🇸🇱🤝🌍 THREE YEARS OF SERVICE, A LASTING LEGACY

Minister Barlay commends nine ECOWAS Volunteers for their dedicated service to Sierra Leone.

FREETOWN, August 21, 2026 — After three years of service in communities across Sierra Leone, nine ECOWAS Volunteers have been commended for their contributions to education, health and community development.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, made the commendation during an end-of-service ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall at Tower Hill, marking the completion of the volunteers’ 2023–2026 ECOWAS Volunteer Programme assignments.

The nine volunteers, including seven from other ECOWAS member states and two Sierra Leonean nationals, served in various communities and institutions across the country, particularly in schools, hospitals and health centres.

Minister Barlay described the occasion as a bittersweet moment, noting that the volunteers arrived with professional expertise, passion and a commitment to make a difference.

She said their work had positively impacted schoolchildren, patients, young people and communities, while also strengthening relationships among citizens of different ECOWAS member states.

“You have made a difference to the lives of the many beneficiaries,” Minister Barlay said, praising the volunteers for their selfless service and contribution to regional solidarity.

The Minister encouraged the outgoing volunteers to maintain the positive memories they had built in Sierra Leone, assuring them that the country would always remain a home for them.

She also commended the ECOWAS Commission for its continued investment in the Volunteer Programme, describing it as an important component of Sierra Leone’s partnership with ECOWAS and a practical contribution to regional cooperation, peace and development.

ECOWAS Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, Ambassador John Azumah, also praised the volunteers for serving as ambassadors of ECOWAS and promoting the values of unity, solidarity and regional integration.

He encouraged them to maintain the relationships established during their assignments and continue contributing to the ideals of the regional bloc.

Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commissioner, Mr. Francis Njoaguani, ECOWAS Volunteer Programme Country Coordinator Preaches G. GBessaangee thanked the volunteers for their service, particularly their contributions to the education and health sectors.

He urged them to remain connected to the ECOWAS family and take advantage of future opportunities within the regional institution.

The Deputy Development Secretary II and Head of the ECOWAS National Office, Mr. Komba Momoh, who chaired the ceremony, said the schools and institutions where the volunteers served would greatly miss their contributions.

He further highlighted the role of the programme in advancing ECOWAS integration and strengthening relationships among citizens across West Africa.

Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the volunteers, Obinna Joseph Ziba, a Chemistry and Physics teacher in Pujehun, expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission, host institutions, supervisors, coordinators and other stakeholders for supporting the volunteers throughout their assignments.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and gifts to the nine outgoing volunteers. They received locally made traditional Sierra Leonean outfits featuring the country’s green, white and blue colours, while their supervisors presented certificates in recognition of their service.

The event brought together government officials, ECOWAS representatives, school administrators, health-sector representatives, supervisors, development partners and other stakeholders to celebrate the volunteers’ contribution to Sierra Leone.

A Legacy Beyond Three Years

Beyond their professional assignments, the volunteers’ three-year service has strengthened people-to-people connections between Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS member states, demonstrating how regional volunteerism can contribute to skills development, public service delivery, cultural exchange and regional integration.

 NAYCOM Commissioner Engages Liberia on Youth Development Cooperation

MONROVIA, August 21, 2026 — Sierra Leone and Liberia are moving to deepen bilateral cooperation on youth development, skills training and employment opportunities for young people.

Commissioner of the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM), Joseph Maada Lahai, undertook a working visit to Liberia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, where he held discussions on strengthening collaboration between the two countries.

Commissioner Lahai was received by Hon. Laraamand Shenkin Nyonton, Deputy Minister responsible for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), alongside other senior officials of the Ministry.

The discussions focused on key areas including youth skills development, TVET, cross-border learning and youth exchange programmes, with both sides exploring practical ways to expand opportunities for young people in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Officials from both countries emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in equipping young people with relevant skills and creating opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The engagement is expected to strengthen youth-to-youth partnerships and encourage practical collaboration between Sierra Leone and Liberia, particularly in skills acquisition and technical and vocational education.

The visit comes as both countries continue to explore stronger regional approaches to youth empowerment, skills development and human capital investment.

#SierraLeone #Liberia #NAYCOM #YouthDevelopment #TVET #YouthEmpowerment #SkillsDevelopment #ECOWAS #YouthExchange

 🚨 GOVERNMENT ASSURES MAGBIRIE MINING-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES OF FAIR RESETTLEMENT PROCESS

Government has assured Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in Magbirie Village, Marampa Chiefdom, that their concerns over mining-related resettlement and compensation will receive appropriate attention.

