Sierra Leone Commissions ECOWAS Conference Centre and Logistics Depot in Landmark Regional Milestone

LUNGI, SIERRA LEONE – Sierra Leone has strengthened its position as a key player in West African regional integration with the official commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi.

The landmark facilities were inaugurated by President Julius Maada Bio alongside the Heads of State of The Gambia, Senegal, and Cabo Verde, underscoring the growing commitment of ECOWAS member states to deepen regional cooperation and strengthen shared institutions.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President Bio described the occasion as a proud moment for Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS community, highlighting the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports regional collaboration, diplomacy, and rapid operational response.

The newly commissioned International Conference Centre is expected to host major regional and international meetings, while the ECOWAS Logistics Depot will enhance the bloc's operational readiness and capacity to respond to peace support operations, humanitarian emergencies, and other regional priorities.

President Bio said the projects reflect the collective vision of ECOWAS leaders to build stronger institutions capable of delivering lasting peace, stability, and development across West Africa.

The commissioning marks another milestone in Sierra Leone's leadership within ECOWAS and reinforces the message that regional progress is best achieved through unity, partnership, and shared responsibility.

NRA Eyes Annual Revenue Target After Reaching 92% of Mid-Year Goal, Says Commissioner

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) is projected to exceed its 2026 revenue target following a robust first-half performance.

Sierra Leone's domestic revenue generation efforts are gaining significant traction. Having achieved 92% of its first-half revenue target, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) is confident in not only meeting but surpassing its ambitious annual revenue goal for 2026.

The Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has reported a strong revenue performance for the first half of 2026, bolstering confidence in the organization's ability to exceed its annual revenue target and enhance Sierra Leone's capacity to fund national development through indigenous resources.

During an interview with ECKO Media, Commissioner General Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura disclosed that the Authority has already attained 92% of its first-half revenue target, attributing this outcome to the efficacy of ongoing reforms and enhanced tax administration practices.

Mrs. Bangura attributed this accomplishment to the steadfast commitment of NRA personnel, the successful implementation of institutional reforms, and an increasing propensity for voluntary tax compliance among both individuals and businesses nationwide.

She conveyed optimism that the Authority will sustain its current trajectory for the remainder of the year, indicating that the NRA is well-positioned to achieve—and potentially surpass—its 2026 annual revenue target.

The Commissioner General further reiterated the Authority's dedication to continuing reforms aimed at optimizing revenue collection, enhancing taxpayer services, and mobilizing the domestic resources essential for advancing Sierra Leone's national development agenda.

This announcement coincides with the Government's continued emphasis on domestic revenue mobilization as a cornerstone for financing public services, infrastructure, and sustainable economic growth.

Source: NRA 

 APC Delays Constituency Elections Again as ECOWAS Summit Takes Priority

Freetown, Sierra Leone – The All People's Congress (APC) has announced a further postponement of its pending constituency elections after the Office of National Security (ONS) advised that the polls should not be held during preparations for the upcoming ECOWAS Summit in Sierra Leone.

In a public notice dated 14 July 2026, the APC National Secretariat confirmed that the elections, previously scheduled for Saturday, 18 July, have now been rescheduled to Saturday, 25 July 2026 nationwide.

According to the party, the decision followed a meeting on 13 July involving representatives of the ONS, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) and the APC. During the meeting, the ONS reportedly informed the party that security and logistical arrangements for the ECOWAS Summit would make it inadvisable to conduct nationwide constituency elections on the original date.

Responding to the advice, the APC said it accepted the request in the interest of national security, public order and responsible democratic engagement.

The party expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to members, delegates, aspirants and party officials who had already made preparations for the elections. However, it stressed that the postponement was based on a request from the ONS and was not a decision initiated by the party.

The APC also urged its members to remain calm, united and disciplined while reaffirming its commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible constituency elections once the new date arrives.

The notice was signed by the party's National Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya Esq.

 Government Unveils Groundbreaking Plan to Put Sierra Leone's 190 Chiefdoms at the Centre of National Development

Port Loko District, Sierra Leone – In a major step towards deepening decentralisation and empowering local communities, the Government of Sierra Leone has launched a pilot initiative that will allow chiefdoms to design their own long-term development plans for the first time.

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), working with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA) and the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR), has begun preparing Chiefdom Development Plans (2026–2035) in Maforki and Marampa Chiefdoms. The pilot is expected to serve as the blueprint for similar plans across all 190 chiefdoms nationwide.

The two-day exercise, held from 8–9 July 2026, started with the training of local facilitators and data collectors before expanding into community consultations involving Paramount Chiefs, traditional authorities, local councils, government institutions, civil society organisations, women, youth representatives, the private sector and other key stakeholders.

Launching the consultations in Maforki Chiefdom, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, described the initiative as a transformative shift in Sierra Leone's approach to development planning.

