The Calabash Newspaper

The Ministry of Health, through the National Malaria Control Programme and its partners, will deploy 101,862 Spatial Emanators in selected communities in Bonthe and Tonkolili districts as part of efforts to strengthen household protection against malaria. The deployment, scheduled for October 6 to 20, 2026, will cover Sittia and Dema chiefdoms and Bonthe Municipality in [...] The post Sierra Leone Deploys 101,862 Spatial Emanators to Strengthen Malaria Prevention first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leonean researcher, Braima Koroma, of the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC) is among a team of international researchers who received the 2026 Area Development and Policy Best Paper Award from the Regional Studies Association (RSA). The team earned the prestigious award for its research paper titled: “Accessibility, (Dis)advantage and Everyday Mobility Practices and [...] The post Braima Koroma Puts Sierra Leone on Global Research Map with 2026 Best Paper Award first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

By Ibrahim Sesay The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, has announced the commencement of Sierra Leone’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Preparation Process, outlining a series of policy hearings and bilateral discussions aimed at shaping Government revenue and expenditure priorities for the coming financial year. According to a [...] The post Finance Ministry Unveils FY2027 Budget Preparation Timetable first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has called on Government institutions and development partners to strengthen coordination, address critical financing gaps and accelerate the implementation of national development programmes to deliver tangible results for Sierra Leoneans. Speaking at the Presidential Development Partners Committee (DEPAC) meeting held at State House on Thursday, September 10, 2026, President Bio [...] The post At DEPAC Meeting, President Bio Calls for Urgent Action on Census Funding and National Priorities first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA) has received widespread commendation from local councils and community stakeholders for its interventions in maintaining feeder roads across Sierra Leone. The recognition came during the Regional Headquarters Tour on Decentralization and Local Governance, led by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. The nationwide engagement brought together central Government officials, [...] The post RMFA Wins Widespread Praise for Feeder Road Improvements During Vice President’s Regional Tour first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is providing hands-on leadership in preparations for the first-ever West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, which Sierra Leone is expected to host as a major platform for regional cooperation, trade and investment. The summit is schedule to take place from the 17–18 November 2026 at the Julius Maada Bio International [...] The post President Bio, VP Drive Preparations for Historic West Africa Integration & Investment Summit first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has reaffirmed the strong relationship between Sierra Leone and Guinea following high-level discussions aimed at expanding cooperation on border security, migration, trade and the welfare of citizens. The Vice President made the statement following his official visit to Conakry, Guinea, on September 9, 2026, where he led a senior [...] The post Vice President Hails Productive Engagement with Guinea’s Prime Minister, Engages Over 250 Sierra Leoneans first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Former President Ernest Bai Koroma and the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion have expressed readiness to collaborate on preventive peacebuilding, early warning, dialogue, reconciliation and national cohesion in Sierra Leone. The commitment emerged during a meeting on Saturday, 12 September 2026, when a delegation from the Commission visited Former President Ernest Bai Koroma [...] The post Former President Koroma, Peace Commission Discuss Collaboration on Peace and National Cohesion first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning has licensed 18 surveyors, with the newly licensed professionals urged to uphold high standards of professionalism, integrity and public service in the discharge of their duties. The certification and licensing ceremony was held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters, Youyi Building in Freetown. Addressing [...] The post Lands Ministry Licenses 18 Surveyors, Calls for Professionalism and Integrity first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

World Bank Vice-President, Ousmane Diagana, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening its development partnership with Sierra Leone and ensuring that its financial support delivers measurable benefits to citizens. Ousmane Diagana made the commitment during a high-level visit to the Ministry of Finance, where he met the newly appointed Minister of Finance, Karefa A. F. [...] The post Finance Minister, World Bank Vice-President Reaffirm Stronger Partnership first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The National Minerals Agency has partnered with the Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct a series of one-day ethics and integrity training seminars for employees across Sierra Leone’s regional offices. The training sessions, held in Makeni, Kono, Bo and Kenema from 8 to 11 September 2026, formed part of efforts by the two institutions to strengthen professional [...] The post NMA, ACC Strengthen Workplace Ethics and Anti-Corruption Compliance first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Pavi Fort-Al Associates (SL) Limited, an indigenous Sierra Leonean road construction company, has strengthened its growing reputation across West Africa following the successful execution of a major urban road project in The Gambia. The company, operating through its associate, Pavi Fort The Gambia, received commendations from Gambian President Adama Barrow and other senior officials [...] The post As President Barrow Celebrates Successful Delivery... Pavi Fort Raises Sierra Leone’s Flag Through 50km Urban Roads Excellence in The Gambia first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Western Area Rural District Students’ Union (WARDSU) has