Development Secretary Ambrose James, leading the National Steering Committee of the National Development Induced Resettlement Directorate (NDIRD), engaged residents during a monitoring mission on August 13.

Residents raised concerns over:

🔹 Crop compensation

🔹 Physical resettlement

🔹 Outdated crop valuation rates

🔹 Youth employment opportunities

🔹 Impacts of mining activities on livelihoods

Ambrose James said the concerns had been noted and urged residents to remain calm as Government engages the mining company and other stakeholders.

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, fair and lawful resettlement process that protects the rights, livelihoods and welfare of affected communities.

The mission is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of development-induced resettlement across Sierra Leone.

#SierraLeone #Magbirie #PortLoko #Mining #Resettlement #Compensation #MoPED #NDIRD

 Sierra Leone Government Clarifies Travel Through Guinea: Citizens Are Not Banned

FREETOWN, August 21, 2026 — Sierra Leoneans travelling through Guinea have not been banned from entering or transiting the country, the Government of Sierra Leone has clarified, following concerns surrounding travel routes through Guinea.

In a public notice issued by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on August 20, the Government said Sierra Leonean citizens with valid travel documents who meet Guinea’s immigration and security requirements may continue to travel through the country for legitimate purposes.

However, the Government stressed that restrictions apply to the use of Guinea as a transit route for irregular migration or overseas employment outside established legal procedures.

According to the notice, Guinean authorities have raised concerns over cases involving irregular migration, suspected human trafficking and unverified overseas employment arrangements.

Sierra Leoneans intending to travel abroad for employment have therefore been urged to follow all lawful recruitment, labour and immigration procedures before departure.

The Government specifically advised citizens to verify overseas employment arrangements through the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and warned against using Guinea or other transit routes to bypass established procedures.

Authorities said following the proper process is intended to protect travellers from human trafficking, exploitation, fraudulent job offers and unnecessary travel difficulties.

Sierra Leoneans who encounter difficulties while travelling through Guinea have been advised to contact the Sierra Leone Embassy in Conakry on +224 621 048 214 for consular assistance.

The Government also said it will continue working with Guinean authorities and international partners to facilitate legitimate travel while protecting Sierra Leonean citizens.

Bottom line: Sierra Leoneans are not banned from travelling through Guinea. The warning is specifically targeted at irregular migration and overseas employment arrangements that do not follow the required legal procedures.

Source: MoICE 

YOUTH DAY 2026: THREE MAJOR INITIATIVES LAUNCHED TO BOOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR SIERRA LEONE’S YOUNG PEOPLE

 Sierra Leone has unveiled three major youth development initiatives aimed at improving employment opportunities, strengthening youth participation in peacebuilding and coordinating investments in young people.

The initiatives were launched on 12 August 2026 during the national commemoration of International Youth Day at the Julius Maada Bio Conference Centre in Lungi.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Barlay, representing Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, delivered the keynote address at the event, which brought together government officials, development partners, private-sector representatives, civil society organisations, youth leaders and young innovators.

The initiatives launched are the Youth Development Cooperation Framework, the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, and the Youth Employment Portal under the PSSNYE Project.

 A NEW PUSH FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

The Youth Employment Portal, developed under the Ministry of Youth Affairs with support from the World Bank, is designed to connect young people with employment and economic opportunities.

Through the platform, young people will be able to create profiles, upload skills and certifications, search for vacancies and access information about relevant programmes and events.

Employers will also be able to advertise vacancies and identify potential candidates.

Minister Barlay urged businesses and institutions to actively use the platform while encouraging young people to register and maintain credible profiles.

She stressed the importance of creating a system where access to opportunities is increasingly based on skills, competence and preparedness rather than personal connections.

 YOUTH AND PEACEBUILDING

The National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security was also launched to strengthen the role of young people in peacebuilding, governance and national development.

Minister Barlay emphasised that young people should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of peace, but as active partners in building social cohesion, democratic participation and national stability.

🤝 BETTER COORDINATION OF YOUTH INVESTMENTS

The Youth Development Cooperation Framework aims to improve coordination among government institutions, development partners, civil society and the private sector.

The framework is expected to help align youth-focused investments with national priorities, map existing interventions and strengthen the tracking of results.

 SHOWCASING YOUTH TALENT

The celebration also showcased the creativity and resilience of Sierra Leone’s young people.