She said that while the country has developed national and district development plans over the years, chiefdom-level planning has remained a missing link. The new initiative, she explained, gives communities the opportunity to identify their own priorities, develop bankable projects and make better use of local resources.

Minister Barlay said Maforki and Marampa were selected because both chiefdoms benefit from the Chiefdom Development Fund established under the Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2023. She noted that structured planning would help ensure these funds are invested strategically, transparently and in projects that deliver lasting economic and social benefits.

Deputy Minister Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, who led consultations in Marampa Chiefdom, urged residents to actively participate in the planning process, stressing that sustainable development is only possible when communities take ownership of their own priorities.

Local leaders welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant opportunity to place decision-making directly in the hands of communities.

Representing the Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, Alhaji Alim Swarray said the process would allow every section of the chiefdom to determine its development priorities and strengthen local ownership of projects.

The Paramount Chief of Maforki Chiefdom also commended the Government for adopting a bottom-up planning model, noting that strategic planning is essential to maximise the impact of available development resources.

Director of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Combey, said the exercise demonstrates the Government's commitment to participatory governance by ensuring communities help shape the decisions that affect their future.

The initiative aligns with Sierra Leone's Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063. Information gathered during the consultations will be used to produce draft Chiefdom Development Plans before implementation.

If the pilot proves successful, the model will be rolled out across all 190 chiefdoms, bringing development planning closer to the people than ever before

Source: MoPED 

 Kailahun Rallies Behind School Feeding Programme as Government Pushes for Greater Accountability

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the National School Feeding Programme Secretariat are strengthening efforts to improve school feeding across Kailahun District, with authorities calling for greater community oversight to ensure every child benefits from the program.

The National School Feeding Programme Secretariat, under the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, has engaged key stakeholders in Kailahun District as part of efforts to enhance the implementation of the Homegrown School Feeding Programme.

The engagement brought together School Management Committees, Traditional and Council Authorities, Community-Based Organizations, and other education stakeholders to discuss ways of improving collaboration, transparency, and accountability in the delivery of school feeding services.

Speaking during the meeting, the Ministry's Director of Nutrition, Sengbe Roger Koker, reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that every beneficiary school receives quality and reliable school meals.

He emphasized that transparency, accountability, and community ownership are essential to the program's success, urging stakeholders to actively monitor food distribution and promptly report any challenges to designated school feeding monitors.

Mr. Koker noted that strong community participation is critical to safeguarding the integrity of the program and ensuring that resources reach the pupils they are intended to serve.

Stakeholders welcomed the engagement and pledged their continued support for the successful implementation of the Homegrown School Feeding Programme throughout Kailahun District.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to sustained collaboration, regular communication, and stronger community involvement to improve school attendance, enrollment, learner retention, nutrition, and academic performance among pupils across the district.

Source: MBSSE 

 Attorney General Discontinues Criminal Charges Against Former President Ernest Bai Koroma

Attorney General Discontinues Criminal Charges Against Former President Ernest Bai Koroma

In a landmark legal development, Sierra Leone's Attorney General and Minister of Justice has officially discontinued the criminal proceedings against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, bringing an end to one of the country's most closely watched cases.

According to a public notice issued on 14 July 2026, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay filed a notice to discontinue the criminal proceedings against former President Koroma in accordance with Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.

The Attorney General stated that the decision was made in the exercise of the powers vested in the office under the laws of Sierra Leone.

Former President Koroma had been facing charges relating to treason and misprision of treason following the events surrounding the failed coup attempt in November 2023. He had previously been granted bail on medical grounds and has been receiving treatment abroad.

With the filing of the notice, the criminal proceedings have been formally terminated, and Koroma's bail has ended with immediate effect, as the matter is no longer before the courts.

The notice further confirms that the former President is now free to return to Sierra Leone upon completing his medical treatment or at any time of his choosing.

The announcement marks a significant development in Sierra Leone's legal and political landscape and is expected to generate widespread public and political discussion.

Source: Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice 

 Sierra Leone Begins Ratification Process for African Human Rights Court Protocol

Sierra Leone has taken a significant step towards strengthening its commitment to human rights by commencing the ratification process of the Protocol establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.

A paper seeking parliamentary ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights was laid before Parliament by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Alpha Sesay, marking the beginning of Sierra Leone's formal process to become a State Party to the continental human rights mechanism.

The move comes as Africa commemorates the 20th anniversary of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, with Sierra Leone using the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to promoting justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights across the continent.

Once ratified, Sierra Leone will join other African nations that have formally recognized the Court's role in strengthening the enforcement of human rights obligations under the African Charter.

The parliamentary process is expected to pave the way for the country's accession to one of Africa's key judicial institutions dedicated to safeguarding human and peoples' rights.