News

By Mabinty M. Kamara

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched a new five-year strategy to curb graft.

The launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2019-2023 was graced by Chief Minister Professor David Francis who use the occasion to reemphasise the government’s commitment to fighting graft.

By Kemo Cham

The Chinese government has promised to upgrade the VIP lounge of the Freetown International Airport. This was revealed at a meeting between President Julius Maada and the new Chinese ambassador in Freetown, Hu Zhangliang.

Mr Hu was the guest of President Bio at State House on Tuesday. A statement from the presidency said the two discussed bilateral ties between China and Sierra Leone.

By Mabinty M. Kamara

A coalition of civil society organizations in the mining and extractive sector have welcomed the move taken by the Sierra Leone government against two mining companies found wanting for violating the cntrry’s mining laws.

The NaRGEJ Network, a collaborative initiative of groups and individuals working to secure economic and social justice through human rights in the natural resource sector, said more and tougher actions were needed from the government for a lasting solution to the problems besetting the mining sector.

By Mohamed T. Massaquoi

There has been a mixed reaction to the construction of a gate by Sierra Leone on its border with Liberia. This, years after Liberia had built one on its own side. 

Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police, Guy Patrick Chico Lansana-Bussu, who is the crime officer at the Mano River Police Division in Jendema, told Politico that while the Liberian side was not necessarily happy with the gate, Sierra Leoneans in the border areas see the gate as a significant development “for the security of the country”.

By Kemo Cham

A union representing Sierra Leoneans in The Gambia has called on its members to remain calm and be law abiding whilst it pursues a diplomatic means of resolving the death of their compatriot.

Usman Dabor died in controversial circumstances last month while under investigation by the police in Serekunda, Gambia’s largest city. Dabor was accused of buying stolen items, which he sold in his shop.

By Mabinty M. Kamara

The Sierra Leone government has announced the cancellation of the license of the Tonkolili Iron Ore Project (TIOP), a mining project operated by Shansteel (SL) Limited, a subsidiary of the Chinese owned Shandong Iron and Steel Limited.

The National Minerals Agency (NMA), which made the announcement on Thursday, accused the iron ore miner of lack of commitment to meeting its obligations to the government and the communities in which it operate.

By Kemo Cham

An unspecified number of students at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) face disciplinary actions after being fingered for involvement in exams malpractice.

The students who are part of the Premed and Pre-pharmacy program of the College, were allegedly caught on 16 July in the malpractice during a mathematics exam in the just concluded second semester exams.