One hundred youth-led enterprises were featured through the Creative Economy Talent Exposition, showcasing talent across fashion, arts, music and other creative industries.

Meanwhile, 1,200 youth bike riders were symbolically certified after completing training in alternative livelihood skills.

The event also highlighted livelihood interventions targeting young people in Moyamba, Tonkolili and Western Rural Districts.

Source: MoPED 

 NRA Launches Joint Tax Stamp Compliance Drive Across Freetown

❗ TAX COMPLIANCE UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: NRA, FINANCE MINISTRY, NPRA AND SICPA INSPECT BUSINESSES

The National Revenue Authority (NRA), working with the Ministry of Finance, National Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and SICPA, has stepped up efforts to strengthen tax compliance through a joint assessment of selected businesses and factories in Freetown.

The exercise, conducted on 13 August 2026, focused on compliance with Sierra Leone’s Tax Stamp Law, with officials assessing whether businesses are properly applying tax stamps, identifying potential compliance gaps and helping to prevent revenue leakages.

The team visited Mackie Cement Factory in Hastings, SICPA Warehouse in Wellington, LEONE Oil Company in Kissy, Rockcem and King Production at Shell, Kissy.

The NRA delegation was led by Deputy Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Department Edwin Conteh, alongside Assistant Commissioner of the Excise Office Moo-Usa Salia Konneh. The Ministry of Finance was represented by Idrissa Kanu, Director of the Revenue and Tax Policy Division, while NPRA was represented by Ansumana Samura, Director of Operations and Pricing. SICPA was represented by General Manager Maxwell Massaquoi.

According to the participating institutions, the joint assessment forms part of efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, fair competition and revenue assurance through improved compliance and enforcement.

The agencies reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration and urged businesses covered by the Tax Stamp Law to ensure full compliance with tax stamp and other applicable tax obligations.

 NEW ERA AT NASSIT: CHERNOR MAMOUD JALLOH TAKES OVER

A new leadership era has begun at the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), with Chernor Mamoud Jalloh officially taking over as Director General from Mohamed Fuaad Daboh.

The leadership transition took place on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, at NASSIT headquarters in Freetown, during a formal handover ceremony attended by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the President and the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security.

The ceremony also marked the arrival of Madam Jenneh Jabati as the new Chairperson of the NASSIT Board of Trustees.

Daboh Hands Over After Key Reforms

In his farewell remarks, outgoing Director General Mohamed Fuaad Daboh reflected on what he described as a transformative tenure.

Among the achievements highlighted were major upgrades to NASSIT’s Pension Administration System, expansion of the Trust’s presence across the regions and districts, stronger employer compliance measures and efforts to speed up pension payments.

Daboh also highlighted initiatives designed to bring social security coverage to workers in the informal sector, including traders, artisans and transport operators.

He pointed to NASSIT’s diversified investment portfolio, with major interests in hospitality, banking, real estate and infrastructure, as part of the Trust’s long-term financial strategy.

He further noted NASSIT’s international leadership roles, including its positions within the International Social Security Association and the Association of Social Security Administrators in Africa.

In an emotional conclusion to his farewell, Daboh expressed confidence that the institution he was leaving behind was strong enough to continue serving its beneficiaries.

Jalloh Pledges Integrity, Commitment and Transparency

Accepting the responsibility, incoming Director General Chernor Mamoud Jalloh thanked President Julius Maada Bio for the confidence placed in him.

Jalloh congratulated Daboh for his stewardship and pledged to build on the foundation established by the outgoing administration.

He identified integrity, commitment and transparency as the three principles that will guide his leadership, with a focus on strengthening public trust and improving NASSIT’s performance.

New Board Leadership Takes Charge

The transition also brought a new chapter for NASSIT’s Board of Trustees.

New Board Chairperson Jenneh Jabati congratulated the outgoing leadership and called on the Trustees to remain vigilant and proactive in carrying out their oversight responsibilities.

Government officials also urged the new leadership to maintain strong accountability and fiduciary responsibility, particularly in protecting the retirement benefits of Sierra Leonean workers.

With the Jalloh-Jabati administration now in charge, attention turns to how the new leadership will consolidate NASSIT’s gains, strengthen its financial position and expand social protection coverage across Sierra Leone.

BBC Media Action Opens Applications for 10 Digital Steward Positions in Freetown

 🚨 Opportunity for Young Digital Creators in Freetown!

Are you passionate about content creation, social media, and making a difference in your community?

BBC Media Action is recruiting 10 Digital Stewards for its Dis Na Wi Voice project.

