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The Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) has announced that the government’s Waka Fine Buses have been loaned to the Metro Company at a 50% discount, with no interest, as part of an initiative to strengthen the country’s public transportation system. This was disclosed by Isaac Ken-Green, Acting Director General of SLPTA, during the Ministry of Information and Communications' (MOIC) weekly press briefing. Ken-Green explained that the Metro Company, an organization comprising members of the informal transport sector, including drivers of poda-podas, buses, and tricycles, was selected as the beneficiary of this initiative. The discounted Waka Fine Buses are intended to enhance the company's service capacity and improve the quality of transportation for the general public. Established by parliamentary enactment in 2023, the SLPTA now regulates public transport operations across Sierra Leone. Since its launch, the Waka Fine Bus service has become an essential resource, t...

The Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Abdel Aziz Bawoh, has affirmed President Julius Maada Bio's commitment to decongesting Freetown and improving the livelihoods of Sierra Leoneans. Speaking on the much-anticipated Lungi Bridge project, Bawoh emphasized the President's strategic vision to transform the nation's capital and decentralize key services. Addressing the relocation of certain Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to Lungi, Bawoh highlighted this initiative as a crucial step towards decentralization. He described it as an extension of the government’s efforts to distribute administrative and economic activities more evenly across the country, reducing the burden on Freetown.  Bawoh further noted that the Lungi Bridge, once constructed, will establish a direct link between Freetown and the northern town of Lungi, facilitating seamless transportation to and from the capital city and its international airport. This infrastructure will not on...

On September 12th, 2024, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Aiah Edward Samadia was presented with a comprehensive report from an African Union (AU) delegation following a four-day oversight mission to the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). The mission focused on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the Sierra Leone Formed Police Unit (SLFPU) deployed in Somalia for peacekeeping operations. The three-member delegation, led by Jonathan Ndeto, Head of Peace Support Operations and Field Mission Unit in the AU’s Peace & Security Finance Division, and supported by Noufou Ouedraogo, Assistant Accountant in the same division, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Nancy Obekpa, reviewed key operational and financial components of the mission. Their focus included Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) reimbursements, payroll reconciliation for SLFPU personnel, and ensuring the timely submission of accountability documents. During the report handover, Ndeto expressed gratitude to the SL...

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has committed $40 million to support Sierra Leone's efforts in strengthening its livestock sector through the Feed Salone initiative. This fund is aimed at boosting domestic poultry production, significantly reducing the country’s reliance on imported chicken and eggs. Sierra Leone's Ministry of Finance has been actively collaborating with development partners like the IsDB to secure funding for priority projects. Deputy Finance Minister Kadiatu Allie expressed gratitude to the bank for its financial backing and pledged technical assistance to ensure the project's success. Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, described the livestock project as a cornerstone of the Feed Salone Programme. He emphasized the thorough groundwork, including feasibility studies and broad consultations with stakeholders. In addition, Kpaka mentioned that there are ongoing discussions to involve OPEC, which could potentially increase the total funding fo...

Following the death of Paramount Chief Ibrahim Baimba Kamara Koroma, Perri Chiefdom in Southern Sierra Leone has initiated the process for its paramount chieftaincy election. The preparations took a major step forward with the solemn declaration of rights ceremony held on September 20, 2024. This significant event was organized by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), in partnership with the Provincial Secretary South, Abu Bakarr Kamara, and assessor chiefs Foday Gidahun of Bongoh Chiefdom and Paramount Chief Lahai A.K. Sowa of Sowa Chiefdom, Pujehun District. The ceremony attracted a large gathering of indigenes from Perri Chiefdom, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, civil society members, security personnel, and the media. This pivotal moment aimed to ensure the continuation of the chiefdom’s traditional leadership practices, as nine aspirants stepped forward to contest for the vacant chieftaincy throne. Provincial Secretary Abu Bakarr Kamara began t...

Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Moinina David Sengeh, alongside senior government officials, is set to meet with key Congressional staff in Washington, D.C., in a vital lobbying effort aimed at securing the U.S. Congress’s approval for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Program. The program, which represents a significant US$480 million grant primarily focused on strengthening Sierra Leone’s energy sector, has encountered delays since July due to a Congressional hold on approval. The Sierra Leone government is committed to finalizing the Compact by September, demonstrating its dedication to implementing the recommendations outlined in the Tripartite Committee Report. This report, backed by the U.S. government and international partners, aims to address critical electoral reforms ahead of the 2028 elections. However, the approval process for the MCC program has been scrutinized, particularly following the contentious outcomes of the June 2023 multi-tier elections in Sierr...

Concerns are mounting over the transparency and fiscal responsibility of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Sierra Leone, as it has emerged that numerous board members whose terms have expired continue to receive salaries, sitting allowances, and influence key government decisions. This issue has surfaced at a time when Sierra Leone is grappling with significant economic challenges, leading to widespread calls for President Julius Maada Bio to take swift action. Recent reports indicate that board members in several MDAs have overstayed their legal tenures, with some terms expiring as far back as 2023. Despite clear statutory mandates limiting board tenures to three years, with a maximum of six years across two terms, these individuals remain in office, resulting in governance breaches and an unnecessary financial strain on the state. The issue has drawn criticism from citizens and political observers alike, who are calling for an immediate review and dissolution of...