectivity scheme under the CUG is designed to be affordable and sustainable, providing students with reliable access to online classrooms and campus networks.
“IPAM is leading the way in digital transformation within higher education. This scheme will connect our students to better systems and structures that support learning and communication,” he said.
Professor Duramany-Lakkoh also revealed that “IPAM Online”, an academic digital platform which was also formally launched would integrate with the new Africell-supported system. He invited students with digital and ICT skills to apply for internship roles to help operate the system, noting that successful applicants would undergo training by Africell before deployment.
“We will select a limited number of students for the first phase, and I encourage those interested to start submitting their applications immediately,” he added.
The partnership between Africell and IPAM represents one of the most significant collaborations between a private telecommunications company and a public tertiary institution in Sierra Leone. It aligns with national efforts to enhance digital literacy, expand access to online education, and prepare young people for an increasingly technology-driven job market.
The agreement officially takes effect immediately, with implementation of the e-learning centre and internship program expected to begin anytime soon.
Africell Sierra Leone