✅ 8-month engagement (with possible extension)

✅ Lead a youth-driven digital community

✅ Create engaging content for social media

✅ Mentor other young people in digital skills

✅ Promote safe and inclusive online spaces

If you're confident using TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and other digital platforms, this could be your chance to turn your skills into meaningful impact.

📧 Send your CV and cover letter to procurement@sl.bbcmediaaction.org

Subject: Digital Stewards

📅 Deadline: 14 August 2026

Tag someone who shouldn't miss this opportunity and share to help spread the word!

Sierra Leone Police Introduces Fully Digital Police Clearance Certificate Application Through WanGov

Applying for a Police Clearance Certificate in Sierra Leone is now easier than ever. Through the government's WanGov platform, citizens can complete most of the application process online, reducing paperwork and improving access to the essential service.

The digital system allows applicants to register, submit their details, make payments electronically, and receive notifications before visiting the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for biometric fingerprinting.

Applicants are required to create a WanGov account using a WhatsApp-registered phone number and a valid National Identity Card. After selecting the Police Clearance Certificate service under the Law Enforcement and Public Safety category, users can complete the application form and pay through Mobile Money or SLCB bank payment.

Once the application is processed, applicants will receive a WhatsApp notification informing them when to report to the CID for fingerprint capture, the final step before the certificate is issued.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to digitize public services, making government processes faster, more transparent, and more convenient for citizens.

President Bio Hails Peace Commission's Impact as ICPNC Unveils 2025 Annual Report and Strategic Plan

 

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – President Julius Maada Bio has commended the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) for its pivotal role in safeguarding peace and strengthening national unity, describing the Commission's work as a vital pillar in Sierra Leone's democratic and development journey.

The President made the remarks after receiving the Commissioners, Executive Secretary, and staff of the ICPNC at State House during the official presentation of the Commission's 2025 Annual Report and Strategic Plan for 2025–2026.

Speaking during the engagement, President Bio praised the Commission for its exceptional service in promoting peace and social cohesion across the country. He noted that the institution has laid a strong foundation for the effective and sustainable implementation of its mandate, particularly at a time when dialogue, reconciliation, and national cohesion remain essential to Sierra Leone's continued progress.

The presentation provided an opportunity for the Commission to highlight its achievements over the past year while outlining its strategic priorities for 2025–2026. The roadmap is expected to guide the Commission's efforts in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, mediation, and strengthening collaboration with communities and national stakeholders.

The President reaffirmed his appreciation for the Commission's commitment to preserving peace and encouraged its leadership and staff to continue building trust, fostering dialogue, and promoting national cohesion throughout Sierra Leone.

The ICPNC remains one of the country's key institutions tasked with preventing conflict, promoting reconciliation, and supporting peaceful coexistence among all Sierra Leoneans.

Dr. Alie Kabba Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy During Constitutional Amendment Debate

Dr. Alie Kabba attended the parliamentary debate on the country's constitutional amendment proposals to demonstrate his continued commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and national unity.

In a statement shared after the sitting, Kabba described Sierra Leone's constitutional reform process as an important step in shaping the country's democratic future. He stressed the need for reforms that ensure every citizen is represented and included in national development.

"As Sierra Leone continues its constitutional reform journey, I remain committed to building a nation where every voice matters, every citizen belongs, and no one is left behind," he said.

Kabba concluded his message with his campaign slogan, "Everyone In… No One Out!!", underscoring his call for an inclusive Sierra Leone as discussions on the constitutional amendments continue.

ACC Indicts NMSA Volunteer Over Alleged Misappropriation of $38,000 Ultrasound Machine

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has announced the indictment of Francis Lavai, a volunteer attached to the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA), on one count of Misappropriation of Public Property.

According to a press release dated 4 August 2026, the charge is brought under Section 36(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008, as amended by the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2019.

The ACC alleges that between 1 December 2025 and 31 January 2026, while at the Bo District Medical Stores, Lavai unlawfully misappropriated a portable black-and-white convex ultrasound machine valued at US$38,000, which belonged to the Ministry of Health.

The Commission stated that the ultrasound machine was part of a donated consignment under the Sexual Reproductive Health Programme (SRHP) and was intended for distribution to public health units across Bo District.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting public resources, the ACC stressed that individuals entrusted with public property will be held accountable in accordance with the law.

The case adds to the Commission's ongoing efforts to safeguard government assets and strengthen accountability in the public sector.