graduated 30 girls and young women after completing a month-long livelihood and skills-development programme designed to promote economic independence and reduce vulnerability to gender-based violence. The graduation ceremony was held on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Western Area Rural District Council in Waterloo. Supported [...] The post WARDSU Graduates 30 Young Women After Month-Long Skills Training first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone and the Republic of Guinea have moved to deepen bilateral cooperation on labour migration, worker protection and employment mobility, with particular emphasis on creating safe, orderly and lawful pathways for Sierra Leoneans seeking employment opportunities in the Arab States. Sierra Leone’s Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, formed [...] The post Sierra Leone, Guinea Strengthen Cooperation on Safe Labour Migration first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has commenced a two day validation meeting to review and validate Sierra Leone’s 2025 Vital Statistics Report, with stakeholders focusing on the quality, accuracy and reliability of data on vital events, including fertility and mortality. The meeting, which started from Thursday September 10 2026 and will end today, [...] The post NCRA Validates 2025 Vital Statistics to Improve Data-Driven Policymaking first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), in collaboration with its partners, will hold a National Peace Walk across Sierra Leone on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The nationwide event forms part of activities marking the International Day of Peace and the Commission’s five-year commitment to promoting peacebuilding, reconciliation and national cohesion. The [...] The post Thousands Expected to Join ICPNC Peace Walk on September 19 first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Government of Sierra Leone is advancing comprehensive reforms aimed at modernizing the country’s land administration system, strengthening physical planning, reducing land disputes and promoting transparent property transactions. Speaking during a public engagement on the topic, “Land Reform: Where Are We?” at the Miatta Civic Centre, Youyi Building, in Freetown on Tuesday, September 8, [...] The post Dr. Turad Senesi Unveils Government’s Modern Land Reform Agenda first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Credible reports indicate that Dr Adrian Hanciles, a Freetown-based medical doctor who had been missing since Thursday, September 3, 2026, has been found dead. Sources said police contacted his family after a public appeal seeking information about his whereabouts went viral on Wednesday evening. The family was reportedly informed that an unidentified body was [...] The post Missing Doctor Adrian Hanciles Found Dead After Viral Search Appeal first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, attended the official launch of Guinea’s new Foreign Policy Document as a special guest of the Guinean Government on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The high-level ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Conakry, formed part of Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s two-day working [...] The post Vice President Attends High-Level Launch of Guinea’s New Foreign Policy Document as Special Guest first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone and Guinea have agreed to establish technical and follow-up mechanisms to address migration and regional integration concerns while strengthening cooperation on border security, trade and investment. Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, disclosed the agreement on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, during an engagement with members of the Sierra Leonean community at the [...] The post Sierra Leone, Guinea Establish Mechanisms on Migration, Border Security and Trade first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Director of Operations and Programmes at One Family People Sierra Leone, Samuel P. O. V. Macauley, has called for greater political representation of persons with disabilities (PwDs), urging political parties and policymakers to move beyond treating them primarily as voters. Samuel P. O. V. Macauley made the call during the popularization of Sierra Leone’s [...] The post Samuel Macauley Calls for Persons with Disabilities to Move Beyond Voting to Political Leadership first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Girls Safety Matters, in partnership with the I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation, has launched the “Girls Ready to Lead” Campaign with a renewed call for greater investment in the safety, protection, education and leadership of girls across Sierra Leone. The campaign, launched on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Freetown, is [...] The post Girls Safety Matters & I.B Taylor-Kamara Foundation Launch ‘Girls Ready to Lead’ Campaign first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has become the first holder of the Flot Ultra Black Card, a Visa card introduced through a partnership between Sierra Leonean financial technology platform Flot and Zenith Bank Sierra Leone. The Flot team presented Card No. 001 to President Bio at State House in Freetown on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, [...] The post President Bio Receives Flot Card No. 001 Ahead of Official Launch first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Jolaks Manufacturing Company Limited, a Sierra Leonean family-owned palm oil refining company founded by businessman, Mahesh Nandwani, has secured a $20 million financing package from Proparco to expand its production capacity and strengthen local food security. The financing, provided under the Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator initiative, will support Jolaks in increasing local palm oil processing, [...] The post Jolaks Secures $20 Million to Expand Palm Oil Production and Boost Sierra Leone’s Food Security first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone’s drive to reach children who have never received routine vaccinations has recorded significant progress, with 7,117 of the targeted 9,006 zero-dose children located and vaccinated under the ongoing 300 Days Activism campaign. The figure represents 79 percent of the national target at the halfway point of the campaign, demonstrating