News

By Francis H. Murray

The Minister of Lands, Dr. Dennis Sandy, has defended his action to rename Gibo Town in Grafton to Pa-O-Pa Town, insisting that it’s a legitimate act.

The move by the minister last month provoked anger, with critics saying he acted outside his powers. Sandy said that his decision to rename the town was supported by many laws, including the Freetown Improvement Act (Cap 66 of 1966) that gives him the authority to do so after settlers had “illegally” named it Gibo Town and APC Corner.

By Mabinty M.Kamara

Defense for Children International, in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC), have launched a portal designed to track and intercept child sexual abuse materials posted on the internet.

The move done under an initiative dubbed Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), was unveiled on Thursday, as part of the weekly government press briefing at the Information Ministry’s conference hall.

By Hajaratu Kalokoh

The Chinese-run Bintumani Hotel is under the spotlight for alleged violation of Sierra Leone’s labour laws by subjecting its local staff to maltreatment.

The management of the Five Star hotel which is located in Aberdeen is accused of operating a racist policy that has left its Sierra Leonean employees overworked with incommensurable pay.

Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, left Freetown for South Africa on Saturday en route to Ethiopia.

In South Africa, President Bio is attending the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2020, the largest conference in mining in Africa, before heading for Addis Ababa where he is scheduled to attend the African Union Summit.

He is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at this year’s Mining Indaba which will be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa from 3^rd – 6^th February.

By Mabinty M. Kamara

Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Foday Rado Yokie, has said that he had no regret in revisiting mining agreements signed by the previous government.

A defiant Mr Yokie said he would review any such agreement found not to be in the interest of the people of Sierra Leone.

By Hajaratu Kalokoh

The government of Sierra Leone has reiterated its stance over the ban on recruitment for overseas jobs placement.

The ban imposed over two years ago was a response to complaints of human rights violations in the host countries, among other concerns.

But despite the official position of the government, reports indicate that recruitment agencies have continued to operate and send Sierra Leoneans abroad.

Those who have abided by the law have been lobbying for the government to lift the ban.

By Francis H. Murray

President Julius Maada Bio has reiterated his intention of relinquishing his position as the Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone. He said he would do so once the ongoing review of the 2005 University Acts is completed.

The President said his decision to remove the presidency from the direct administration of universities is in line with his desire to depoliticize educational institutions, which he said is in the best interest of the nation.