Source: ACC

ICPNC Revamps Community Peace Network as Mediators Receive Fresh Training to Prevent Grassroots Conflicts

 WATERLOO, Sierra Leone – As Sierra Leone continues efforts to strengthen peace and national cohesion, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has launched a renewed drive to revitalise its Community Peace Mediators Network, equipping local peace actors with the skills needed to prevent conflicts before they escalate.

The Commission's latest reactivation and capacity-building programme was held on 5 August 2026 at the Women's Advocacy and Agricultural Development Organization (WAADO) office on Carmont Street in Waterloo. The initiative brought together Peace Mediators drawn from community leadership, civil society organisations, youth groups, market women, the Inter-Religious Council, and other key stakeholders committed to promoting peace at the grassroots level.

According to the ICPNC, the programme is designed to strengthen local peace infrastructures by replacing inactive mediators, recruiting new representatives, reconnecting with existing members, identifying emerging conflict trends, and improving coordination in responding to community disputes.

Speaking during the engagement, Acting Director of Conflict Prevention Titus Mohamed Kallon said the initiative forms part of the Commission's wider strategy to reinforce peace structures across the Western Urban and Western Rural Districts. He noted that strengthening the knowledge and practical skills of Peace Mediators would improve their ability to facilitate dialogue, resolve disputes, and support peaceful coexistence within their communities.

The training session, led by Deputy Director of Conflict Resolution Francis Mustapha Sengeh, focused on the roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards expected of Peace Mediators. Participants were encouraged to act as trusted community leaders capable of resolving tensions through dialogue while promoting peace and national cohesion.

The programme also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss challenges affecting their communities and propose measures to strengthen the Peace Mediators Network.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, District Youth Chairperson Madam Marie Bangura called for sustained collaboration between the Commission and Peace Mediators to keep the network active and effective. She appealed for the issuance of official identification cards to enhance the credibility of mediators and highlighted transportation and logistical constraints as key obstacles to their work.

As part of the revitalisation process, the ICPNC also restructured the composition of the Peace Mediators Network by replacing inactive members and expanding community representation to improve its effectiveness.

The Commission said the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to empowering community peace actors and strengthening grassroots mechanisms for conflict prevention, dialogue, and national cohesion in line with its statutory mandate.

NDMA Relocates Headquarters to New Office in Hill Station

 FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has officially relocated its headquarters from Aberdeen to a new office in Hill Station, marking a significant administrative move aimed at improving the Agency's operations and engagement with stakeholders.

In a public notice dated 4 August 2026, the NDMA announced that its headquarters has moved from 64 Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Aberdeen, Freetown, to No. 4 Foh Crescent, South Ridge, Hill Station, Freetown. The relocation takes immediate effect.

The Agency stated that all official correspondence, meetings, stakeholder engagements, public enquiries, and disaster-related matters should now be directed to the new headquarters.

The notice was addressed to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, and the general public, urging them to update their records and use the new address for all future interactions with the NDMA.

The relocation is expected to ensure continuity in the Agency's operations as it continues coordinating disaster preparedness, emergency response, and risk management efforts across Sierra Leone.

The public notice was signed by Mohamed L. Bah, Director of Communications, on behalf of the National Disaster Management Agency.

Source: NDMA 

APC Accuses Statistics Sierra Leone of Excluding Opposition from Key 2026 Census Activities 

The All People's Congress (APC) has formally written to the Statistician General and Chief Census Officer, expressing concern over what it describes as its repeated exclusion from key activities related to the 2026 Population and Housing Census.

In a letter dated 1 August 2026, the opposition party claims it has been denied participation in the monitoring of nationwide cartographic mapping and the ongoing mock testing of census tools. The APC also alleges that several of its previous correspondences on census-related issues have gone unanswered by Statistics Sierra Leone.

The party further raised concerns over public remarks reportedly made by SLPP National Publicity Secretary Moses Mambu, alleging that the ruling party has access to real-time mapping data and final mapping results. According to the APC, it has only received information shared during Census Advisory Committee meetings.

The APC argues that the alleged unequal access to census information raises serious questions about the inclusivity, transparency and neutrality of the national census process.

The party maintains that political party monitoring, similar to arrangements made during the December 2025 Pilot Census, is essential to strengthening public confidence and ensuring the credibility of the exercise. It also contends that participation by all major stakeholders would enhance oversight and improve the quality of the census process.

Additionally, the APC says disaggregated nationwide cartographic mapping results, including enumeration areas by chiefdom and district, have not been made available to the party.