growing success in extending [...] The post MoH Vaccinates 7,117 Zero-Dose Children as 300 Days Activism Hits 79% Target first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has intensified its campaign for stronger constitutional protection of freedom of expression and the media, calling for the inclusion of a stand-alone chapter on Free Speech and Press Freedom in Sierra Leone’s new Constitution. SLAJ made the case during a stakeholder engagement held on Friday, September 4, 2026, [...] The post SLAJ Pushes for Stand-Alone Constitutional Chapter on Free Speech, Press Freedom first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has joined the international community in commemorating the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation, with Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, calling for stronger national and international partnerships to confront increasingly sophisticated crimes that transcend borders. The commemoration was held on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Sierra [...] The post SLP Marks UN International Day of Police Cooperation with Focus on Trust, Accountability first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has commended the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, for facilitating the return of former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma after more than two years in Nigeria. The regional body, in a press release issued in Abuja on Sunday, September 6, 2026, [...] The post As ECOWAS Praises Sierra Leone... Bio–Koroma Meeting Sends Strong Message of Peace and Unity first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Government of Sierra Leone has announced new pump prices for petroleum products, increasing the price of petrol to NLe40 per litre and diesel to NLe45 per litre, effective Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The Ministry of Information and Civic Education announced the revised prices in a public notice issued on Tuesday, citing continued increases [...] The post New Fuel Prices Take Effect as Petrol Hits NLe40, Diesel NLe45 Per Litre first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has concluded the Government’s regional decentralization tour in his home district of Port Loko, following nationwide consultations aimed at strengthening local governance, improving service delivery and bringing decision-making closer to communities. Concluding the exercise on Saturday, September 5, 2026, the Vice President said the engagements provided Government with [...] The post Vice President Wraps Up Decentralization Tour in Port Loko, Pledges Stronger Local Governance first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) has described the worsening congestion at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown as a national emergency requiring urgent intervention, warning that the situation is affecting workers, businesses, road users and the wider economy. The Congress consequently called for the speedy completion of the Kent Harbour and Logistics [...] The post Labour Congress Declares Port Congestion an Emergency, Backs Speedy Completion of Gento Port first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Africell Sierra Leone successfully concluded its National Esports Gaming Competition on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the AYV Complex, where Mike Dudley Johnson emerged as the overall national champion. The competition brought together some of Sierra Leone’s most talented young gamers following a series of regional qualifiers held across the country. Players representing the Northern, [...] The post Africell Crowns Mike Dudley Johnson National Esports Champion first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The controversy surrounding Apostle Amos Lawrence Lelleh has moved beyond a disagreement over a sermon. It has become a test of Sierra Leoneans’ commitment to religious tolerance, freedom of expression and peaceful disagreement. Apostle Amos Lawrence Lelleh preached from the pulpit of his own church and presented a message based on what he believes [...] The post From the Pulpit to Public Controversy: Why Apostle Lelleh’s Right to Preach Must Be Respected first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

CFAO Mobility Sierra Leone has unveiled the sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 and the newly introduced Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, bringing two new models into the Sierra Leonean market. The vehicles were unveiled on Friday, September 4, at CFAO Mobility’s facility on Lightfoot Boston Road, Freetown, under the theme: “Adventure Meets Innovation.” The sixth-generation RAV4 comes [...] The post CFAO Mobility Unveils New Toyota RAV4, Land Cruiser FJ in Sierra Leone first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone (PAN-SL) has commenced the third edition of its Leadership and Public Speaking Masterclass (LPMC) 2026, bringing together 150 young people for intensive training in leadership, communication, strategic thinking and personal development. The 12-day programme, which started on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, at the Freetown Secondary School for Girls [...] The post PAN Kick-Starts 2026 Leadership and Public Speaking Masterclass first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Ministry of Health has launched a mentorship programme for 60 medical equipment technicians, commonly referred to as biomedical engineers, as part of efforts to strengthen the maintenance, safety and effective use of medical equipment across Sierra Leone’s healthcare system. The programme, launched on Thursday, 3 September 2026, is designed to develop a new [...] The post Health Ministry Enrolls 60 Biomedical Engineers to Strengthen Medical Equipment Safety first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Three hundred schoolchildren from different wharf and coastal communities across Freetown have received educational materials from the GEED Foundation as part of the organization’s continuing efforts to support vulnerable families and promote access to education. The school supplies were distributed during a ceremony held at the Government Municipal Secondary School in Kissy Dockyard, bringing [...] The post Dr. Walton Gilpin’s GEED Foundation Empowers 300 Children with School Materials first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has completed a two-day specialized training programme for 128 personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), strengthening their preparedness for deployment on United Nations peacekeeping operations. The intensive pre-deployment programme concentrated on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the prevention [...] The post CHRDI Trains 128 RSLAF Personnel on Humanitarian Law Ahead of UN Peacekeeping Deployment first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI) has strengthened its partnership with the United Nations in Sierra Leone as part of ongoing efforts to accelerate digital transformation, improve data governance and enhance the country’s digital infrastructure. Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Bah, met with representatives of the United Nations system [...] The post MoCTI, UN Strengthen Cooperation on Data Governance and Digital Infrastructure first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Presidential Adviser Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba has taken another significant step towards advancing higher education in Sierra Leone by facilitating the construction of the first modern Postgraduate Complex at Eastern Technical University (ETU) in Kenema. The landmark project, which has now reached the official turning-of-the-sod stage, was made possible through Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba’s [...] The post Timothy Kabba Secures Chinese Funding for ETU’s Landmark Postgraduate Complex first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Member of Parliament for Pujehun District, Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, has called for an urgent investigation into circumstances surrounding an alleged 2023 United States visa application reportedly made in his name and that of a person described as his Executive Assistant. The [...] The post Sidie Tunis Calls for Urgent Probe into Alleged US Visa Fraud Using His Name first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Newly appointed Minister of Finance, Karefa A. F. Kargbo, has taken charge of Sierra Leone’s Finance Ministry with a pledge to strengthen fiscal performance, improve accountability and accelerate delivery of Government priorities. Karefa A. F. Kargbo formally assumed office on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a handing-over ceremony at the Ministry’s Conference Hall on [...] The post New Finance Minister Karefa Kargbo Pledges Accountability, Reforms and Delivery first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone has formally presented Prof. Dr. Charles Chernor Jalloh as its candidate for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with Government officials calling for stronger African solidarity and greater representation of the continent in international institutions. The call was made on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at a high level symposium organized [...] The post Prof. Charles Jalloh’s ICJ Bid Gains Momentum with ECOWAS and AU Endorsements first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Believers Broadcasting Network (BBN) Media has launched a new Podcast and Multimedia Studio in Freetown, marking a major expansion of the organization’s broadcasting operations and its transition towards a broader digital media platform. The studio was officially launched on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at BBN Media’s headquarters on 95 Main Regent Road, SS Camp, [...] The post BBN Media Launches Podcast and Multimedia Studio to Expand Digital Storytelling first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, is set to lead the second leg of the Government’s Regional Decentralization Tour this weekend, taking nationwide consultations on local governance to Makeni and Port Loko as part of a broader drive to strengthen grassroots institutions and improve public service delivery. The engagements will bring the Government face-to-face [...] The post VP Juldeh Jalloh Expands Nationwide Decentralization Drive to Makeni and Port Loko first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

A new report on Thursday, 3 September 2026 has raised concerns about the effects of a large-scale reforestation and carbon credit project on customary land rights, local livelihoods and community participation in Tonkolili and Port Loko districts. The report, titled: Uprooted Promises: A Case Study of Carbon Credits, Land Rights and Community Impacts in [...] The post Swedwatch Report Raises Land Rights Concerns Over Sierra Leone Carbon Credit Project first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Sierra Leone Correctional Service has outlined major reforms aimed at strengthening inmate welfare, education, rehabilitation and reintegration while improving access to justice and modernizing records management. Director General, Joseph J. Senessie, announced the initiatives during the Weekly Government Press Conference held on September 1, 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre, Youyi Building, in [...] The post Sierra Leone Correctional Service Unveils Reforms to Improve Inmate Welfare and Rehabilitation first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone has renewed its call for African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals and natural resources by prioritizing local processing, industrial development and job creation. The call was made at Africa Oil Week 2026 on September 1, 2026 in Accra, Ghana, where Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources and Minister of [...] The post Umaru Napoleon Koroma Urges Africa to End Raw Mineral Exports first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone’s newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has held high-level diplomatic engagements with Saudi Arabia and Nigeria aimed at attracting investment and strengthening cooperation in key development sectors. The engagements took place on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Conference of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic [...] The post Foreign Minister’s Jeddah Mission Opens Talks on Investment, Energy and Food Security first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swaray. During the meeting, Ambassador Zhao Yong formally delivered a congratulatory message from Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of [...] The post Chinese Ambassador Zhao Yong Pays Courtesy Call on Foreign Minister first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.