 Sierra Leone Launches 2026 National Health Survey to Shape Future Healthcare Policies

A nationwide health survey aimed at transforming healthcare planning and improving the lives of millions of Sierra Leoneans has officially begun.

The Government of Sierra Leone has launched the 2026 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), a landmark nationwide exercise that will provide critical data to guide health policies, improve service delivery, and ensure resources reach the people who need them most.

Speaking at the official launch, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, underscored the importance of reliable data in strengthening the country's healthcare system.

"Quality data is the backbone to building a stronger, resilient and more inclusive healthcare system that ensures that no one is left behind."

The survey will collect nationally representative data on maternal and child health, nutrition, fertility, mortality, and other key development indicators. The findings will help government and development partners evaluate ongoing health programmes, identify gaps in healthcare services, and make informed decisions on future investments.

As part of the exercise, 188 participants—including interviewers, health officials, statisticians, counsellors, and laboratory technicians—have commenced a month-long intensive training programme. Upon successful completion, they will be deployed nationwide to gather accurate information from households across Sierra Leone.

The 2026 DHS is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping national health priorities and supporting evidence-based decision-making for years to come.

Source: MoH's 

 SIERRA LEONE'S MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO COMBATING TOBACCO INDUSTRY INTERFERENCE. 

Lagos, 1st. August, 2026—The Centre for Advocacy and Sustainable Empowerment (CASE Salone) and Youth in Action for Development, Democracy and Human Rights (YADDHR-SL) held a productive courtesy meeting with the Honourable Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mr. Mohamed Rado Swaray of the Republic of Sierra Leone during the Africa Tobacco Interference Monitoring (ATIM) Training in Lagos, Nigeria.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Honourable Minister to engage with the Africa Center for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM) team and discuss the urgent need to strengthen efforts to protect public health policies from tobacco industry interference across Africa.

During the discussion, Professor O. Ayo Yusuf, a leading tobacco control expert and facilitator of the ATIM Training, emphasized that the tobacco industry continues to interfere with the development and implementation of public health policies, particularly Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). He noted that the industry employs tactics such as promoting illicit trade narratives and diverting attention from data proven tobacco control measures, including higher tobacco taxation, plain packaging, comprehensive advertising bans, and stronger regulatory frameworks and its devastating health burden.

Responding to these concerns, the Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone's commitment to advancing tobacco control. He noted that the country had enacted the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act, 2022, and acknowledged that while enforcement challenges remain, Sierra Leone continues to make steady progress toward the implementation and enforcement of the law.

The Honourable Minister also commended Mr. Ibrahim Mansaray of CASE Salone and Mr. Alhaji Yaya Swaray of YADDHR-SL for representing Sierra Leone at the continental training and for their continued commitment to promoting tobacco control and protecting public health.

As part of his remarks, the Honourable Minister pledged to work with Cabinet and other relevant government institutions to accelerate the enforcement of the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act, 2022. He further reaffirmed Sierra Leone's readiness to collaborate with the Africa Center for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM) initiative and other partners to prevent tobacco industry interference and strengthen the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between government, civil society organizations, and regional partners to intensify collaboration in safeguarding public health policies from tobacco industry influence and ensuring a healthier future for the people of Sierra Leone.

Source: MELSS 

Air Sierra Leone to Resume London Flights After UK CAA Approval

 FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – August 4, 2026: Air Sierra Leone has announced the resumption of its London-Freetown and London-Banjul flight operations after successfully meeting key regulatory requirements and receiving approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

According to a press release issued on 4 August 2026, the airline said scheduled operations will officially resume at the end of October 2026, in line with the IATA Winter Season timetable. The first flight is expected to depart before the close of October, marking the airline's official return to the London route.

The airline also confirmed that ticket bookings are now open, with passengers able to make reservations through its website, ticket offices, and authorized travel agents.

Air Sierra Leone explained that the temporary suspension of its London services earlier this year resulted from unforeseen circumstances involving its previous aircraft provider. During the suspension, the airline said it focused on ensuring that all operational and regulatory requirements were fully satisfied before restarting services.

Describing the development as a major milestone, the airline said it is returning "stronger, better, and more committed than ever" to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality air travel. It added that the return of London operations supports its long-term strategy of becoming a preferred carrier connecting West Africa with Europe and other international destinations.

The airline concluded by thanking its passengers, partners, and stakeholders for their patience and support throughout the suspension period, expressing optimism about reconnecting families, businesses, and communities through its renewed services.

Source: Air Sierra Leone 🇸🇱